Mobile Produce Cooling Line With Sensor Feedback and Conveyor Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for produce are slower than desired, leading to a decreased overall shelf life due to inefficient cooling processes, particularly during transportation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A mobile cooling system with separated sections and a conveyor system that continuously cools produce to an optimal temperature, utilizing a sensor feedback system for real-time temperature monitoring and data tracking from harvest to distribution, ensuring rapid and effective cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional cooling systems are used for produce, then the cooling process is simpler and less costly, but the cooling speed is slow and shelf life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling chambers or zones, each capable of cooling produce simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple produce batches, significantly increasing the overall cooling speed and reducing the time required to cool large quantities of produce.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-dimensional airflow patterns by positioning air inlets and outlets at different heights and locations within cooling chambers. This creates three-dimensional air circulation that enhances heat transfer efficiency and accelerates cooling speed compared to traditional single-plane airflow systems.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If rapid cooling is implemented, then shelf life is extended, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors are installed throughout the cooling chambers to continuously monitor produce temperature. This feedback is sent to a control system that automatically adjusts air flow rates, cooling element activation, and chamber sealing to maintain optimal cooling conditions. This automated feedback control achieves rapid cooling while managing system complexity through intelligent automation rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as air flow velocity, cooling element temperature, and chamber pressure differentials based on real-time produce temperature readings. By adjusting these parameters optimally during the cooling process, the system achieves rapid cooling效果 without requiring excessively complex hardware configurations.
3Productivity
If multiple cooling stations are used to cool produce efficiently, then cooling effectiveness improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each cooling station is designed as a multi-functional module that can handle different types of produce, operate in various cooling modes (rapid cooling, maintenance cooling, pre-cooling), and integrate with the overall system control. This universality allows multiple stations to work together efficiently without requiring each station to be a completely separate complex system, thereby improving productivity while managing overall device complexity.
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 system optimizes on-site cooling, extends the shelf life of produce, reduces handling costs, and accelerates the time to market, resulting in fresher produce and substantial cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling mechanism to cool the produce within the at least one pallet to an optimal temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods, apparatuses, and systems for cooling. Embodiments include a cooling system comprising a mobile container, conveyor system, and sensor feedback system. Container includes at least a first, second, and third section. First section holds at least one pallet containing produce. Second section includes a cooling mechanism to cool the produce within the at least one pallet to an optimal temperature. Third section includes the cooling mechanism to maintain the cooled produce in the at least one pallet at the optimal temperature. Conveyor system may be used to convey the at least one pallet across the cooling system. Sensor feedback system is configured to continuously measure and track at least the weight of the at least one pallet and temperature of the produce within the at least one pallet as the at least one pallet is conveyed across the cooling system.