Apparatus for preserving and transporting fresh or frozen products, particularly for thermally insulated containers or the like
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat accumulation systems for perishable goods transport face issues such as volumetric dilation leading to pressure buildup, limited heat exchange capacity, thermal discontinuity, and instability, while refrigeration systems suffer from high energy consumption, maintenance costs, and inability to maintain optimal conditions for Class C products.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features longitudinally extended heat accumulation modules with a heat exchanger and a filling material to manage volumetric changes, and a distributed thermal filter to maintain uniform temperature and humidity, using hydrogen peroxide or n-decane as the heat accumulation liquid, and includes a sanitization system to prevent bacterial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heat accumulation systems use box-like modules with heat accumulation liquid, then thermal preservation is achieved, but volumetric dilation during phase transition causes destructive pressure levels and module breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the heat accumulation liquid by using a eutectic mixture instead of conventional liquids, which has a lower freezing point and controlled phase transition characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to maintain thermal preservation while avoiding destructive pressure buildup during phase transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite heat accumulation liquid composed of a eutectic mixture (typically salts and water in specific proportions) that combines the properties of multiple substances to achieve both thermal preservation capability and reduced volumetric expansion during freezing, thereby preventing module breakage.
2Power
If box-like modules are used to cover walls for heat exchange, then heat exchange capacity is improved, but container interior volume is reduced and tare weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid box-like modules with flexible heat accumulation bags that can be conformally arranged against container walls. These flexible films provide the necessary heat exchange capacity while occupying minimal space and not reducing the container's interior volume for cargo storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid-filled flexible bags containing the heat accumulation liquid, which can be inflated or deflated as needed and conform to the container wall surfaces, providing efficient thermal contact and heat exchange without the rigid structural volume of conventional box modules.
3Ease of manufacture
If box-like modules are hung from ceiling by polyurethane panels, then installation is simplified, but vibrations and acceleration cause panels to detach and render container unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs anchoring systems that counteract the forces of vibration and acceleration by securing the flexible heat accumulation bags to the container structure at multiple points, preventing detachment during transport while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible mounting systems that can dynamically adapt to vibrations and accelerations during transport, allowing the heat accumulation bags to move slightly with the container motions rather than rigidly resisting them, thereby preventing panel detachment while maintaining secure attachment.
4Temperature
If conventional refrigeration systems are used, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-cools or pre-heats the heat accumulation liquid before sealing it in the flexible bags, so that the phase transition or temperature change occurs passively during transport without requiring active refrigeration systems, thereby eliminating energy consumption while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs passive heat accumulation systems that self-regulate temperature through the phase transition properties of the eutectic mixture, maintaining the required temperature range without external energy input or active control systems, thus eliminating ongoing energy consumption and maintenance requirements.
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 allows for extended thermal autonomy without energy consumption, maintaining optimal conditions for fresh or frozen products with minimal energy use and enhanced preservation capabilities, including constant temperature and high humidity without ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
the phase transition of the liquid
Implementation Method 2
heat accumulation liquid that is subject to volumetric dilation owing to the phase transition of the liquid
Implementation Method 3
said cavity accommodating a heat exchanger that can be supplied with a heat transfer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for preserving and transporting fresh or frozen products, particularly for thermally insulated containers, includes at least one heat accumulator associated with a respective inner wall of a container. The apparatus further includes a plurality of longitudinally extended heat accumulation modules, each one having an enclosure that delimits a cavity adapted to contain a heat accumulation liquid. The cavity accommodates a heat exchanger that can be supplied with a heat transfer fluid. The heat accumulation modules are mutually connected mechanically and thermally, and in that the enclosure has a first wall that faces the inner face of the container and has a substantially flat surface. The modules also include a second wall opposite the first wall and being directed towards the internal compartment of the container, having an at least partially ribbed surface.