Portable Environmental Storage Container with Active Climate Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable storage containers for medications and sensitive items lack temperature and humidity control, are prone to breakage, and often cannot be locked, making it difficult to maintain the integrity and security of contents during transport and storage.

Innovation Solution

A portable environmental storage container system comprising a lid, inner compartment, and outer container with a locking mechanism, temperature and humidity probes, and a Bluetooth-connected PCB for monitoring and controlling environmental conditions, allowing secure and controlled storage and transport of sensitive items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glass storage, humidors, or plastic containers are used to store medications, then the medications can be stored, but the containers are subject to breakage if dropped and can easily spoil the contents if not properly monitored and maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer integrityVSAvoidbreakage and spoilage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container uses a composite structure combining a rigid outer shell for structural integrity with an inner liner for sealing and environmental control. This composite design provides both durability against breakage and protection against spoilage through proper material selection for each layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The container incorporates temperature and humidity sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide feedback to a control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustments to maintain optimal storage conditions, preventing spoilage of medications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If ice or ice bags are used within the container to maintain temperature, then the temperature can be controlled, but there is no way of checking what the temperature is set within that container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidtemperature monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual temperature control method using ice bags is replaced with an electronic temperature control system that uses sensors, microcontrollers, and heating/cooling elements. This substitution enables automated temperature maintenance and digital monitoring, eliminating the information gap about actual temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If portable storage containers are used for medications, then the medications can be carried, but they cannot be locked to keep away from kids or others

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: portable storage, environmental monitoring, active environmental control, and electronic locking. This combination maintains portability while adding security features that were previously mutually exclusive with portable design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is designed as a multi-functional device that serves as both a portable storage solution and a secure safe. It incorporates medication storage compartments, environmental sensors, control systems, and biometric authentication, allowing it to perform multiple functions in a single portable unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If current portable humidors or medicinal containers are used, then the items can be stored, but they cannot be locked and kept away from unwanted individuals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage functionalityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11014710B2Portable environmental storage container system

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 SKIBA BURT

AI summary

The present application provides a unique way for storing cigars, and medicines in a portable environmental storage container system. The portable environmental storage container system can comprise a lid, an inner compartment, an outer container, electronics, and a bottom enclosure. An inner compartment can slide in and out of an outer container and seal shut with a seal keeping the inside of the container air tight with the humidity kept in when sealed, or the humidity out if none is desired. After the contents have been stored within the portable environmental storage container the user can monitor the contents inside the container with a portable computing device in real time.