PCM Belt Assembly for Temperature-Stable Cargo Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-controlled cargo containers for sensitive materials lack adequate insulation, leading to temperature fluctuations during transport, and PCM packs are prone to damage and require multiple units for sufficient coverage.
Innovation Solution
A durable PCM belt system with pouches made of materials like nylon, allowing for efficient packing and orientation of PCM packs within the container, providing improved insulation and reduced leakage risks, using multiple PCM packs with different melting points to maintain temperature stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional support material is used to wrap temperature sensitive materials, then the materials can be kept on pallets during shipment, 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 (e.g., 2°C, 8°C, 15°C) to match desired temperature ranges. This transforms the support material from a passive insulator to an active temperature-regulating system that absorbs and releases heat during phase transitions, maintaining temperature stability despite external fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite support material combining traditional insulating materials with phase change materials encapsulated in flexible containers. This composite structure provides both thermal insulation and active temperature regulation through the PCM's phase change properties, resolving the contradiction between insulation adequacy and temperature stability.
2Temperature
If multiple PCM packs are used to provide sufficient temperature coverage, then temperature stability is improved, but the number of packs increases complexity and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs PCM packs with universal applicability by using flexible containers that can be positioned in multiple orientations and configurations within the cargo container. The same PCM pack can serve different temperature zones by adjusting its position, reducing the total number of packs needed while maintaining comprehensive temperature control coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning capability where PCM packs can be moved and repositioned within the cargo container based on temperature monitoring feedback. This dynamic adjustment allows fewer packs to effectively cover varying temperature requirements throughout the transport journey, reducing system complexity while maintaining temperature stability.
3Ease of operation
If PCM packs are used without protective packaging, then ease of use is improved, but the PCM packs are prone to damage and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible yet durable container shells made of materials resistant to puncture, tearing, and leakage. These flexible containers protect the PCM from damage during handling and transport while maintaining thermal contact with cargo items. The flexible nature allows easy conforming to cargo shapes for optimal thermal contact, resolving the contradiction between durability and ease of use.
4Temperature
If PCM packs are distributed throughout the cargo container, then temperature coverage is improved, but the space required and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cargo container into temperature zones and strategically positions PCM packs at key locations within each zone. Rather than distributing packs uniformly throughout all available space, segmentation allows concentrated placement at thermal critical points, achieving comprehensive temperature coverage with fewer packs and reduced space requirements.
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 stability within the required range, reducing the impact of external temperature fluctuations and minimizing the number of PCM packs needed, while enhancing durability and ease of use.
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
Implementation Method 3
A belt has one or more pouches made of a durable material (e.g. nylon, etc.) and is operable to be filled with one or more PCM packs
Data Source
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.