An electrical system comprising a reefer receptacle having a diagnostic device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems fail to efficiently and automatically identify refrigerated cargo containers and determine whether their receptacles are connected, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies during transportation and storage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a monitoring device within the refrigerated cargo container that receives a test signal from a diagnostic device, conducts a testing procedure, and sends a return signal to determine the condition of the electrical load, ensuring proper connection status and preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual identification and connection checking methods are used, then device identification and connection status determination can be performed, but the process is inefficient and prone to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of identification and connection status determinationVSAvoidaccuracy of connection status information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automated self-diagnosis where the reefer container's monitoring device autonomously responds to test signals from the diagnostic device, eliminating the need for manual identification and connection checking by personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring device receives test signals and sends back return signals with connection status information, creating an automated feedback loop that provides real-time diagnostic data without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Duration of action of stationary object

If receptacles are left connected during container movement, then power supply continuity is maintained, but damage to expensive receptacles occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power supply to reefer containerVSAvoiddamage to receptacles during container movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic device performs automated connection status checks before container movement is initiated, allowing advance detection of connected receptacles and prevention of damage before it occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual visual inspection and physical checking of connections with automated electrical diagnostic testing, using electrical signals to detect connection status without mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If automated crane systems lack intelligence to detect connected receptacles, then automation efficiency is maintained, but unsafe operations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of container handling operationsVSAvoidsafety of automated operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring device and diagnostic system serve as an intelligent intermediary between the automated crane system and the reefer container, providing the crane system with connection status information it cannot obtain on its own

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system integrates diagnostic feedback into the automated crane control system, allowing the crane to receive real-time information about receptacle connection status and adjust operations accordingly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If manual checking of electrical connections is performed, then connection integrity can be verified, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification of electrical connection integrityVSAvoidtime required for connection verification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical inspection of electrical connections with automated electrical diagnostic testing, using test signals to rapidly verify connection integrity without physical examination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring device autonomously responds to diagnostic test signals, enabling the system to self-verify its own connection integrity without requiring external manual checking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3482217B1An electrical system comprising a reefer receptacle having a diagnostic device

Publication Date: 2023.10.04 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

An electrical system can include a diagnostic device that generates a first test signal at a first time. The electrical system can also include at least one energy transfer link coupled to the diagnostic device, where the first test signal flows through the at least one energy transfer link at the first time. The electrical system can further include a portable electrical load coupled to the at least one energy transfer link. The electrical system can also include a monitoring device coupled to the at least one energy transfer link, where the monitoring device is disposed between the diagnostic device and the portable electrical load. The first monitoring device can receive the first test signal, where the monitoring device executes, in response to the first test signal, a test procedure on the portable electrical load. The portable electrical load is portable relative to the diagnostic device.