Refrigerated Container Power Adapter for Plug-In Accessory Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerated shipping containers lack the necessary power infrastructure and structural support to accommodate and power accessory devices, which are crucial for preserving the freshness and safety of perishable goods during transport, leading to significant spoilage and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A power apparatus is introduced that includes connectors, a shunt, protection circuits, inductive couplers, rectifiers, and failsafes to provide conditioned power to accessory devices within refrigerated containers, ensuring protection from overcurrents and transient voltages, and allowing for easy installation and removal of accessories without requiring extensive modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrical infrastructure and structural support are added to refrigerated containers to power accessory devices, then accessory devices can be accommodated and installed, but modification time and material costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate accessory devicesVSAvoidmodification and installation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution system is segmented into modular components: a main power distribution board with multiple output circuits, individual connectors for each accessory device, and separate mounting locations. This segmentation allows accessory devices to be independently connected and disconnected without modifying the entire container infrastructure, significantly reducing installation and removal time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical infrastructure including power distribution boards, conductors, and mounting structures is pre-installed during container manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary action creates ready-to-use power outlets and mounting locations throughout the container, so that when accessory devices need to be added later, only simple plug-and-play connections are required rather than extensive modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If accessory devices are installed in refrigerated containers without proper protection circuits, then installation is simpler, but the devices are vulnerable to overcurrents and transient voltages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidprotection from electrical hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each accessory device outlet is equipped with integrated protection circuits that automatically detect and respond to electrical hazards such as overcurrents and transient voltages. The protection systems include fuse holders, surge suppressors, and circuit breakers that self-activate when abnormal conditions are detected, providing reliable protection without requiring complex external safety systems or increasing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If refrigerated containers include fans operating at low and high speed, then temperature control is improved, but electrical infrastructure for additional accessory devices is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoidelectrical infrastructure for accessories

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical system is designed with universal power distribution capabilities that serve multiple functions: the existing fan motors are powered through the same electrical infrastructure that also provides power outlets for accessory devices. The power distribution board includes dedicated circuits for fans as well as multiple general-purpose outlets, allowing the electrical system to simultaneously support temperature control functions and additional accessory devices without requiring separate infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables the efficient powering of accessory devices within refrigerated containers, reducing spoilage and enhancing the preservation of perishable goods by providing reliable and safe electrical connections, while also simplifying the installation and removal of accessories.

Implementation Method 1

an inductive coupler including: a first transformer having a primary coil communicatively coupled with the first input and the second input

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a main rectifier including: a first rectifier communicatively coupled with the first input, the second input, a first node, and a second node

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8867187B2Apparatus for powering an accessory device in a refrigerated container

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 E14 SOUTH LLC DBA PURFRESH

AI summary

Power adapters for providing power to accessory devices in refrigerated containers are provided herein. The power adapter comprises a first connector communicatively coupled with a plurality of conductors; a second connector communicatively coupled with two or more of the plurality of conductors; and a shunt communicatively coupled with at least four of the plurality of conductors and configured to provide power to an accessory output in response to the accessory connection being communicatively coupled with an accessory device.