Cooler Container Partition Design for Multi-Zone Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage containers with temperature control features lack efficient temperature differentiation and airflow management between compartments, leading to suboptimal preservation of items at varying temperature zones.
Innovation Solution
A storage container design featuring thermally insulated compartments with a cooling chamber between them, allowing controlled airflow through partition walls, and a foolproof assembly mechanism to maintain temperature differences between freezer, chilled, and ambient compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a storage container has multiple compartments for different temperature zones, then temperature differentiation capability is improved, but airflow management between compartments becomes problematic leading to suboptimal preservation
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple compartments (freezer compartment, chilled compartment, and ambient compartment) separated by partition walls. Each partition wall contains airflow channels that segment and control the movement of cold air between compartments, allowing independent temperature zones while maintaining proper airflow distribution to each section.
2Loss of energy
If partition walls are made solid for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but airflow control between compartments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The partition walls incorporate airflow channels that act as controlled porous pathways through the otherwise solid insulating structure. These channels allow selective passage of cold air from the freezer compartment to the chilled and ambient compartments while the solid matrix maintains thermal insulation, achieving both energy efficiency and airflow control.
3Temperature
If cooling chamber size is increased to improve cooling capacity, then temperature maintenance is improved, but container volume for storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the cooling chamber at the bottom of the container. The partition walls extend vertically with airflow channels that distribute cold air upward through different levels. This vertical arrangement allows efficient cooling of all compartments while maximizing horizontal storage space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively maintains distinct temperature zones (−16°C for 6 hours, 0°C to 5°C for 6 hours, and ambient temperature for 6 hours) within the container, ensuring efficient preservation of items through directional airflow and foolproof assembly for improved thermal insulation and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling chamber is configured for receiving a cooling medium therein, wherein when received within the cooling chamber, the cooling medium disperses cold air flow through refrigerator apertures configured at the freezer partition wall and at the chill partition wall
Implementation Method 2
A storage container design featuring thermally insulated compartments with a cooling chamber between them
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container having a basin defining an interior space, and comprising two or more partition walls; a freezer partition wall defining a freezer compartment, a chill partition wall defining a chilled compartment, a cooling chamber being defined between said partition walls, wherein each of said partition walls are configured, when a cooling medium is received within said cooling chamber, for allowing airflow therethrough to its respective compartment, thereby maintaining a temperature difference between said freezer compartment and chilled compartment.