Modular Pallet Cover with Phase-Change Pockets for Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pallet covers for temperature-sensitive materials lack effective temperature control and flexibility in covering pallet-sized loads, as they often rely on fixed designs and insufficient insulation, which can lead to temperature fluctuations during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A modular pallet cover design featuring adjustable walls with integrated pockets for phase-change materials and insulation, allowing for customizable temperature control and secure retention of temperature-control members, along with a thermal insulation wrap for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed design pallet covers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different pallet-sized loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet cover is divided into multiple detachable wall sections (front wall, rear wall, left side wall, right side wall, and end walls) that can be independently adjusted in length and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the cover to adapt to various pallet dimensions while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall lengths are made adjustable through detachable connections that allow dynamic reconfiguration. The walls can be extended or shortened depending on the pallet size requirements, transforming a static fixed design into a dynamic adaptable structure.
2Reliability
If insufficient insulation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet cover employs composite construction combining multiple insulation layers with different properties. The walls incorporate foam insulation boards combined with reflective insulation barriers, creating a multi-layer composite structure that enhances thermal performance while distributing complexity across material selection rather than structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation structure uses nested layers where reflective barriers are positioned between foam insulation layers. This nested arrangement maximizes thermal protection within the available wall thickness, providing reliable temperature control without excessive external dimensions.
3Reliability
If phase-change materials are integrated into pockets, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Phase-change materials are incorporated into the wall structure to provide active temperature control. These materials undergo phase transitions at specific temperatures, absorbing or releasing heat to maintain the desired temperature range within the transported goods, thereby enhancing temperature control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-change material pockets are merged with the wall structure itself rather than being separate attachments. The pockets are integrated into the foam insulation boards, combining the structural element with the temperature control function in a single unified component.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable wall lengths are implemented, then adaptability to different loads is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wall lengths are made adjustable through detachable connections that allow dynamic reconfiguration. The walls can be extended or shortened depending on the pallet size requirements, transforming a static fixed design into a dynamic adaptable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet cover is divided into multiple detachable wall sections (front wall, rear wall, left side wall, right side wall, and end walls) that can be independently adjusted in length and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the cover to adapt to various pallet dimensions while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
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 modular design effectively maintains temperature-sensitive materials within a desired range by utilizing phase-change materials and insulation, providing flexible coverage and improved thermal protection for pallet-sized loads during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
each of said top wall, said front wall, said rear wall, said left side wall, and said right wall comprises at least one pocket for receiving a temperature-control member, and wherein at least one of said top wall, said front wall, said rear wall, said left side wall, and said right wall further comprises a temperature-control member disposed in at least one of所述 pockets
Implementation Method 2
A modular pallet cover design featuring adjustable walls with integrated pockets for phase-change materials and insulation, allowing for customizable temperature control and secure retention of temperature-control members, along with a thermal insulation wrap for enhanced protection
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet cover suitable for use in covering at least a portion of a payload on a pallet and a kit for use in making the pallet cover. In one embodiment, the pallet cover includes a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall, wherein the walls are detachably joined to one another. Each of the top wall, the front wall, the rear wall, the left side wall, and the right side wall includes a first fabric sheet and a second fabric sheet, the first and second fabric sheets being joined together to form a plurality of pockets. Each pocket may removably receive a temperature-control member containing a phase-change material. At least one of the top wall, the front wall, the rear wall, the left side wall and the right side wall may include a plurality of detachably joined portions.