Locking PCM Mounting Assembly for Insulated Transport Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulated containers fail to maintain temperature-sensitive goods within predetermined ranges due to unpredictable ambient temperatures, movement of PCM units during transit, and potential theft risks, leading to product degradation and health hazards.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulated container with a mounting system that secures PCM units to the opening member, using a pivotally attached locking member to restrain their movement and ensure predictable temperature control, thereby preventing temperature deviations and theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PCM units are placed freely in the container, then the container is easy to load and simple in structure, but the PCM units move during transportation causing temperature control failure
Solution Approach 1:
The container interior is segmented into functional zones using mounting structures attached to specific surfaces (side walls, end walls, opening member). These structures create designated positions for PCM units, separating them from free movement while maintaining organizational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Mounting structures are pre-attached to the container walls and opening member before PCM units are loaded. This preliminary preparation ensures that when PCM units are placed, they are immediately positioned and restrained in predetermined locations, preventing movement during transport.
2Reliability
If PCM units are restrained to predetermined positions, then temperature control is improved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining function is segmented across multiple simple components distributed on different container surfaces. Rather than one complex centralized mechanism, simple mounting structures are distributed on side walls, end walls, and the opening member, each handling local PCM unit restraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structures serve multiple functions: they position PCM units in predetermined locations, restrain them during transport, and can be implemented on various container surfaces (side walls, end walls, opening member) using similar simple attachment methods.
3Reliability
If the container is opened frequently for monitoring, then temperature control can be adjusted, but the risk of theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature monitoring is achieved through remote sensing capabilities that provide feedback on internal conditions without requiring physical container opening. This allows continuous temperature verification while maintaining container security and preventing theft opportunities.
4Productivity
If PCM units are mounted on the opening member, then space utilization is improved and mounting is quick, but the structure must support additional weight
Solution Approach 1:
The weight load is segmented and distributed across multiple attachment points on the opening member rather than concentrated at single locations. This distribution of mechanical stress allows the opening member to support PCM units effectively while maintaining structural integrity.
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 solution provides quick and easy mounting of PCM units, maintains temperature stability during transit, and reduces the risk of theft, ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods.
Implementation Method 1
phase change materials (hereafter referred to as PCMs) that have been cooled or heated to a predetermined temperature to provide additional heating or cooling as required
Implementation Method 2
PCMs that have been cooled or heated to a predetermined temperature to provide additional heating or cooling
Implementation Method 3
cardboard or plastic containers packed with insulative materials, such as polystyrene
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
A thermally insulated transportation container (1) for transporting temperature sensitive goods, said container (1) including: thermally insulated walls (la-ld) at least partly defining a storage volume for said goods; an opening member (3) for accessing the thermally insulated storage volume, the opening member (3) having a mounting assembly (11) arranged to receive and mount at least one PCM unit (10) to the opening member (3) and/or wall (1 a-1 d) and to retain the at least one PCM unit on the opening member (3) and/or wall (1 a-1 d) during use of the container, the mounting assembly (11) including a mounting member (15) on which the at least one PCM unit (10) is mountable and a locking member (25) that is movably attached to the opening member (3) or wall (1 a-1 d), and is arranged to move from a first position in which the at least one PCM unit (10) is mountable on to the mounting member (15) to a second position which, in use, locks the at least one PCM unit (10) to the opening member (3) or wall (1 a-1 d).