Modular Refrigerated Trailer Zones for Multi-Temperature Cargo Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery vehicles with a single cargo volume face challenges in maintaining optimal temperature conditions for diverse merchandise, suffer from thermal inefficiencies, and have suboptimal loading and unloading processes due to structural limitations, including uneven floors and lateral access doors that hinder efficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A cargo container with modular climate-controlled zones, vertically movable floor portions, and partition panels that allow for independent temperature management and rearward loading, along with a shelving system and AI optimization for efficient loading and unloading processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cargo volume is used in delivery vehicles, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot maintain different temperature conditions for diverse merchandise and suffers from thermal inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo volume is divided into multiple independent climate-controlled zones separated by movable partition panels. Each zone can be independently temperature-controlled to accommodate different merchandise requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition panels are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of zone sizes and numbers based on delivery requirements. This dynamic structure provides adaptability while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If a single cargo volume is opened to access merchandise, then access is simplified, but thermal loss increases and temperature variations become detrimental to merchandise
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo volume is segmented into multiple zones with individual access points. Merchandise can be accessed by opening only the specific zone door rather than the entire cargo volume, minimizing thermal loss while maintaining ease of operation for the accessed items.
Solution Approach 2:
Each zone has its own temperature control and access system, allowing local optimization where only the necessary zone is opened and cooled, rather than cooling the entire cargo volume. This reduces energy loss while maintaining operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If lateral access doors are used in delivery vehicles, then side access is provided, but standard rearward loading from dock with forklift and pallets is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with both lateral access doors and a rear door system that accommodates forklift access. The movable partition panels can be reconfigured to allow rearward loading while maintaining side access capabilities, enabling the vehicle to handle both loading methods efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo volume design incorporates multiple access points (lateral doors and rear door) that can serve different loading functions. The movable partitions allow the same cargo volume to be optimized for either side loading or rear forklift loading depending on the delivery requirements.
4Ease of operation
If floor portions are lowered to provide access, then loading access is improved, but cargo volume optimization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The floor portions are designed to be vertically movable rather than permanently lowered. During loading operations, the floor can be lowered to provide access, and during transportation, it returns to its upper position to maximize cargo volume, dynamically resolving the contradiction between access and volume optimization.
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 solution enables efficient temperature control for diverse merchandise, optimizes space utilization, and simplifies loading and unloading processes, reducing thermal loss and improving energy management.
Implementation Method 1
Each zone is equipped with an independent conditioning unit capable of cooling, heating, and dehumidifying the air
Implementation Method 2
The cargo container features an insulated body with double walls comprising inner and outer metal panels with an insulation layer sandwiched between
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration body to be mounted to a chassis to obtain a climatized vehicle. The refrigeration body has an enclosure delimited by external surfaces; internal and walls dividing the enclosure into a plurality of sub-cargo volumes accessible through dedicated doors. The refrigeration body has a plurality of conditioning units mounted to at least one of the external surface, with at a first one of the plurality of conditioning units that is fluidly coupled to a first one of the sub-cargo volumes, and a second one of the plurality of conditioning units that is fluidly coupled to a second one of the sub-cargo volumes.