Packaging with Passive Thermal Insulation and Phase-Change Heat Accumulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for transporting fragile objects fail to maintain constant temperature and humidity conditions without a power supply, leading to increased weight and safety concerns during air transportation, as they require external power sources and are not autonomous.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system comprising a reinforced outer structure, thermal and mechanical insulators, sealed compartments with heat accumulators, and humidity regulation agents, allowing for autonomous control of temperature and humidity without an external power supply, including valves for pressure balancing and silica crystals for humidity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating/cooling systems or humidifying/dehumidifying systems are used to control temperature and humidity, then temperature and humidity conditions can be maintained, but the packaging requires an external power supply which increases weight and causes safety concerns during air transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical heating/cooling systems with passive thermal insulation materials and phase-change heat accumulators. The thermal insulator reduces heat transfer between the packaging interior and exterior, while the heat accumulators store and release thermal energy during phase transitions, maintaining temperature without requiring power-consuming mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase-change materials in the heat accumulators that absorb or release latent heat during phase transitions (e.g., solid-liquid transitions). This phase change mechanism provides automatic temperature regulation without requiring external power, replacing active thermal control systems that would add weight and safety concerns.
2Temperature
If heating/cooling systems or humidifying/dehumidifying systems are used to control temperature and humidity, then temperature and humidity conditions can be maintained, but the packaging requires an external power supply which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex active mechanical systems (heaters, coolers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, sensors, and control electronics) with passive physical systems. The thermal insulator and phase-change heat accumulators provide automatic temperature regulation through material properties, while silica gel humidity regulators control moisture through adsorption, eliminating the need for complex powered devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system uses self-regulating passive components that automatically maintain temperature and humidity without external control. The phase-change materials automatically absorb or release heat based on temperature conditions, and silica gel automatically adsorbs or desorbs moisture based on humidity levels, eliminating the need for complex control systems.
3Temperature
If batteries or external power connections are used to power thermal control systems, then temperature control is achievable, but air safety regulations prohibit the transportation of batteries and constrain the presence of operating electrical devices in the baggage hold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates electrical power systems from the packaging by using passive thermal control mechanisms. The thermal insulator and phase-change heat accumulators provide temperature regulation without any electrical components, ensuring compliance with air safety regulations that prohibit batteries and operating electrical devices in baggage holds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes all electrical power supply components (batteries, power connections, electronic controls) from the packaging system. By relying solely on passive physical principles for thermal and humidity control, the design achieves air transportation compliance while maintaining temperature control functionality.
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
Ensures safe transportation of fragile objects by maintaining constant temperature and humidity, protecting against mechanical, temperature, and humidity variations, while being lightweight and compliant with air safety regulations, ensuring the integrity of the transported items.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal insulator
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical insulator
Implementation Method 3
mechanical insulator... shock absorbers
Implementation Method 4
Heat accumulators with a high thermal inertia
Implementation Method 5
heat accumulators with a high thermal inertia
Implementation Method 6
Humidity regulation agents... silica crystals for humidity control
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a standalone packaging in which temperature and humidity levels are maintained constant by virtue of the temperature control achieved by the use of high thermal inertia condensers, the use of a sealed compartment and the inclusion therein of passive humidity regulators, all of this also being protected against mechanical damage such as from impacts or vibrations.