Method for maintaining a generally constant temperature of products within a shipping container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal shields for maintaining constant temperatures during transportation are inadequate in effectively regulating temperature extremes and detecting blockages in heat exchange systems, leading to inefficiencies and potential spoilage of temperature-sensitive products.
Innovation Solution
A thermal shield comprising a thermally conductive layer with a heat exchange fluid circuit and a pumping unit that selectively pumps heat exchange fluid based on temperature thresholds and detects blockages, ensuring a consistent temperature and preventing spoilage by using a system with a storage unit, inlet and outlet headers, and valves to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermal shield with heat exchange fluid circuit is used to maintain constant temperature, then temperature regulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like pumping units and blockage detection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it circulates heat exchange fluid through the circuit and simultaneously detects blockages by monitoring fluid flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection devices, thereby improving temperature regulation capability while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational components (the pumping unit and heat exchange fluid circuit) to perform both temperature regulation and blockage detection functions. The blockage detection capability is integrated into the existing fluid circulation system rather than requiring external monitoring equipment, allowing the system to self-monitor its own operational status.
2Measurement precision
If active heat exchange fluid circulation is implemented, then temperature control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous pumping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping unit operates periodically rather than continuously, circulating heat exchange fluid only when temperature adjustments are needed. The blockage detection system monitors fluid flow to determine when pumping is necessary, allowing the system to maintain temperature control precision while reducing overall energy consumption by eliminating unnecessary continuous pumping operations.
3Reliability
If blockage detection capability is added to the heat exchange system, then system reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The blockage detection function is merged with the existing pumping unit and heat exchange fluid circuit. The pumping unit is designed to simultaneously perform fluid circulation and blockage detection by monitoring flow characteristics, eliminating the need for separate detection sensors and control mechanisms. This integration improves system reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture by avoiding additional manufacturing steps and components.
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 maintains a consistent temperature within shipping containers, preventing spoilage by actively regulating temperature and addressing blockages in the heat exchange system, thereby ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive products during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat exchange fluid circuit coupled to a first surface of the thermally conductive layer, the at least one heat exchange fluid circuit comprising at least one inlet configured to permit the ingress of heat exchange fluid
Implementation Method 2
a thermal shield comprising a thermally conductive layer, and at least one heat exchange fluid circuit coupled to a first surface of the thermally conductive layer
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal shield (1000, 100) comprises an insulation layer (1002) having a space defined therein, wherein a low-conductivity material fills the space, and a valve configured to connect to a vacuum source to allow air to be removed from the space, thereby increasing insulating properties of the insulation layer (1002).