Passive Temperature Control ULD Container Using Refrigerant Bottles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Active temperature control devices in existing ULD containers are expensive, require routine maintenance, and can lead to temperature excursions if mechanical components fail, while passive temperature control solutions do not conform to standard ULD sizes, increasing labor and handling costs and reducing aircraft loading efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A passive temperature control system for ULD containers using insulation panels and refrigerant bottles filled with a thermal medium, which are cooled or heated to maintain a predetermined temperature within the cargo space, integrated into a ULD-compliant container body to ensure efficient temperature regulation without active systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If active temperature control devices are used in ULD containers, then temperature regulation capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active temperature control system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device) and replaces it with passive thermal mass (ice panels or cold packs) that are pre-cooled and placed in the container. This eliminates mechanical components while maintaining temperature regulation capability through phase change and thermal conduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive temperature control system uses pre-cooled thermal mass that automatically maintains temperature without requiring external power, control systems, or maintenance. The ice panels or cold packs self-regulate temperature through phase change and thermal conduction, eliminating the need for active control mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If passive temperature control solutions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but conformity to standard ULD sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the passive temperature control system with universal dimensions that conform to standard ULD container specifications. The ice panels or cold packs are sized to fit within standard ULD footprints, allowing them to serve both as temperature control devices and as space-efficient cargo units that maintain aircraft loading efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies particular dimensional parameters for the passive temperature control system (ice panels or cold packs) to ensure they conform to standard ULD size requirements. By controlling dimensions, the system maintains compatibility with standard aircraft cargo holds while providing effective passive temperature control.
3Reliability
If non-ULD containers are used for passive temperature control, then temperature control reliability is improved, but labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control function into modular ice panels or cold packs that can be independently placed within the ULD container. This segmentation allows for easy handling and positioning by ground crews while maintaining reliable passive temperature control throughout the cargo space.
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 provides reliable, cost-effective temperature control within ULD containers, reducing labor and handling requirements, minimizing temperature excursions, and enhancing aircraft loading efficiency by conforming to standard ULD sizes and integrating real-time data tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of insulation panels, wherein each of the plurality of insulation panels is connected to an inner surface of a corresponding wall of the container body
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of refrigerant bottles filled with a thermal medium. The plurality of refrigerant bottles and the thermal medium may be one of cooled and heated to a predetermined temperature for the cargo being shipped in the container
Data Source
AI summary
A container suitable for use in a shipment of a cargo by air may include a container body having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall and oppositely disposed side walls and defining a cargo space within the container. The container body may be fabricated as a structure that is a compliant unit load device (ULD) container meeting specified aviation authority structural requirements. A passive temperature control system is located within the cargo space and may have a plurality of insulation panels connected to inner surfaces of the walls of the container body, at least one rack proximate a corresponding wall of the container body, and a plurality of refrigerant bottles filled with a thermal medium and received by the at least one rack to passively maintain a cargo space temperature in the cargo space during the shipment of the cargo.