Foldable ULD Container Thermal Control With Passive PCM Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature control systems for transport containers, especially in air transport, face challenges in maintaining temperature stability for sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals and food products due to extreme temperature variations during transport, and existing solutions are often costly, complex, and not compatible with standard Unit Load Device specifications.
Innovation Solution
A passive temperature control system utilizing a foldable sleeve made from corrugated materials with a high heat capacity coolant package, integrated with a collapsible and resilient container design that maintains airtightness and uses insulating panels and a weatherproof sheet, allowing for easy assembly and flat-pack storage, compatible with standard ULD specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If refrigeration units with powered generators are used to maintain temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to electrical power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the powered mechanical refrigeration system with a passive thermal management system using phase change materials (PCM) and heat transfer fluids. The system uses natural convection and phase change thermodynamics instead of mechanical compressors and powered generators, eliminating the need for electrical power while maintaining temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control system is designed to be self-regulating through the use of phase change materials that automatically absorb or release heat as needed. The system uses natural convection currents to circulate heat transfer fluid without pumps, and the PCM melts or solidifies based on temperature conditions, providing autonomous temperature maintenance without external control systems.
2Temperature
If ice packs or gel packs are used for cooling, then temperature control is achieved, but reliability decreases when packs become dislodged or leak, causing inappropriate temperature gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible bladder or membrane to contain the phase change material, which is attached to or integrated with the container structure. This flexible containment prevents the cooling medium from becoming dislodged or leaking while still allowing thermal contact with the cargo space, maintaining reliable temperature control even during transport movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material container is nested within or integrated with the insulating container structure itself, creating a unified assembly where the cooling system becomes part of the container rather than a separate component. This integration ensures the cooling system remains in position and functions reliably throughout the transport process.
3Ease of operation
If standard ULD specifications are followed for container design, then ease of operation and compatibility are improved, but adaptability for specialized temperature control functions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the container with multi-functional features that satisfy both standard ULD handling requirements and specialized temperature control needs. The container maintains standard external dimensions and interface features for ULD compatibility while incorporating integrated phase change material systems, insulating panels, and heat transfer fluid circulation paths that provide active temperature management, allowing a single design to serve multiple functions.
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 system effectively maintains goods within a narrow temperature range, is cost-effective, and compatible with standard ULDs, ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive products during transport by minimizing temperature fluctuations and physical damage.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature control system may comprise corrugated plastics or corrugated cardboard configured to define an aperture for the placement of a standard shape coolant package
Implementation Method 2
the coolant package may be filled with a gel material or can comprise one or more plastics bags containing a coolant material which are inserted into a cardboard box
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3c
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a transport container which provides mechanical and thermal stability for a load and which container is fabricated as the container is loaded. In particular, the present invention relates to a temperature control system for a container which can be readily transported on aircraft, such as an aircraft container. In the field of logistics, that is the field of movement and supply of produce and materials, in particular in the transport of intermediate and finished products, containers have been developed which safely protect from physical damage a wide variety of product. Food and pharmaceutical products not only need protection from physical shock and pressures but also require temperature stability during transportation; otherwise goods can be damaged and be unusable, whether such damage is apparent or not. The present invention seeks to provide a temperature control system for a transport container which can maintain goods within a narrow temperature range, can displace a considerably reduced volume before erection, is economical to manufacture, can readily and easily be constructed. The present invention further seeks to provide a transport container which is compatible with standard Unit Load Device specifications.