A locker system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerated locker systems face inefficiencies due to the need for dedicated refrigeration units in each compartment, leading to increased energy consumption, potential vermin harborage, and limited flexibility in temperature control, which complicates the storage of perishable goods requiring different temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
A lockable temperature-controlled storage apparatus with a common distribution system using a heat transfer fluid and a controller to assign a cooling sequence to sub-groups of compartments, allowing for independent temperature control of each compartment within a range of -21°C to 50°C, enabling storage of goods at ambient, chilled, or frozen temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated refrigeration unit is installed in each compartment, then each compartment can maintain independent temperature control, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cooling function into segmented temporal allocation across compartments. Instead of simultaneous continuous cooling, the refrigeration unit serves compartments in sequence through the controller's cooling sequence assignment, achieving independent temperature control capability while reducing total energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic cooling cycles by assigning cooling sequences to different sub-groups of compartments at different time periods. This periodic allocation allows each compartment to receive cooling when needed while the system operates efficiently, reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous simultaneous cooling
2Use of energy by moving object
If a common distribution system is used for multiple compartments, then energy consumption is reduced, but temperature control flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cooling sequence and duration allocated to different compartments based on real-time temperature sensor feedback. The controller monitors compartment temperatures and modifies the cooling allocation dynamically, allowing a common distribution system to achieve flexible temperature control comparable to dedicated units
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors in each compartment provide continuous feedback to the controller, which adjusts the cooling sequence accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the common distribution system to maintain independent temperature control for each compartment by allocating cooling resources based on actual temperature needs
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple refrigeration units are deployed to serve different temperature ranges, then storage versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single refrigeration unit is designed to serve multiple compartments with different temperature requirements through temporal segmentation. The unit alternates between serving chilled compartments and frozen compartments based on the cooling sequence assigned by the controller, achieving multi-functionality and storage versatility without requiring separate dedicated refrigeration units for each temperature range
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 solution enhances flexibility and maximizes locker utilization by allowing individual temperature control of compartments, reducing energy consumption, and preventing cross-contamination, while maintaining food safety and accommodating diverse storage needs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one common distribution system comprising a heat transfer fluid that is arranged to be in cooperation with a refrigeration system
Implementation Method 2
the heat transfer fluid is periodically switched to each of the compartments in the sub-group by actuating the at least one valve to vary the quantity of heat transfer fluid to each of the compartments
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)~1(d)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a lockable temperature controlled storage apparatus, comprising: a) a group of compartments; b) at least one common distribution system comprising a heat transfer fluid that is arranged to be in cooperation with a refrigeration system having a defined maximum refrigeration capacity, said at least one common distribution system comprising at least one valve for distributing the heat transfer fluid at a supplied pressure to exchange heat with the group of compartments; c) a controller for controlling actuation of the at least one valve; and characterised in that the controller is configured to assign a cooling sequence to a sub-group of the compartments whereby the heat transfer fluid is periodically switched to each of the compartments in the sub-group by actuating the at least one valve to vary the quantity of heat transfer fluid to each of the compartments in the sub-group; said sub-group of compartments comprises two or more compartments allocated from the group of compartments.