Method for temperature controlled transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature-controlled transport methods are inefficient and costly due to the need for specialized equipment and separate handling of products with different temperature requirements, leading to excessive energy consumption, temperature variations, and logistical challenges, especially for frozen goods.
Innovation Solution
A passive temperature-controlled transport method using energy-tight transport packages with integrated thermal elements and wireless monitoring, allowing for flexible use of transport means and efficient logistics by maintaining consistent temperatures without external energy, enabling the transportation of diverse temperature-controlled products together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If refrigeration machinery is used to maintain temperature during transport, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling or pre-heating thermal energy storage elements before transport. These elements are charged with the desired temperature in advance, then placed in the transport package to maintain temperature without requiring external energy during transit. This resolves the contradiction by achieving temperature control through pre-prepared thermal reservoirs rather than continuous energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport package becomes self-sufficient for temperature control through integrated thermal energy storage elements that autonomously maintain temperature without external refrigeration machinery. The system serves itself by using the stored thermal energy to compensate for heat transfer, eliminating the need for active cooling or heating systems during transport.
2Temperature
If specialized refrigerated transport equipment is used, then temperature control is ensured, but equipment costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control function from the transport vehicle itself, placing independent thermal control units within individual transport packages. Each package contains its own thermal energy storage elements and insulation, creating self-contained temperature-controlled modules. This allows standard vehicles to be used while maintaining temperature control, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal energy storage elements act as intermediaries between the product and the external environment. Instead of requiring the transport vehicle to provide temperature control, these intermediary elements mediate heat transfer, absorbing or releasing thermal energy to maintain stable temperatures without requiring specialized vehicle equipment.
3Temperature
If products with different temperature requirements are transported separately, then each product receives appropriate temperature control, but logistics efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport package design provides universal temperature control capability through interchangeable thermal energy storage elements. The same basic package structure can accommodate different temperature requirements by simply changing the thermal elements or their initial charge temperatures. This multi-functionality allows mixed loading of products with different temperature needs in a single transport vehicle, improving logistics efficiency while maintaining appropriate temperature control for each product type.
4Use of energy by moving object
If frozen goods are transported in large batches, then refrigeration efficiency improves, but flexibility and speed of transport decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic transport batch sizes through modular transport packages with adjustable thermal capacity. By varying the number and size of thermal energy storage elements, the system can be optimized for different batch sizes while maintaining temperature control. This allows small batches to be transported efficiently with appropriate thermal mass, and large batches to use multiple packages, providing flexibility without sacrificing refrigeration efficiency.
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
This method ensures reliable and even temperature control for extended periods, reduces energy consumption and equipment costs, and simplifies logistics by allowing mixed temperature products to be transported together, facilitating faster and more flexible transportation, including the use of non-temperature-controlled means like trucks and air freight.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal element, by means of which the internal temperature of the transport packaged is maintained as desired without external energy
Implementation Method 2
the product is packed in an essentially energy tight transport package
Implementation Method 3
the temperature in the transport package is monitored wirelessly essentially continuously
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for temperature controlled transport. In the method, temperature controlled products (11) are transported. In the method, a passive transport is used, in which the product (11) is packed in an essentially energy tight transport package (12). In addition, in the method a thermal element (13), by means of which the internal temperature of the transport package (12) is maintained as desired without external energy, is included in the transport package (12). Further, in the method the temperature of the transport package (12) is monitored wirelessly essentially continuously. The invention also relates to a system for temperature controlled transport.