Pallet Cover With PCM Pockets for Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pallet covers for temperature-sensitive materials lack effective temperature control, particularly in maintaining a consistent temperature range for extended periods, especially for perishable goods during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A pallet cover design featuring multiple pockets with phase-change materials and insulation, allowing for adjustable and customizable temperature control by using different types and quantities of phase-change pouches and insulation in various configurations to optimize thermal protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional pallet covers without temperature control are used, then the device complexity is low, but the temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates phase change materials (PCMs) in pouches within pockets of the pallet cover. These PCMs undergo phase transitions (freezing/thawing) to absorb and release heat, actively maintaining temperature stability. The pouches contain PCMs with specific freezing points selected to match the required temperature range for the cargo, providing passive thermal regulation without complex active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet cover uses composite construction combining multiple layers including insulating materials (foam, air gaps) with phase change material pouches. This composite structure integrates both thermal insulation and active temperature regulation functions, achieving superior temperature control while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.
2Temperature
If multiple temperature-control members are added to achieve desired temperature range, then the temperature control effectiveness is improved, but the weight of the object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is segmented into multiple discrete pouches distributed throughout pockets in the pallet cover. Each pouch contains a specific amount of phase change material positioned at strategic locations. This segmentation allows the total PCM mass to be optimized for temperature control effectiveness while distributing weight throughout the structure rather than concentrating it in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pallet cover can accommodate pouches with different PCM types having different freezing points, allowing local optimization of temperature control for different cargo zones. The insulating properties are also locally optimized with varying thicknesses of insulation layers in different areas of the cover.
3Temperature
If phase-change materials are strategically placed in pockets, then the temperature range maintenance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change materials are pre-packaged in separate pouches that are inserted into pre-formed pockets in the pallet cover. This segmentation allows the PCM pouches to be manufactured independently and then assembled into the cover structure, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to integrating PCM directly into the cover material.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cover, defines the placement location for PCM pouches, and acts as a barrier between adjacent pouches. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies assembly.
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 pallet cover effectively maintains a desired temperature range for temperature-sensitive materials by strategically placing phase-change materials and insulation, enhancing thermal protection and reducing temperature excursions, thus ensuring the integrity of perishable goods during transport.
Implementation Method 1
The first type of temperature-control member comprises a first plurality of pouches containing phase-change material
Implementation Method 2
phase change material that comprises 1-99.5% by weight polyol, wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of 1,4 butanediol and 1,6 hexanediol, 0.5-99% by weight water, and an amount of a nucleating agent sufficient to reduce super cooling of the phase change formulation
Implementation Method 3
The one or more spacers being one or more pieces of insulation
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)
Figure 1(c)
AI summary
A pallet cover suitable for use in covering at least a portion of a payload on a pallet and a kit for use in making the pallet cover. In one embodiment, the pallet cover includes a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall, wherein the walls are detachably joined to one another. Each of the top wall, the front wall, the rear wall, the left side wall, and the right side wall includes a first fabric sheet and a second fabric sheet, the first and second fabric sheets being joined together to form a plurality of pockets. Each pocket may removably receive a temperature-control member containing a phase-change material. At least one of the top wall, the front wall, the rear wall, the left side wall and the right side wall may include a plurality of detachably joined portions.