Modular coolroom system and coolroom modules therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transportable coolrooms are not designed to be interconnected, resulting in multiple separate storeroom environments when additional space is needed, which complicates the movement of goods between units and limits the storage of large or irregularly sized items.

Innovation Solution

A modular coolroom system comprising transportable storeroom modules with removable infill panels that can be attached or detached to create a larger combined storeroom environment, using sealing tape and latches for airtight connections and flashings to cover gaps between modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple separate transportable coolrooms are used to provide additional storage space, then storage capacity is increased, but the convenience of moving goods and accessing storage space deteriorates due to the need to move in and out of multiple separate units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidconvenience of moving goods

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple coolroom modules are interconnected through removable infill panels to form a single combined coolroom environment, allowing goods to be moved freely between what would otherwise be separate storage units. The infill panels can be removed to create open passageways between modules, effectively merging multiple storage spaces into one continuous environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coolroom system is divided into modular units that can be used independently or combined. Each module is a self-contained coolroom unit with its own insulation and temperature control, but the infill panels between modules can be removed to create a larger unified space when needed, providing flexibility in storage configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of stationary object

If multiple separate transportable coolrooms are arranged alongside each other, then total storage volume is increased, but the ability to store large or irregular sized goods deteriorates due to limited internal dimensions of individual units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetotal storage volumeVSAvoidability to store large items

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Adjacent coolroom modules can be interconnected by removing infill panels to create a larger combined storage space with increased internal dimensions, enabling the storage of large or irregularly sized goods that would not fit within a single module's constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides dynamic adaptability where the internal configuration of storage space can be changed by removing or installing infill panels. This allows the coolroom system to transform from multiple small separate spaces into a larger unified space, adapting to different storage requirements including large or irregular items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If transportable coolrooms are designed as fixed separate units, then structural integrity and insulation are maintained, but the flexibility to create combined storage environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidflexibility to create combined environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coolroom is segmented into modular units with standardized interfaces. Each module maintains its own structural integrity and insulation when used independently, but the infill panels provide a standardized connection interface that allows modules to be reliably joined together to form larger combined environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The infill panels serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection between modules, maintain insulation when installed, and can be removed to create open passages. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliability as separate units while providing adaptability to be combined into larger environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11274870B2Modular coolroom system and coolroom modules therefor

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 PRESTIGE MARKETING SUITES AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

AI summary

A transportable coolroom module is provided including a base frame and a coolroom structure mounted on the base frame, wherein the coolroom structure includes a floor, a plurality of walls each extending above the floor, and a roof supported by the walls. At least one access door may be provided in at least one of the walls, and at least one removable infill panel may be provided in at least one of the other walls. The removable infill panel may be attached to the coolroom structure. The transportable coolroom module may be used as a stand-alone coolroom. The at least one removable infill panel may be selectively removed from the coolroom structure and the transportable coolroom module may be selectively interconnected with one or more other like transportable coolroom modules to create a larger combined coolroom environment.