Passive Thermal Shipping Container for PMC Pallet Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shipping systems for temperature-sensitive materials are limited by size, compatibility with different pallet standards, and storage efficiency, often requiring active temperature control and incurring high costs or being difficult to stack when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A passively-controlled shipping system with a dimensioned insulated container and phase-change material, designed to fit four units on a standard PMC sheet, accommodate both US and European pallet sizes, maintain temperature for extended periods, and withstand stacking, using a composite frame and vacuum insulated panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If active temperature-control devices are used, then temperature maintenance is achieved, but transportation costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical refrigeration systems with a passive thermal system using phase-change materials (PCM) and vacuum insulated panels (VIP). The PCM absorbs heat during phase transition and the VIP minimizes heat transfer, eliminating the need for electrical refrigeration equipment and reducing transportation costs while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase-change materials that undergo phase transitions (e.g., solid-liquid) at specific temperatures. During the phase change, the material absorbs or releases latent heat, maintaining a stable temperature environment for the payload without requiring active cooling systems.
2Temperature
If conventional passively-controlled systems are used, then temperature control is achieved, but only one or two systems fit on a PMC sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal control function into separate modular components: vacuum insulated panels for thermal isolation and phase-change material assemblies for active cooling. This segmentation allows for more compact system design and better space utilization on PMC sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the system dimensions to fit within the three-dimensional space available on PMC sheets. By reducing the footprint and height of individual units while maintaining thermal performance through VIP technology, multiple systems can be stacked or arranged to maximize space utilization.
3Temperature
If conventional passively-controlled systems are used, then temperature control is achieved, but they are difficult to stack when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the system as modular stacked units with standardized interfaces. Each unit contains self-contained thermal insulation and phase-change material assemblies that can be independently stacked without compromising thermal performance or structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates flexible or adjustable structural elements that allow the system to adapt between operational and storage configurations. The modular design enables easy stacking and nesting when not in use, improving ease of operation and storage efficiency.
4Temperature
If conventional passively-controlled systems are used, then temperature control is achieved, but compatibility with different pallet standards is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the system with universal mounting interfaces and standardized dimensions that can accommodate different pallet types (e.g., Euro pallets, US pallets). The modular phase-change material assemblies can be configured to fit various payload sizes and pallet specifications, enhancing adaptability and versatility.
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 system effectively maintains temperature-sensitive materials within a desired range for up to 5 days, fits multiple units on a single PMC sheet, and allows for efficient storage without structural damage, reducing costs and improving logistical flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a quantity of phase-change material disposed within the insulated container
Implementation Method 2
Many different types of phase-change materials exist, some types comprising an organic phase-change material and some other types comprising an aqueous phase-change material
Implementation Method 3
using a composite frame and vacuum insulated panels
Data Source
AI summary
Shipping system for temperature-sensitive materials. In one embodiment, the shipping system includes a frame defining an enclosure. The frame includes a bottom, a top, a front, a rear, a left side, a right side, a left corner gusset, and a right corner gusset. The front serves as a door. Thermal breaks are provided in one or more of the bottom, the front, the left corner gusset, and the right corner gusset. Vacuum insulated panels are positioned along all sides of the frame. Many of the vacuum insulated panels are encapsulated between the frame and an outer shell. A plurality of phase-change material assemblies are positioned within the frame along all sides. Heat-spreaders are positioned interior to the phase-change material assemblies. The shipping system are dimensioned so that four such shipping systems are seated on a prorate manual cargo sheet.