Modular refrigeration system for storing products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated systems often maintain a single temperature throughout, failing to accommodate different temperature requirements of various products, and lock out entire systems if temperature exceeds limits, preventing access even to non-perishable items.
Innovation Solution
Modular units within refrigerated systems allow independent temperature control, locking only affected units and using phase change materials and dampers to maintain optimal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single temperature is maintained throughout the refrigerated system, then the system structure is simple, but different temperature requirements of various products cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerated system is divided into multiple independent modular units, each capable of maintaining different temperatures. Each module has its own temperature control system, allowing independent adjustment to accommodate different product temperature requirements while keeping the overall system structure manageable through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions (modular units) of the refrigerated system are assigned different temperature characteristics based on the specific storage requirements of products in each region. This allows each local area to have optimized temperature conditions while the whole system maintains overall refrigeration functionality.
2Reliability
If the refrigeration system locks out the entire system when temperature exceeds limits, then product safety is ensured, but access to non-perishable items is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented to operate independently for each modular unit rather than the entire system. When temperature excursions occur in one module, only that specific module locks out, while other modules with acceptable temperatures remain accessible. This ensures product safety in affected areas while maintaining operational accessibility in unaffected areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety and locking characteristics are applied locally to specific modular units based on their individual temperature conditions. Each module has its own locking control that responds only to its local temperature status, allowing non-perishable items in modules with acceptable temperatures to remain accessible while perishable items in modules with temperature excursions are protected through localized locking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular units are used with independent temperature control, then different temperature requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular units are designed with universal, standardized components and control systems that can be replicated across multiple modules. Each module uses the same temperature control mechanism, allowing for mass production and reduced complexity through standardization. The control systems are multi-functional, handling temperature monitoring, control, and locking operations within each module.
4Reliability
If the system maintains strict temperature control, then product quality is preserved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is segmented into independent modular units, each controlling its own temperature. This allows energy to be focused only on the modules that require strict temperature control, rather than cooling the entire system uniformly. Modules with stable temperatures consume less energy, while modules needing adjustment can do so independently without affecting other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature control and energy consumption are optimized locally for each modular unit based on actual product requirements. Modules storing temperature-sensitive products maintain strict control with higher energy consumption, while modules storing less sensitive products use reduced cooling, lowering overall system energy consumption while maintaining necessary temperature stability where required.
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 flexible and efficient storage by independently controlling temperatures within modular units, minimizing heat transfer and access to non-perishable items during temperature excursions.
Implementation Method 1
the wall includes a phase change material disposed within the wall
Implementation Method 2
the insulating wall is oriented in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the back wall
Implementation Method 3
a damper configured to move between a first position and a second position to redirect chilled air the modular unit
Implementation Method 4
a fan that is configured to direct air from a first end of the modular unit to a second end of the modular unit
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein can include one or more modular storage units for use with a refrigerator system. The modular storage units can include a door that is movable from a closed position to an open position; a back wall; side walls; and a base. The modular storage unit can have an air inlet disposed in the back wall for receiving chilled air from the refrigeration system. The modular storage unit can include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature within the interior volume and an insulating wall comprising a phase change material disposed within the insulating wall. The modular storage unit can include a locking system configured to lock the door. Multiple modular storage units can be used in one refrigerator system, and each can be removably coupled to an interior storage compartment of the refrigerator system. Embodiments described herein can be integrated into existing refrigeration systems.