Dynamic Airflow Distributor for Cargo-Blocked Transport Cooling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transport refrigeration systems face challenges in achieving even airflow distribution within transport units, leading to uneven temperature conditions and increased energy consumption due to blocked airflow by cargo.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic airflow distributor with gap closing mechanisms that can be controlled to divert airflow to specific areas, forming an airflow passage with the ceiling of the transport unit, allowing for precise and adjustable airflow distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed airflow distributors are used, then the system structure is simple, but uneven airflow distribution occurs when cargo blocks airflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow distribution adaptabilityVSAvoidairflow distributor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the airflow distributor movable rather than fixed. The distributor can dynamically adjust its position along the ceiling to redirect airflow around cargo blocks, adapting to different cargo configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow distributor is segmented into multiple sections or zones that can be independently controlled. This allows different portions of the distributor to be positioned at different locations, enabling flexible airflow distribution patterns to overcome cargo blockages in specific areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by stationary object

If airflow is distributed to all locations, then complete coverage is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTRU energy consumptionVSAvoidtemperature uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by directing airflow selectively to specific locations where it is needed rather than distributing it uniformly throughout the transport unit. Sensors detect temperature variations and the airflow distributor responds by concentrating conditioned air in areas requiring cooling or heating, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining temperature uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through temperature sensors that continuously monitor conditions throughout the transport unit. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the airflow distributor's position and operation, ensuring energy-efficient airflow distribution that maintains reliable temperature uniformity by responding to actual thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Temperature

If fixed airflow patterns are used, then the system is simple to control, but temperature distribution becomes uneven when cargo moves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature distribution uniformityVSAvoidairflow control automation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow distributor is designed to dynamically reposition itself in response to cargo movements and temperature variations. This automated dynamic adjustment maintains uniform temperature distribution without requiring manual intervention, balancing temperature control effectiveness with automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Temperature sensors and control systems provide automated feedback to adjust airflow patterns in real-time. When cargo moves or temperature variations occur, the system automatically redistributes airflow to maintain uniform temperature, reducing the need for manual control while ensuring consistent temperature distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3339068B1Systems and methods of dynamic airflow control within an internal space
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 THERMO KING CORP
  • EP3339068B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3339068B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3339068B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dynamic airflow distribution system (120) within an interior space of a transport unit (100) includes a dynamic airflow distributor (122), a plurality of spacing devices (130), and a plurality of distributor gap closing mechanisms (136). The dynamic airflow distributor forms an airflow passage with a ceiling (108) of the transport unitextending along a longitudinal direction of the transport unit. The plurality of spacing devices form a plurality of gaps (132) between the ceiling and the dynamic airflow distributor. Each of the distributor gap closing mechanisms is associated with a corresponding gap of the plurality of gaps. Also, each of the plurality of distributor gap closing mechanisms (136) controllably opens and closes the corresponding gap of the plurality of gaps.