Vacuum-Insulated Dry Ice Box for Long-Duration Cold Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated containers for temperature-sensitive items fail to maintain suitable temperatures for extended periods due to ice melting and leaks, limiting their usability for shipping beyond a few hours.
Innovation Solution
A thermocarrier box design featuring a stainless steel inner box coated with thermal paint and multiple vacuum insulated panels between the inner and outer shells, enhancing insulation and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional insulated containers are used, then the container structure is simple, but the temperature maintenance duration is very short (only a few hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) with traditional insulation materials. The VIPs consist of a vacuum-sealed core material (such as perlite or aerogel) enclosed in a barrier film, creating a multi-layer composite structure that achieves superior thermal insulation performance. This composite approach enables the container to maintain temperature for extended periods (24+ hours) while managing structural complexity through modular VIP integration.
2Duration of action of moving object
If vacuum insulated panels are added to increase insulation, then the temperature maintenance duration increases by a few hours, but the additional time is insufficient for long-term shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating vacuum insulated panels with traditional insulation layers to create a multi-layer thermal barrier system. The VIPs provide high-performance vacuum insulation while the additional insulation layers supplement temperature maintenance, achieving reliable temperature control for extended shipping durations beyond 24 hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the insulation system into multiple independent components: vacuum insulated panels positioned at critical thermal pathways, supplementary insulation layers in non-critical areas, and modular cooling agent compartments. This segmented approach ensures that if one insulation component degrades, others continue to provide thermal protection, enhancing overall system reliability.
3Temperature
If ice is used as cooling agent, then the container can maintain temperature initially, but ice melting causes leaks and temperature increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from phase-change cooling (ice melting at 0°C) to low-temperature stable cooling agents such as dry ice (subliming at -78.5°C) or gel-based cooling packs maintained at lower temperatures. This parameter change in cooling agent temperature stability prevents premature exhaustion of cooling capacity and eliminates liquid leakage issues associated with melting ice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful liquid phase from the cooling system by using dry ice (solid CO2) that sublimates directly to gas without producing liquid, or by using gel-based cooling agents that maintain structural integrity. This extraction of the liquid phase eliminates leakage problems while maintaining effective heat absorption for temperature control.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the container is designed for extended duration shipping, then the insulation system becomes more complex, but the manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by designing the insulation system as modular, pre-fabricated components: vacuum insulated panels as discrete units, modular cooling agent containers, and standardized insulation panels. These segmented modules can be independently manufactured and quality-tested, then assembled into the final container configuration, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes while achieving extended duration performance.
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 thermocarrier box maintains suitable temperatures for temperature-sensitive items for extended periods, enabling efficient shipping and storage by minimizing heat transfer and preserving item integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A first vacuum insulated panel is coupled to the bottom wall. A second vacuum insulated panel is coupled to each one of the side walls.
Implementation Method 2
Outer surfaces of the bottom wall of the inner box and the side walls of the inner box are each coated with a second material
Data Source
AI summary
A thermocarrier box includes an outer shell and insulated panels coupled to a bottom wall of the outer shell and to side walls of the outer shell. The thermocarrier box includes an inner box positioned within the outer shell such that a bottom wall of the inner box and side walls of the inner box are each coupled to one of the insulated panels. Another insulated panel is positioned over the inner box. A lid is positioned over the another insulated panel such that the another insulated panel is positioned between the lid and the inner box. Methods of assembly are provided.