Hinged PCM Panel Enclosure for Uniform Cold Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting medical supplies like blood, such as the Collins Box, require significant storage space for ice and result in non-uniform temperatures due to complex assembly and gaps in phase change material panels.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible apparatus composed of phase change material-containing wall panels with hinged interconnections that form a closed structure, allowing for easy assembly, compact storage, and uniform temperature maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If phase change material panels are used to replace ice, then storage space requirements are reduced, but assembly complexity increases and gaps between panels cause non-uniform temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple wall panels that can be separately manufactured and stored, then assembled together to form the complete container. Each panel contains phase change material, and the segmented design allows for easier storage and handling while maintaining temperature uniformity through proper hinge interconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge interconnections merge multiple wall panels into a single integrated closed structure. By connecting panels at their edges through hinges, the design eliminates gaps between panels while maintaining the ability to collapse for storage. The diametrically opposed hinge placement ensures structural integrity and uniform temperature distribution.
2Volume of stationary object
If phase change material panels are used to replace ice, then storage space requirements are reduced, but temperature uniformity deteriorates due to gaps between panels
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into wall panels that each contain phase change material. When assembled with proper hinge interconnections, these segments form a continuous thermal barrier without gaps, ensuring uniform temperature distribution while allowing compact storage when collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge interconnections are strategically positioned with two diametrically opposed hinges near the inner major surface and remaining hinges near the outer major surface. This local placement strategy ensures both structural integrity and thermal continuity, eliminating gaps that would cause temperature non-uniformity while enabling collapsibility for storage.
3Ease of operation
If collapsible structure with hinged panels is used, then storage space is reduced and assembly is simplified, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall panels are connected through hinges that allow the structure to dynamically transition between expanded (operational) and collapsed (storage) states. This dynamic design enables easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity during use, and reduces storage volume without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge interconnections create a flexible joint system that allows the rigid wall panels to move relative to each other. This flexibility enables the structure to collapse into a compact form for storage while maintaining its rigid closed structure during transport to ensure temperature uniformity and protect contents.
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 apparatus reduces storage needs, simplifies assembly, and ensures consistent temperatures during transport by using phase change material panels that can be easily stacked and adapted for use in various containers.
Implementation Method 1
phase change material-containing wall panels
Implementation Method 2
phase change material-containing wall panels
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having a plurality of phase change material-containing wall panels. The wall panels have a thickness and sides. The wall panels define an inner major surface and an outer major surface. The sides of the wall panels are hingedly interconnected to define a closed structure. Two diametrically opposed hinge interconnections are proximate the inner major surface. The remaining hinge interconnections are proximate the outer major surface.