Transport container for transporting temperature-sensitive products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport containers for temperature-sensitive goods require separate areas for active and passive temperature elements, leading to increased electricity consumption, complexity, and susceptibility to errors, as well as potential local temperature differences within the container.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered transport container shell with integrated latent heat storage and active temperature elements, eliminating the need for air circulation and separate areas for temperature elements, thereby reducing electricity consumption and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate areas are provided for active and passive temperature control elements, then temperature control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and susceptibility to errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines active temperature control elements (Peltier elements) and passive temperature control elements (phase change material) into a single integrated layer structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate areas for different temperature control functions, reducing structural complexity and potential failure points while maintaining reliable temperature control through the coordinated operation of both active and passive elements within the same layer.
2Temperature
If air circulation is used to transfer heat between compartments, then temperature distribution is improved, but electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical air circulation system with direct thermal conduction through the integrated layer structure. The active Peltier elements and passive phase change material are positioned in the same layer, allowing heat transfer through direct thermal contact and conduction rather than requiring mechanical air movement. This substitution eliminates the need for fans or pumps, significantly reducing electricity consumption while maintaining effective temperature distribution.
3Quantity of substance
If latent heat storage devices are used for passive temperature control, then energy storage capacity is improved, but effectiveness is lost after complete phase change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the active Peltier elements and passive phase change material in the same integrated layer, allowing the active elements to preemptively recharge the phase change material during periods when power is available or temperature conditions permit. This preliminary action ensures that the passive temperature control elements are replenished before they are fully depleted, extending their effective operational duration and ensuring continuous temperature control capability throughout the transport process.
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 integrated layer structure reduces electricity consumption, minimizes local temperature differences, and enhances the structural simplicity and reliability of the transport container, ensuring consistent temperature control for temperature-sensitive goods.
Implementation Method 1
latent heat storage devices, which can store thermal energy in phase-change materials whose latent heat of fusion, solution, or absorption is significantly greater than the heat they can store based on their normal specific heat capacity
Implementation Method 2
phase-change materials whose latent heat of fusion, solution, or absorption is significantly greater than the heat they can store based on their normal specific heat capacity
Implementation Method 3
a shell enclosing the interior space, which shell comprises thermal insulation
Implementation Method 4
Another type of active temperature control element operates on the thermoelectric principle, using so-called Peltier elements
Implementation Method 5
They are based on the conversion of a non-thermal form of energy into a thermal form of energy. The release or absorption of heat occurs, for example, within the framework of a thermodynamic cycle, such as a compression refrigeration machine
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In a transport container (1) for transporting temperature-sensitive transport goods, comprising an interior space for accommodating the transport goods and a shell enclosing the interior space and comprising thermal insulation, with at least one latent heat accumulator and at least one active temperature control element being provided in order to temperature control the interior space Shell designed in several layers, the thermal insulation, the latent heat storage device and, if applicable, the active temperature control element being formed as separate layers (7, 8, 9) of the shell lying one on top of the other.