A portable storage apparatus and a system and method thereof for controlling a predefined temperature therein
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage solutions fail to maintain consistent temperature conditions during transportation, leading to deterioration of goods and do not cater to user-specific or goods-dependent temperature requirements, while also lacking effective moisture and odor management.
Innovation Solution
A portable storage apparatus with a sensor system, microcontroller, and movable separation plates to create hot and cold chambers, controlled by a heating and cooling system, along with humidity and odor management, and a cloud-based system for user-defined temperature settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If insulation is used to maintain temperature during transportation, then energy consumption is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage box is divided into multiple independent chambers (hot chamber and cold chamber) separated by insulation plates, allowing different temperature zones to be maintained simultaneously with lower overall energy consumption while achieving precise temperature control in each segment
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the storage box are assigned different thermal properties through the use of insulation plates and heating/cooling elements positioned strategically, creating localized temperature control zones that meet specific storage requirements while optimizing energy usage
2Device complexity
If a fixed temperature storage system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different goods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system incorporates movable separation plates that can be repositioned along guiding rods to dynamically adjust chamber sizes and create different temperature zones, allowing the same device to adapt to various storage requirements without increasing fundamental system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The storage box is designed with universal components including movable separation plates, removable trays, and adjustable shelving that enable a single device to serve multiple storage functions for different types of goods with varying temperature requirements
3Ease of operation
If the storage box is designed for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The portable storage box is segmented into insulated chambers with rigid structural supports and stabilizing elements that maintain temperature stability even when the device is moved or transported, reconciling portability with thermal stability
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
Maintains predefined temperature conditions, reduces moisture and odor, and ensures secure transportation of goods by adapting to user and goods-specific requirements, enhancing freshness and shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
a heating means connected to the separation plate for generating heat inside the hot chamber, wherein the heating means is provided for maintaining a first temperature in the hot chamber
Implementation Method 2
a cooling means operatively connected to the portable storage apparatus for generating cooling in the cold chamber, wherein the cooling means is provided for maintaining a second temperature in the cold chamber
Implementation Method 3
a sensor system including a temperature sensor configured for measuring temperature inside the portable storage apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a portable storage apparatus for storing and transporting goods at a predefined temperature. The portable storage apparatus (401) includes the following. A sensor system (402) including a temperature sensor (406) and a microcontroller (403) connected to the sensor system. A separation plate (105) is connected to guiding rods (106) for forming one or more hot chambers (201) and/or a cold chamber (202) and movable means is coupled for enabling the separation plate (105) to slide. A heating means (416) is configured for maintaining a first temperature inside the hot chamber and a cooling means (414) is configured for maintaining a second temperature inside the cold chamber. The first temperature and the second temperature are predefined based on user-defined temperature and/or goods stored. The microcontroller (403) controls the heating means and/or the cooling means based on the measured temperature and the predefined first temperature and second temperature.