Fresh product cold chain distribution device and distribution method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fresh product cold chain distribution methods face challenges such as high energy consumption, high costs, contamination risks, and environmental pollution due to the lack of self-service devices with multi-temperature zones, inadequate refrigeration capacity, and disposable logistics boxes that are easily broken.
Innovation Solution
A fresh product cold chain distribution device comprising a refrigeration logistics box with a temperature selection switch and a self-service pickup cabinet with an air channel system, allowing for continuous refrigeration and recycling, reducing energy consumption, and enabling multi-temperature storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive insulation with foam boxes is used for cold chain distribution, then the distribution cost is reduced, but the fresh product quality cannot be guaranteed due to temperature increase during distribution and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The logistics box is pre-cooled to the required temperature before the fresh products are placed inside. This preliminary refrigeration action ensures that the box maintains adequate cooling capacity throughout the distribution and storage process, preventing temperature increase that would compromise product quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration device operates continuously or periodically to maintain the required temperature inside the logistics box throughout the entire distribution and storage process. This continuous refrigeration action ensures constant low temperature, guaranteeing fresh product quality without excessive energy consumption through optimized control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shared community refrigerator is used for multi-temperature storage, then the refrigeration capacity is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to prolonged operation to maintain low temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space is divided into multiple independent unit cells, each capable of maintaining different temperature zones. The refrigeration device can selectively cool specific unit cells based on demand, rather than cooling the entire refrigerator space continuously, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining multi-temperature capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time temperature monitoring and demand. The controller activates refrigeration only when temperature thresholds are exceeded or when logistics boxes are placed in unit cells, rather than continuous operation, optimizing energy usage while maintaining temperature adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If foam insulated logistics box is used for cold chain delivery, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but environmental pollution increases due to disposable nature and easy breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The logistics box is designed as a reusable container that is recovered and returned to the distribution center after use. Instead of being discarded like traditional foam boxes, it is cleaned, refrozen, and reused for subsequent deliveries, eliminating waste and environmental pollution while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The logistics box employs composite material construction combining insulating materials with durable structural components. This composite design maintains the insulation effectiveness of foam while adding reusability and resistance to breakage, reducing environmental harm without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
4Productivity
If insulated bags and foam insulated boxes are used for passive insulation, then the equipment cost is reduced, but the distribution efficiency is insufficient due to high manpower requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The logistics box is equipped with an autonomous refrigeration device that independently maintains temperature without requiring continuous human intervention. The box can be autonomously placed in unit cells at distribution centers, which automatically monitor and manage temperature, reducing manpower requirements while improving distribution efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive mechanical insulation system is replaced with an active electronic refrigeration system controlled by temperature sensors and controllers. This substitution enables automated temperature management, reducing the need for manual monitoring and handling, thereby improving productivity despite increased device complexity.
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
Ensures constant refrigeration throughout the distribution process, improves product quality, reduces environmental pollution, and minimizes energy and operational costs by using a recyclable logistics box with an efficient air circulation system.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigeration logistics box comprises a box body, a box cover, a side cover, a quick-connection plug board, a refrigeration device, a temperature selection switch
Implementation Method 2
The heat released by the refrigeration logistics box is discharged through the air channel between unit cells to cool down the unit cell
Implementation Method 3
The refrigeration logistics box is matched and fixedly placed in the self-service pickup cabinet unit cell through the positioning slot and the limiting lock in the self-service pickup cabinet unit cell
Data Source
AI summary
A fresh product cold chain distribution device and a distribution method are provided. The fresh product cold chain distribution device comprises a self-service pickup cabinet and at least one refrigeration logistics box; the self-service fresh product pickup cabinet comprises a cabinet body, an air channel cover panel, a scanner, a touch display screen, a power supply plug, and a control panel; the self-service fresh product pickup cabinet is internally provided with an air circulation system consisting of an exhaust channel, exhaust holes of the self-service pickup cabinet unit cell, exhaust holes of the exhaust channel, an inlet channel, inlet holes of the inlet channel, and inlet holes of the self-service pickup cabinet unit cell; the cabinet body comprises a plurality of unit cells; the refrigeration logistics box comprises a box body, a quick-connection plug board, a refrigeration device, a temperature selection switch, and an identification.