Insulated Cooler Layout for Passive Dry Ice Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for storing and transporting temperature-sensitive materials face challenges in maintaining the desired temperature range without incurring excessive costs, particularly when using active temperature-control devices, and passive temperature-control methods often fail to provide adequate temperature maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an insulated container with a molded base and support structure that removably holds a product box at an angle offset from the cavity, combined with phase-change materials like dry ice pellets, and a data logger for monitoring temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active temperature-control devices are used, then temperature maintenance reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable phase-change material packs (ice packs, gel packs, dry ice) that are inexpensive and single-use. These packs are placed in insulated containers to provide temporary temperature control during shipping, eliminating the need for expensive active refrigeration systems while maintaining adequate temperature maintenance reliability for the shipping duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-change material packs automatically regulate temperature through their inherent phase-change properties without requiring external power or control systems. The packs self-regulate by absorbing or releasing heat during phase transitions, providing passive temperature control that eliminates the need for active temperature-control devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If passive temperature-control members like ice packs are used, then cost is reduced, but temperature maintenance reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase-change materials that undergo parameter changes (temperature and pressure) during phase transitions. By selecting PCM with specific phase-change temperatures matched to the required storage temperature range, the system achieves reliable temperature maintenance. The phase-change process automatically adjusts heat transfer rates to maintain stable temperatures throughout the shipping period.
Solution Approach 2:
The core mechanism involves phase-change materials that transition between solid and liquid states (or other phases) at specific temperatures. During these phase transitions, the materials absorb or release latent heat, providing passive temperature control. The phase-change process continues as long as the temperature remains within the phase-change range, ensuring reliable temperature maintenance without active control systems.
3Volume of stationary object
If product box is placed flat in insulated container, then space utilization is improved, but temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical dimensionality by placing phase-change material packs at multiple heights and positions within the insulated container. Instead of uniform flat placement, the packs are strategically positioned at different vertical levels and orientations to create three-dimensional temperature distribution. This dimensional arrangement ensures even heat transfer to all surfaces of the product box while maintaining high space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning phase-change material packs at specific locations around the product box rather than uniform distribution. Packs are placed at strategic positions where temperature control is most needed, with varying orientations and distances from the product box surfaces. This localized arrangement optimizes temperature distribution uniformity while maintaining efficient space utilization through targeted thermal management.
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
Maintains temperature-sensitive materials within a desired range for extended periods, reducing costs by using passive temperature control and providing precise temperature monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the passive temperature-control member typically comprises a quantity of a phase-change material (PCM) disposed within a suitable casing or container
Implementation Method 2
the passive temperature-control member typically comprises a quantity of a phase-change material (PCM) disposed within a suitable casing or container
Implementation Method 3
An alternative approach to temperature maintenance during transportation and/or storage is to place the temperature-sensitive materials within an insulated container
Data Source
AI summary
System suitable for storing and/or transporting temperature-sensitive materials. In a preferred embodiment, the system may include a cooler made of expanded polystyrene foam. The cooler may include a base and a lid. The base may be a unitary structure that includes a cavity bounded by a bottom wall and four side walls. The base also may include an integral support that may include a platform elevated from the bottom wall, as well as a stanchion extending upwardly from the bottom wall along each of the side walls. The support may be constructed to removably receive a product box in the cavity and to orient the product box at an angle offset from the cavity. Dry ice pellets may be positioned around and under the product box, and additional dry ice pellets may be positioned in a tray mounted on the stanchions over the product box.