Isothermal Container with Polyurethane Foam Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current isothermal containers for transporting fish have limited insulation capacity, requiring excessive ice consumption and lack space efficiency and handling facilitation when empty.
Innovation Solution
A 'sandwich' structured container with inner and outer layers of food-quality polyethylene and polyurethane foam filling, allowing for efficient thermal insulation, space-saving stacking, and enhanced handling features such as handholds and support legs for easy movement and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single layer of plastic material is used for the container walls, then the device complexity is reduced, but the thermal insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container walls are constructed using a composite sandwich structure consisting of an inner polyethylene layer, a middle polyurethane foam insulation layer, and an outer polyethylene layer. This composite structure provides superior thermal insulation performance compared to single-layer plastic materials while maintaining structural integrity and resistance to impact and penetration.
2Ease of manufacture
If the container is designed with standard configuration, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the space efficiency when transported empty deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with a nested configuration where the upper portion of one container can be inserted inside another container when transported empty. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces the storage space required for empty containers on board, allowing more efficient use of limited space while maintaining standard manufacturing processes.
3Device complexity
If the container lacks handling features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates segmented handling features including handholds integrated into the upper portion walls and support legs extending from the base. These features are strategically positioned to facilitate manual handling, lifting operations, and stacking arrangements, improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall design complexity.
4Temperature
If ice consumption is increased, then the thermal insulation effect is improved, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sandwich structure with polyurethane foam insulation layer provides superior thermal insulation properties, reducing heat transfer between the external environment and the fish cargo. This enhanced insulation capability allows for reduced ice consumption while maintaining the necessary cooling effect and fish freshness throughout transport.
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 container maintains fish freshness through improved insulation, optimizes space usage on vessels, and facilitates efficient handling and storage, ensuring organoleptic properties and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate polyurethane foam filling with high thermal insulation
Implementation Method 2
by placing a small amount of flake ice in the base of the container so that it makes a 'base' or 'bed'
Implementation Method 3
once the catch is inserted directly along with ice, they receive a thermal shock that makes them keep an adequate eye condition and shine
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An isothermal container, made up of a receptacle (1) open at its upper base and a closing lid (2), both being made up of an inner layer and an outer layer of food-quality polyethylene and an intermediate polyurethane foam filling. The receptacle (1) has an intermediate step, which enables stacking when empty.