Multi-PCM Transport Packaging for Passive Payload Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shipping containers for temperature-sensitive payloads are inefficient and costly, often requiring electrical power or complex mechanical devices to maintain temperature within a narrow range, leading to waste due to inadequate temperature control at remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A transport package utilizing multiple phase change materials, with at least one thermally conditioned phase change material acting as a buffer, combined with insulation, to maintain payload temperature within a desired range without a power source, effectively protecting against both hot and cold ambient temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical power sources or mechanical devices are used to maintain temperature, then temperature control reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change materials automatically regulate temperature through their inherent phase transition properties without requiring external power sources or mechanical control devices. The system serves itself by utilizing the latent heat absorption and release during phase changes to maintain payload temperature within the desired range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase change materials that undergo phase transitions (solid-liquid or liquid-gas) at specific temperatures to absorb or release heat. This phase transition mechanism provides passive temperature regulation, eliminating the need for complex active cooling or heating systems while maintaining reliable temperature control
2Manufacturing precision
If active thermal control systems are used, then temperature precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Phase change materials provide precise temperature control at their phase transition temperature points through latent heat effects. The temperature remains relatively constant during phase change, naturally maintaining the payload within a narrow temperature band without continuous energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameters of the packaging by incorporating phase change materials with specific transition temperatures matched to the payload requirements. This parameter selection allows the package to adapt to different temperature control needs without active energy consumption
3Reliability
If complex thermal preparation methods are used, then temperature control effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change materials are pre-positioned within the packaging structure during manufacturing, thermally conditioned and ready for use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site thermal preparation or activation procedures, allowing simple pack-and-ship operation while maintaining effective temperature control
4Device complexity
If single phase change material is used, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different temperature ranges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal control system is segmented into multiple phase change materials, each with different phase transition temperatures. This segmentation allows the package to handle different temperature scenarios (cold protection, hot protection, or both) by selecting and combining appropriate materials, providing versatility without significantly increasing operational complexity
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 package efficiently maintains payload temperature within a predetermined range during delivery, reducing waste and operational costs by using environmentally friendly, power-free methods, suitable for remote locations with limited thermal control equipment.
Implementation Method 1
one or more of the other phase change materials act as a thermal buffer to maintain the payload temperature within a desired temperature range
Implementation Method 2
one or more phase change material being cooled or heated to temperatures outside the desired temperature range
Implementation Method 3
The transport package is used for transporting temperature sensitive materials and thermally protecting the materials from cold and hot ambient temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a transport package which efficiently maintains payload temperature within a predetermined temperature range during delivery through regions having ambient temperatures outside the desired range. The transport package is used for transporting temperature sensitive materials and thermally protecting the materials from cold and hot ambient temperatures in a manner that does not require a power source or other mechanical devices. Aspects of the invention relate to a temperature maintaining packaging system having an outer container, thermal insulation materials and two or more different phase change materials.