Dynamic Package Construction for Optimized Refrigerant and Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for shipping frozen or chilled products often result in wasted refrigerant and inadequate protection due to standardized approaches that fail to account for the specific dimensions and cooling requirements of individual products, leading to spoilage or damage during transit.
Innovation Solution
A system dynamically optimizes package structure and refrigerant amount based on customer preferences, product characteristics, and weather data using a user interface, database, sensors, and control circuit to create customized packages with varying levels of protection and cooling, including honeycomb configurations and compartmentalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard-sized packages with predetermined refrigerant amounts are used, then product protection and cooling are provided, but wasted packing materials and wasted refrigerant occur when items are much smaller than the shipping package
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts package dimensions and refrigerant quantity based on real-time product measurements and shipping conditions. The package construction apparatus modifies packaging parameters on-the-fly to match the actual product size, eliminating the need for fixed standard package sizes and preventing refrigerant waste while maintaining adequate product protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes packaging parameters (package size, wall thickness, refrigerant amount) based on measured product characteristics and shipping conditions. By continuously adjusting these parameters rather than using fixed standards, the system optimizes the balance between product protection and resource efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard protection structures are used, then basic product protection is provided, but the package structure is inadequate to protect the product from damage along the shipping route
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts package structural parameters such as wall thickness, material selection, and reinforcement placement based on product fragility measurements and shipping route conditions. This dynamic approach allows the package construction apparatus to create optimized protection structures for each product rather than relying on fixed standard designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different protection levels to different regions of the package based on local product vulnerability. By measuring product characteristics and identifying vulnerable areas, the system concentrates reinforcement and protective materials where needed rather than uniformly throughout the entire package, optimizing both protection and material efficiency.
3Reliability
If customized package construction is implemented, then optimal refrigerant usage and product protection are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated measurement and sensing capabilities that allow the packaging apparatus to self-adjust based on product characteristics. The sensors and control circuits enable the system to autonomously determine optimal package parameters without requiring manual intervention or complex external coordination, reducing operational complexity while maintaining customization benefits.
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
This approach ensures effective preservation and protection of products by optimizing package design and refrigerant usage, reducing waste and spoilage while enhancing delivery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
these standard shipping containers sometimes include predetermined amounts of refrigerant materials that are used to cool the products
Implementation Method 2
many types of products typically need to be protected from damage occurring along the shipping route
Data Source
AI summary
An optimal package structure and an amount of refrigerant to insert into the package structure are determined based upon product information, consumer preference information, and weather information. The optimal package structure and the amount of refrigerant are an optimized combination that is effective to both protect the product from damage and preserve the product from spoilage. A package is constructed to contain the product according to the optimal package structure and the amount of refrigerant is inserted into the structure.