Insulated Packaging with Permeable Casing for Dry Ice Gas Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated shipping containers with impermeable casings lose cooling efficiency quickly due to the rapid escape of carbon dioxide gas generated by sublimating dry ice, leading to reduced temperature maintenance during shipping.
Innovation Solution
Employing a casing system with an impermeable outer sheet and a permeable inner sheet to trap carbon dioxide gas within the insulating panels, allowing it to build up and distend the panels, creating a seal that slows the escape of gas and maintains low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If an impermeable casing is used to retain carbon dioxide gas, then cooling duration is extended, but gas pressure buildup may compromise structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous or permeable membrane within the casing structure that allows controlled passage of carbon dioxide gas. This membrane acts as a pressure relief mechanism, preventing dangerous pressure buildup while still retaining enough gas to extend cooling duration. The selective permeability enables the system to balance gas retention with structural safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing is divided into multiple chambers or compartments separated by permeable membranes. This segmentation allows different regions to handle gas pressure differently, with some chambers acting as pressure buffers while others maintain tighter seals. The segmented structure distributes stress and prevents catastrophic failure.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a permeable inner sheet is used to allow carbon dioxide gas passage, then gas escape is slowed and cooling is prolonged, but cooling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The casing employs different permeability characteristics in different regions. The inner sheet has controlled permeability to slow gas escape and extend cooling duration, while the outer sheet or specific zones maintain higher impermeability to preserve cooling efficiency. This spatial variation in material properties allows simultaneous optimization of both duration and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing utilizes a composite structure combining materials with different gas permeability properties. The multi-layer construction includes both permeable and impermeable layers, creating a composite barrier that selectively controls gas transmission. This composite approach enables the system to achieve prolonged cooling duration while maintaining acceptable cooling efficiency through the synergistic combination of material properties.
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 system prolongs cooling duration by retaining carbon dioxide gas within the container, providing extended temperature maintenance for shipped goods.
Implementation Method 1
an inner sheet which is permeable to carbon dioxide gas. After closure, and upon sublimation of the dry ice, some portion of gaseous carbon dioxide passes through the permeable sheet of the casing
Implementation Method 2
an outer sheet which is impermeable to carbon dioxide gas
Implementation Method 3
upon sublimation of the dry ice, some portion of gaseous carbon dioxide passes through the permeable sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A shipping container with an enclosure of insulating panels. The insulating panels include multiple layers of single faced cardboard within a compostable casing. The container includes and outer container, inner container, and the insulating panels.