Flexible Duct Cooling Unit for Targeted Cargo Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cooling systems are not effectively configured to focus cooling on specific areas within a cargo space, often cooling the entire space instead of just the cargo or its immediate surroundings, which is inefficient and can lead to cooling loss in open or tarp-covered vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cooling unit comprising a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and flexible ducts that directly deliver cooled air to cargo through a tarp with slits for ambient air connection, allowing for targeted cooling of specific cargo areas without relying on fixed refrigeration units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If rigid refrigeration units are used to cool cargo space, then cooling coverage is comprehensive, but cooling efficiency is low and energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform cooling of the entire cargo space to localized cooling directly at the cargo level. Flexible ducts deliver cooled air specifically to cargo areas, creating non-uniform temperature distribution that matches the actual cooling needs of different cargo positions, thereby reducing energy waste in unoccupied spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent flexible ducts that can be individually directed to different cargo locations. This segmentation allows the system to divide the cooling function into discrete zones, enabling precise delivery of cooled air to specific cargo areas rather than treating the entire cargo space as a single cooling zone.
2Reliability
If fixed refrigeration units are installed in vehicles, then cooling system is stable, but adaptability to different vehicle configurations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by replacing fixed rigid ducting with flexible ducts that can be dynamically configured and repositioned. These flexible ducts can adapt to different vehicle geometries, cargo arrangements, and tarp configurations, allowing the same cooling unit to serve multiple vehicle types and configurations while maintaining reliable cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling unit with flexible ducts achieves universality by being capable of serving multiple vehicle types (open, tarp-covered, enclosed) and various cargo configurations. The system can be universally applied across different transport scenarios by simply reconfiguring the flexible ducts, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific custom installations.
3Ease of operation
If rigid ducting is used to direct cool air, then air flow direction is controlled, but flexibility in positioning and installation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly applies flexible shells by using flexible ducts instead of rigid piping. These flexible ducts can be easily bent, shaped, and positioned to reach different cargo locations, and can accommodate vehicle movements, tarp deformations, and varying installation environments without compromising structural integrity or cooling 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
This solution enables efficient, flexible, and cost-effective cooling of specific cargo areas in vehicles with open or tarp-covered cargo spaces, extending cargo life and adapting to various vehicle configurations without the need for specialized vehicles or high residual engine power.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator operably connected to the compressor and the condenser, the evaporator configured to cool ambient air
Implementation Method 2
a condenser operably connected to the compressor
Implementation Method 3
at least one hose fluidly connecting the condenser to ambient air outside of the tarp
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A cooling unit (506) for a vehicle (200) is provided. The cooling unit includes a compressor (428) electrically connected to a power module (314), a condenser (530) operably connected to the compressor, an evaporator (536) operably connected to the compressor and the condenser, the evaporator configured to cool ambient air (520), and at least one flexible duct (208) configured to fluidly connect the evaporator with a cargo held in a cargo space of the vehicle.