Method and system for controlling use of a portable cooling container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable cooling devices for perishable goods lack effective control mechanisms for different use scenarios, particularly in managing power sources and authorized use times during the last mile of transportation.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines characteristics of the cooling container's use, such as expected use time and power availability, and provides users with indications and options for switching power sources or extending authorized use, using a processor and transceiver for remote communication and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portable cooling devices are used for last mile transportation, then temperature control for perishable goods is achieved, but control mechanisms for managing power sources and authorized use times are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors power source characteristics (charge level, power output) and authorized use time parameters, comparing them against thresholds and providing feedback to both the controller and user interface. This enables automatic adjustments to cooling operation and timely notifications to users about power status and authorization expiration, ensuring reliable temperature control without requiring complex manual control mechanisms.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the cooling container operates for extended authorized use time, then more delivery time is available, but power sources may be depleted before authorized use expires
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of power source capacity against the authorized use time duration before operation begins and continuously during operation. When the power source is projected to deplete before authorized use expires, the system proactively notifies the user and can automatically adjust cooling operation to conserve power, ensuring the container operates within power constraints throughout the authorized period.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device dynamically adjusts its power consumption based on real-time monitoring of power source status and remaining authorized use time. The controller modulates cooling intensity, compressor operation, and fan speed to match available power capacity, enabling the system to extend operational duration by optimizing energy usage patterns throughout the authorized use period.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cooling container uses higher power to maintain temperature control, then temperature stability is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic cycling of the compressor and cooling elements rather than continuous operation. The controller monitors temperature fluctuations and power consumption, activating cooling components only when temperature rises above the setpoint and deactivating them when the setpoint is reached. This periodic operation maintains temperature stability within acceptable ranges while significantly reducing average power consumption and extending battery life compared to continuous high-power operation.
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
Ensures efficient power management and extended use authorization, preventing unexpected power failures and unauthorized use, thereby maintaining temperature control and maximizing battery life and cost efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
portable cooling devices have been proposed that include a thermoelectric device
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative example method of controlling use of a portable cooling container includes determining at least one characteristic of an amount of use of the cooling container. The at least one characteristic is determined by at least one of a processor at a location remote from the cooling container and a container controller of the cooling container. A relationship between the at least one characteristic and continued use of the cooling container is determined. An indication to a user of the cooling container is provided regarding continued use of the cooling container based on the determined relationship.