Portable temperature controlled container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable temperature-controlled containers for transporting highly-temperature-sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals and vaccines lack accurate temperature control, are not robust enough for rough terrain, and have inefficiencies in power management, leading to potential spoilage due to temperature fluctuations and ice management issues during long or remote journeys.
Innovation Solution
A portable temperature-controlled container equipped with a thermoelectric device, phase change materials, a rechargeable battery, temperature sensor, and a controller that regulates temperature using a thermoelectric device and phase change materials to maintain a specific temperature range, with optional additional components like a heating element and second phase change material for efficient temperature management across varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice is packed into the insulated box to keep goods cool, then the goods remain cool during transport, but the temperature cannot be accurately controlled and goods may freeze or spoil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical ice-based cooling system with an active thermoelectric cooling system. The thermoelectric device uses electrical current to precisely control heat transfer direction and magnitude, enabling accurate temperature regulation without the uncertainty of ice melting rates. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both cooling capability and precise temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the controlling parameter from passive ice quantity to active electrical current magnitude. By adjusting the electrical current through the thermoelectric device, the system can dynamically control the cooling rate and maintain temperature within the desired range, preventing both overheating and freezing while ensuring reliability.
2Temperature
If electromechanical refrigeration systems are used to control temperature, then temperature can be regulated, but the systems are not robust enough for rough terrain and are too complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromechanical refrigeration systems with simpler thermoelectric devices. The thermoelectric effect directly converts electrical energy to thermal energy transfer without moving parts, compressors, or refrigerants, dramatically reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining temperature regulation capability and improving robustness for rough terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex mechanical components (compressors, condensers, expansion valves) from traditional refrigeration systems, retaining only the essential heat transfer function through solid-state thermoelectric materials. This extraction simplifies the system while preserving temperature control functionality.
3Device complexity
If traditional insulated boxes with ice are used, then the structure is simple, but there is no active temperature control and ice must be restocked frequently on remote journeys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous active cooling through the thermoelectric device powered by electrical supply, replacing the finite ice supply that depletes over time. The electrical power source enables sustained temperature control throughout the entire journey duration without requiring ice restocking, maintaining continuous useful cooling action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the passive, consumable ice-based system with an active, renewable electrical power-based system. This substitution extends the operational duration from limited ice melt time to the full journey duration, eliminating the need for frequent restocking while keeping the container structure relatively simple.
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
This configuration maintains the temperature of goods within a specific range for extended periods at a lower cost, enhances robustness, and allows for efficient operation in both hot and cold conditions, reducing the need for frequent ice restocking and providing reliable temperature control during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the storage compartment; the thermoelectric device is operable to remove energy in the form of heat from one of the storage compartment and the first phase change material and transfer that energy in the form of heat to the other
Implementation Method 2
a first phase change material in thermal communication with the first thermoelectric device
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a portable temperature controlled container comprising a body having a storage compartment, an opening to permit access to the storage compartment and an insulated lid. The container comprises a fan, a heat sink and a first thermoelectric device, as well as a first phase change material and a second thermoelectric device in thermal communication with both the first phase change material and the storage compartment. The second thermoelectric device in thermal communication with both the first phase change material and the storage compartment is operable to transfer energy in the form of heat between the storage compartment and the first phase change material. The thermoelectric devices can be Peltier elements.