Portable Multi-Temperature Container with Vapor Compression System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-controlled containers are limited in their ability to maintain product quality by efficiently adjusting to various temperature ranges without external connections and are not portable or adaptable for different environments.
Innovation Solution
A portable, multi-temperature controlled container equipped with a vapor compression system, including a micro-compressor, valves, condenser, and evaporator, powered by a battery system, with a controller for temperature regulation and wireless connectivity, capable of maintaining product at desired temperatures from -10°F to 130°F, and featuring automatic defrost and geo-tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable container with vapor compression system is designed to maintain multiple temperature ranges without external connections, then temperature control capability and portability are improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor compression system is designed with reversible operation capability, allowing the same hardware components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device) to function in different temperature modes (cooling, heating, dehumidification) by changing valve configurations and refrigerant flow directions, eliminating the need for separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control through electronic expansion valves and reversible four-way valves that can adjust refrigerant flow directions and expansion ratios in real-time, enabling the fixed hardware to adapt to different temperature requirements and operational modes without physical reconfiguration
2Reliability
If automatic defrost and dehumidification cycles are implemented, then product protection and temperature stability are improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic defrost and dehumidification cycles that are automatically triggered based on sensor feedback (temperature differential, humidity levels, runtime duration), allowing the refrigeration system to intermittently reverse operation or activate heating elements to remove frost accumulation and excess moisture, then return to normal cooling mode, thereby maintaining temperature stability while managing energy consumption through timed, condition-based interventions
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors and humidity sensors continuously monitor the container environment and provide feedback to the control system, which automatically initiates defrost or dehumidification cycles when specific conditions are detected (such as temperature drop below threshold, high humidity levels, or frost accumulation indicators), and terminates cycles when target conditions are achieved, optimizing energy usage based on actual environmental needs
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 container effectively maintains product quality by conditioning temperatures across a wide range, ensuring product freshness and protection from harsh environments, with battery-powered operation and wireless connectivity for flexibility and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigeration system may include a compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator and may utilize a refrigerant to condition the product space
Implementation Method 2
The refrigeration system may include a compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator
Implementation Method 3
The refrigeration system may include a compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator
Implementation Method 4
The refrigeration system is in communication with the product space to condition the product space
Data Source
AI summary
A container including a housing defining a product space and including a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system is coupled to the container and is in communication with the product space to condition the product space. The refrigeration system is operably connected to each other and selectively conditions the product space in a low temperature mode and a medium temperature mode.