PCM Belt Assembly for Temperature-Controlled Cargo Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-controlled cargo containers for sensitive materials face challenges in maintaining consistent temperatures during transport due to ambient temperature fluctuations, and the durability and efficiency of phase change material (PCM) packs are inadequate, leading to potential temperature deviations and packaging issues.
Innovation Solution
A durable PCM belt system with multiple pouches made of materials like nylon, allowing for efficient packing and orientation of PCM packs within the container, ensuring consistent temperature control by using first and second PCM packs with different melting points to maintain temperature ranges, and featuring secure flaps to prevent pack removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional support material is used to wrap temperature sensitive materials during shipment, then the materials can be kept on pallets during transport, but the support material does not provide adequate insulation and temperature fluctuations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the support material by incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) with specific melting points into the belt structure. This allows the material to actively regulate temperature through phase transitions, transforming from a passive insulator to an active temperature control system that maintains stable temperatures during shipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite support material by combining traditional insulating materials with phase change materials embedded in pouches within the belt structure. This composite construction provides both structural support and active thermal regulation, resolving the contradiction between mechanical support function and temperature stability.
2Reliability
If PCM packs are used to maintain constant temperature, then temperature stability improves, but the packaging durability and efficiency are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds individual PCM packs within pouches that are integrated into the belt structure. This nested configuration protects the PCM packs from damage while maintaining their thermal function, and allows the belt to provide structural support to the otherwise vulnerable PCM containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible pouches made of durable material to enclose the PCM packs. These flexible containers provide protection against mechanical damage while allowing the PCM to expand and contract during phase changes, maintaining both durability and thermal functionality.
3Temperature
If multiple individual PCM packs are used to achieve sufficient product coverage, then temperature control is effective, but the quantity and complexity of packaging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual PCM packs into a single integrated belt structure where the pouches are connected in a continuous belt. This combining approach maintains the temperature control coverage of multiple packs while reducing packaging complexity and improving ease of use during shipping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the cargo, contains and protects the PCM packs, and distributes thermal regulation across the entire cargo area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate packaging components.
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 PCM belt system effectively maintains temperature-sensitive materials within a predetermined range, reducing temperature fluctuations and improving durability and efficiency of PCM packs, ensuring reliable temperature control during transport.
Implementation Method 1
A PCM is a substance with a high heat of fusion which, by melting and solidifying at a particular temperature, is capable of storing and releasing significant amounts of energy while maintaining a nearly constant temperature
Implementation Method 2
Heat is absorbed or released as the PCM changes from solid to liquid and vice versa; thus, PCMs are classified as latent heat storage units
Data Source
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AI summary
A container assembly for controlling the thermal condition of cargo includes an insulated container having a cover and a pair of belt assemblies having a plurality of pouches. The container may comprise handles and/or a detachable and/or adjustable shoulder strap. The container assembly further includes a plurality of phase-changing material packs configured to provide for the control of the temperature of cargo contained within the container. The phase-changing material packs are positioned within the belt assemblies and are thermally conditioned prior to use. The belt assemblies may be made of a durable material and may be configured to provide for the expedient exchange of thermal energy between the phase-changing material packs and an exterior of the belt assemblies. The belt assemblies may comprise features that provide for the efficient orienting of the belt assemblies within the container and/or the appropriate selection of phase-changing material packs for a respective belt assembly.