Shipping system for storing and/or transporting temperature-sensitive materials
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping systems for temperature-sensitive materials face challenges in maintaining precise temperature control and efficiency in transporting and storing such materials, particularly due to variations in ambient conditions and the need for effective phase-change materials.
Innovation Solution
A shipping system comprising a cooler base with an inner and outer portion, a thermally-conductive member, polymeric bag, and temperature-control members positioned within the inner and outer portions to maintain desired temperature ranges, using phase-change materials with varying compositions and positions for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase-change materials are used to maintain temperature ranges, then temperature control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple material compositions and positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The shipping system divides the temperature control function into multiple phase-change material members with different compositions and phase change temperatures. Each member is positioned at specific locations (first set on top of product box, second set in cavities) to create a segmented thermal management system that reliably maintains temperature ranges through distributed thermal regulation
Solution Approach 2:
Different phase-change material members are assigned different compositions and phase change temperatures based on their specific positions within the insulated container. The first set of members has compositions tailored for their location above the product box, while the second set has compositions optimized for cavity locations, creating local quality variations that enhance overall temperature control reliability
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature-control members are positioned strategically, then temperature control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control members are segmented into two distinct sets with different positioning requirements. The first set is positioned on top of the product box while the second set is positioned in the cavities between inner and outer portions. This segmentation allows for precise temperature control at different locations but increases assembly complexity as each set requires specific positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes three-dimensional spatial distribution of temperature control members by placing them in different vertical and horizontal positions within the container. The first set is elevated above the product box while the second set is positioned in the cavity spaces, creating a multi-dimensional thermal control network that improves precision but complicates assembly operations
3Reliability
If phase-change materials are refrigerated or frozen prior to placement, then temperature control effectiveness is improved, but loss of time increases due to pre-cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-change material members are pre-refrigerated or frozen before being placed in the insulated container to ensure they are in the desired frozen or refrigerated state for effective temperature control. This preliminary action enhances temperature control effectiveness but requires advance preparation time
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-change material members are subjected to parameter changes by refrigerating or freezing them prior to placement in the container. This changes their thermal state from ambient to frozen/refrigerated, enabling them to effectively maintain the desired temperature range for temperature-sensitive materials during shipping
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 effectively maintains temperature-sensitive materials within specified ranges for extended periods, enhancing temperature control and efficiency by utilizing interchangeable phase-change materials strategically positioned for optimal thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
the phase-change material is refrigerated or frozen prior to being placed in the insulated container so that the phase-change material can act as a coolant
Implementation Method 2
a phase-change material disposed within the insulated container for maintaining the temperature-sensitive material within a desired temperature range
Implementation Method 3
a thermally-conductive member, the thermally-conductive member being disposed within the chamber and over at least a portion of the bottom wall of the thermal insulation unit
Implementation Method 4
a thermal insulation unit, the thermal insulation unit comprising a bottom wall and four side walls, the bottom wall and the four side walls collectively defining a chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Shipping systems for temperature-sensitive materials and methods of making and using same. In one embodiment, the shipping system includes a cooler base and a lid. The base includes an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion includes a thermal insulation unit including a bottom wall and four side walls. A thermally-conductive member is positioned on the bottom wall. A polymeric bag encapsulates the thermally-conductive member and some of the thermal insulation unit. The outer portion includes thermally-insulating material and defines an opening. The inner portion is permanently bonded to the outer portion, with cavities defined therebetween. A product box is placed in the inner portion directly over the polymeric bag and the underlying thermally-conductive member. First temperature-control members are disposed within the inner portion, with at least one temperature-control member directly over the polymeric bag and the underlying thermally-conductive member. Second temperature-control members are disposed within the cavities.