Modular Channel Panel for Uniform Freezing in Shipping Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing and transporting perishable goods, such as fruits and vegetables, result in inconsistent freezing and high product loss due to uneven temperature distribution within containers, which is costly and labor-intensive for small to mid-size companies, as they often rely on stacking wooden crates that lead to delayed freezing of center materials.
Innovation Solution
The Modular Channel Panel system, comprising durable panels with raised projections and V-Cut designs, creates interlocking channels within shipping containers to ensure uniform air circulation and freezing, preventing product compression and spoilage, while allowing for easy assembly and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If wooden bins are stacked for storage and transportation, then container capacity is maximized, but freezing uniformity deteriorates causing high product loss
Solution Approach 1:
The bin walls are segmented into modular panel assemblies with integrated channels that divide and direct cold air flow throughout the container. This segmentation allows uniform temperature distribution while maintaining full container capacity, eliminating the freezing uniformity problem that caused product loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Cold air channels act as intermediary structures between the cold air source and the product mass. These channels distribute cold air evenly throughout the container, mediating the temperature distribution to prevent both over-freezing of exterior products and under-freezing of center products, thereby reducing product loss.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional bins are used without dividers, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but freezing consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cold air channel system is merged directly into the bin wall panels themselves, combining the structural function of the walls with the thermal distribution function of the channels. This integration achieves freezing consistency without requiring separate, expensive divider structures, maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel assemblies serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural containment, create air flow channels for temperature distribution, and act as mounting surfaces for products. This multi-functionality achieves freezing consistency without adding separate components, keeping manufacturing costs low.
3Speed
If fan circulated freezing is used, then freezing speed is improved, but temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air channel system adds a dimensional structure for air distribution, creating a three-dimensional network of flow paths throughout the container volume. This dimensional approach distributes cold air evenly across all levels and regions, maintaining temperature uniformity while preserving the rapid freezing speed provided by fan circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow path is segmented into multiple channels distributed throughout the container, breaking up the single-direction flow into numerous localized flow zones. This segmentation ensures that cold air reaches all areas uniformly, maintaining temperature distribution stability while preserving overall freezing speed.
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
This solution enhances the consistency of freezing across the entire container, reduces product loss, and decreases loading time by allowing for even air circulation and easy cleaning, making it suitable for small to mid-size companies without the need for new containers or extensive labor.
Implementation Method 1
creates interlocking channels within shipping containers to ensure uniform air circulation and freezing
Implementation Method 2
the angled side walls of the V-Cut are recessed from the plane of the top wall. This recessed V-Cut will permit product to flow between the chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A divider panel having a top end with an angled v-cut portion, a bottom end with an open slot and an angle v-cut portion, and a plurality of side walls, said divider panel additionally having a plurality of raised projections spaced out such that a horizontal channel and a vertical channel is formed between the projections. Two or more divider panels may be provided which removably mate together and thus create an interlocking panel shape. The dividers are placed within an existing shipping container or crate, and thus the shipping container has different chambers therein for the insertion of internal material such as fruit, vegetables, or nuts to be segmented into each of the different compartment segments. The channel or channels allows the free flow of air or liquid therein to allow for quick washing and uniform freezing of the internal material while in the shipping container.