Methods, apparatuses, and systems for cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for produce are slower than desired, leading to a decreased overall shelf life due to inefficient cooling processes, particularly during transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A mobile cooling system with separated sections and a conveyor system that uses a sensor feedback system to continuously monitor and maintain optimal temperature, integrated with a mobile container/trailer for on-site cooling, allowing for rapid cooling and extended shelf life of produce.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional cooling systems are used for produce during transportation and storage, then the produce can be cooled, but the cooling process is slow and reduces shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling sections (first cooling section, second cooling section, third cooling section) that can simultaneously cool different portions of produce. Each section has its own cooling mechanism, allowing parallel cooling operations that dramatically increase overall cooling speed while preserving shelf life through rapid temperature reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile cooling capabilities to transportation vehicles (trucks, trailers, containers), adding a mobile dimension to traditional stationary cooling systems. This allows cooling to occur during transit rather than requiring separate transportation and cooling phases, effectively compressing time and increasing cooling speed without compromising produce quality.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If produce is transported without rapid cooling, then transportation is simpler, but shelf life decreases due to slow cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile cooling system is designed to be universally applicable across multiple transportation platforms (trucks, trailers, containers) and can handle various types of produce. The standardized cooling sections and conveyor systems can be deployed in different configurations, providing extended shelf life through rapid cooling without requiring completely different systems for each application, thus managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensor feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and produce conditions throughout the cooling process. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of cooling parameters to optimize shelf life extension while preventing over-cooling or freezing, managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple cooling sections are used to cool produce rapidly, then cooling speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into modular sections (first cooling section with first conveyor, second cooling section with second conveyor, third cooling section with third conveyor) that can be independently operated. Each module contains simplified cooling mechanisms and control systems, making the overall complex system manageable through standardization and modularity while achieving high cooling efficiency through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cooling actions in the first cooling section before produce enters subsequent sections. This staged approach allows each cooling section to handle a specific temperature reduction phase, optimizing the workload distribution and preventing any single section from becoming overly complex. The conveyor systems are pre-configured to move produce through sections in the optimal sequence.
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 ensures optimal temperature control, extending the shelf life of produce, reducing handling costs, and accelerating the time to market while providing fresher produce and substantial cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling mechanism to cool the produce in the mobile container to an optimal temperature
Implementation Method 2
a sensor feedback system to continuously measure, track, and receive relevant feedback/data regarding the produce
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods, apparatuses, and systems for cooling. Embodiments include a cooling system comprising a mobile container, conveyor system, and sensor feedback system. Container includes at least a first, second, and third section. First section holds at least one pallet containing produce. Second section includes a cooling mechanism to cool the produce within the at least one pallet to an optimal temperature. Third section includes the cooling mechanism to maintain the cooled produce in the at least one pallet at the optimal temperature. Conveyor system may be used to convey the at least one pallet across the cooling system. Sensor feedback system is configured to continuously measure and track at least the weight of the at least one pallet and temperature of the produce within the at least one pallet as the at least one pallet is conveyed across the cooling system.