Systems, devices, and methods relating to refrigerated packaging and temperature modulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control methods for shipping perishable goods are costly, inefficient, and often result in temperature fluctuations, leading to spoilage and waste, while traditional cold chain logistics are expensive and environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system with multiple compartments and a temperature modulator using a saline solution to regulate temperature, utilizing thermal conductors and pistons to maintain a controlled temperature range of -109 to 45°F for up to 72 hours, potentially using tap water as a coolant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional cold chain logistics are used, then temperature control is maintained, but shipping costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into separate compartments: an outer compartment containing the coolant and an inner compartment containing the product. This segmentation allows independent optimization of cooling functionality and product protection, enabling the system to maintain temperature control without requiring expensive integrated cold chain infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
A phase change material (PCM) is introduced as an intermediary between the coolant and the product. The PCM absorbs and releases thermal energy during phase transitions, actively regulating temperature fluctuations and maintaining the product within the desired temperature range without direct contact with extreme cold sources.
2Temperature
If gel ice packs and insulation are used, then temperature regulation is achieved, but packaging waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes phase change materials that undergo reversible phase transitions (solid-liquid-solid) in response to temperature changes. This parameter change allows the cooling medium to be reused multiple times without degradation, eliminating the need for disposable ice packs and reducing packaging waste significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding used ice packs and insulation materials, the system employs a reusable phase change material that can be recovered and reused. The PCM maintains its cooling functionality after phase changes, allowing the same packaging system to be used repeatedly for multiple shipping cycles.
3Temperature
If dry ice is used, then frozen items can be shipped, but temperature fluctuations damage products
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material serves as a thermal intermediary between the dry ice and the product. It absorbs excess heat during melting and releases heat during freezing, buffering temperature extremes and preventing direct thermal shock to the product while maintaining reliable temperature stability throughout the shipping process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-prepares the phase change material in a controlled state before shipping. The PCM is designed to undergo phase transitions at specific temperatures, providing beforehand cushioning against temperature fluctuations and protecting the product from thermal damage before exposure to extreme conditions.
4Temperature
If vacuum tube cooling technology is used, then extended temperature maintenance is achieved, but packaging cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material is designed to autonomously regulate temperature through its inherent phase transition properties without requiring external power sources, vacuum tubes, or complex active cooling systems. The system self-adjusts to maintain temperature based on thermal conditions, achieving extended temperature maintenance through passive thermodynamic principles rather than expensive active technologies.
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 effectively maintains safe temperatures for perishable goods during shipping, reducing costs and waste, and enabling sustainable logistics without the need for expensive cold chain services.
Implementation Method 1
directionally freezing a water solution containing solutes that alter its freezing point
Implementation Method 2
a body filled with a phase changing material configured to directionally freeze
Implementation Method 3
a first inner compartment having a first thermal conducting portion, and a second inner compartment having a second thermal conducting portion
Implementation Method 4
The temperature modulator may include a body filled with a phase changing material configured to directionally freeze
Data Source
AI summary
Payload containers containing temperature modulators and coolant containers containing coolant movably coupled inside of an outer container are disclosed. In some aspects, exemplary temperature modulators may contain one or more solutions that directionally freeze when the product container is in contact with the coolant container, exerting force to push thermal conductors apart, which reduces air flow and thermal conduction from the coolant container to the payload container, thereby stopping the cooling of the payload container. According to further aspects, when the one or more solutions melt, the thermal conductors reconnect, reestablishing the cooling of the payload container. According to the implementations of the disclosed technology, such modulation may allow the payload to stay within safe temperature ranges.