Modular Temperature-Control Container for Variable Thermal Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with autonomous temperature regulation for transporting heat-sensitive products face challenges in maintaining a consistent temperature setpoint when subjected to sudden temperature changes, requiring users to anticipate temperature profiles and maintain a collection of eutectic plates with varying cooling powers.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a modular system with a hot/cold compartment and a receiving compartment, utilizing a fan to circulate air and regulate temperature through a microcontroller, temperature probe, and adjustable heating/cooling elements, allowing for automatic temperature control and easy adaptation to different temperature profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If eutectic plates are used for temperature regulation, then autonomous temperature control is achieved, but the system cannot respond to sudden temperature changes and requires multiple plate types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static eutectic plates with a dynamic active cooling system comprising a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve. This dynamic system can actively adjust to varying temperature conditions during transport, enabling the container to respond to sudden temperature changes while maintaining autonomous control through automated thermostat regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the temperature control system by using a refrigeration cycle with variable compression ratios and adjustable expansion valve openings. This allows the system to adapt its cooling capacity to match different temperature profiles and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-capacity eutectic plates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a collection of eutectic plates with different cooling powers is maintained, then various temperature profiles can be addressed, but device complexity and inventory management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal active refrigeration system that can handle multiple temperature profiles and cooling requirements through a single integrated unit. The system uses a controllable compressor and expansion valve to adjust cooling capacity dynamically, replacing the need for multiple specialized eutectic plates with different cooling powers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the temperature control system to self-regulate and adapt to different operational requirements through automated control mechanisms. The thermostat and control system automatically adjust the refrigeration cycle parameters based on actual temperature conditions, eliminating the need for user intervention to select appropriate eutectic plates.
3Reliability
If the container is designed for specific temperature profiles, then temperature control is optimized, but the container cannot adapt to sudden temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system using a thermostat that continuously monitors the internal temperature and automatically adjusts the refrigeration cycle operation. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain the temperature setpoint reliably while adapting to unexpected temperature variations by detecting deviations and triggering appropriate cooling adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements preliminary cooling action through the active refrigeration system, which can be activated before temperature criticality occurs. The system proactively maintains the temperature setpoint by continuously operating the compressor and evaporator, preventing temperature excursions before they harm the transported products.
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
Enables autonomous and automatic temperature regulation within a setpoint, maintaining product integrity by quickly adjusting to varying temperature conditions and allowing easy switching between containers of different capacities and powers.
Implementation Method 1
means capable of creating a circulating air flow passing through the receiving compartment and the hot/cold compartment
Implementation Method 2
consist of an enclosure inside which there are one or more plates eutectic which are brought to a more or less low temperature
Implementation Method 3
plates eutectic which are brought to a more or less low temperature depending on the level of cooling that it is desired to apply
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container having self-contained temperature control for adjusting the temperature to a set value, comprising at least one series of two compartments (3b, 3c), i.e. a compartment for holding said products (3c) and a compartment (3b) capable of supplying cold or heat, and comprising: a means capable of creating an airflow that circulates through the receiving compartment (3c) and the cold or hot compartment (3b), and a means (7) capable of adjusting the airflow, the aforementioned means being grouped together in at least one removable module (5) accommodated in an additional compartment. Said container is characterized in that the additional compartment (3a) is divided into two sub-compartments, i.e. an upper sub-compartment in which the module (5) is accommodated, and a lower compartment through which the airflow from the receiving compartment flows and is directed toward the hot/cold compartment (3b).