Thermally Insulated Load Units for Differentiated Temperature Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage solutions require entire warehouse climate control at a single temperature, leading to high energy and financial costs, inefficiency, and the need for multiple stores when different temperature control is needed for various goods.
Innovation Solution
An automated or semi-automated storage system with thermally insulated load units equipped with independent cooling or heating devices, connected via electrical contacts to support guides, allowing for precise temperature control of individual units within a non-climate-controlled environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the whole warehouse is cooled or heated to constant thermal conditions, then all goods are conserved at a uniform temperature, but energy consumption and financial costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into independent load units, each capable of autonomous temperature control. Instead of cooling/heating the entire warehouse volume, each load unit (shelving unit) is equipped with its own thermal insulation and climate control system, segmenting the thermal management function from the architectural structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements differentiated temperature control at the local level of individual load units rather than uniform control of the whole warehouse. Each shelving unit can be set to its optimal conservation temperature independently, allowing local optimization of energy consumption based on actual storage needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stores are provided for different conservation temperatures, then goods at various temperatures can be stored simultaneously, but the complexity of the storage system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal shelving unit design that can function at multiple temperature levels. The same load unit structure can be configured for refrigeration, freezing, or heated storage depending on the requirements of the stored goods, eliminating the need for separate specialized stores for different temperature zones.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the warehouse into independent, self-contained load units with autonomous climate control, the system achieves multi-temperature capability without requiring multiple separate buildings or large climate-controlled zones. Each unit operates independently, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Quantity of substance
If the volume of the climate-controlled warehouse is increased to store more goods, then storage capacity increases, but the ratio of controlled volume to actual goods volume decreases, increasing energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating modular load units that can be selectively activated. Only the specific units containing goods require active climate control, while empty or differently temperature-requiring units can remain uncontrolled or controlled at different settings, minimizing the volume subjected to energy-intensive climate control at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies thermal control locally only where and when needed, rather than maintaining constant temperature throughout the entire warehouse volume. This localized approach reduces energy losses by matching the controlled volume to the actual storage 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 approach significantly reduces energy consumption and operational costs while providing flexibility to store goods at various temperatures within the same environment, eliminating the need for multiple climate-controlled stores.
Implementation Method 1
the goods are contained and protected within a closed or closable casing having thermally insulated walls
Implementation Method 2
supplying electrical power to cooling and/or heating devices associated with said load units
Implementation Method 3
supplying electrical power to cooling and/or heating devices associated with said load units
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An automated or semi-automated storage and retrieval system comprises a plurality of storage locations (10), a plurality of load units (12), a pair of horizontal support guides (14) in each storage location, for supporting one or more load units (12), and a handling means (16) for moving the load units (12) from and to the storage locations. Some of the load units (12) are temperature controlled load units, each comprising a container (18) with thermally insulating walls, a cooling or heating device (20), and an external electrical contact (24). The storage locations have a stationary electrical contact (22) configured for contacting the external electrical contact (24) of the load units (12) at a controlled temperature and supplying electrical power to the heating or cooling devices (20).