Refrigeration devices including temperature-controlled container systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration devices struggle to maintain consistent temperature control in storage regions, especially during power outages or in locations with intermittent power supplies, leading to temperature fluctuations that can compromise the integrity of temperature-sensitive items.
Innovation Solution
The refrigeration device incorporates a liquid-impermeable container filled with phase change material and a unidirectional thermal conductor with a condensing and evaporative end, allowing for efficient thermal energy transfer and maintaining temperature stability through a system of evaporator coils and apertures, even when power is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional refrigeration devices are used, then cooling function is provided during power supply, but temperature control fails during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-cools phase change material during periods when power is available, storing thermal energy in advance. This preliminary action allows the PCM to absorb heat during power outages, maintaining temperature without active cooling. The system prepares the thermal buffer before the crisis occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the thermal energy storage function from the active refrigeration system by introducing separate phase change material containers. This decoupling allows temperature maintenance to continue independently of the active cooling system during power outages.
2Temperature
If active refrigeration systems continuously cool, then temperature stability is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material serves itself by automatically absorbing or releasing heat as needed to maintain temperature. During power outages, the PCM passively absorbs heat from the storage region without requiring external energy input, providing self-regulating temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of phase change material (melting/freezing) to store and release thermal energy. During cooling operation, PCM absorbs heat during phase change; during power outages, it releases stored thermal energy, maintaining temperature stability without continuous energy input.
3Reliability
If phase change material containers are added, then temperature maintenance during outages improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigeration system into separate functional modules: active refrigeration units and passive phase change material containers. Each container is independently positioned and functions autonomously, simplifying the overall system architecture while enhancing temperature maintenance capability during power outages.
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 configuration enables the refrigeration device to maintain predetermined temperature ranges for extended periods, even during power outages, ensuring the stability of stored items by utilizing phase change materials and unidirectional thermal conductors for effective thermal energy management.
Implementation Method 1
one or more walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container, the container configured to hold phase change material internal to the refrigeration device
Implementation Method 2
the container configured to hold phase change material internal to the refrigeration device
Implementation Method 3
a unidirectional thermal conductor with a condensing end and an evaporative end, the condensing end positioned within the liquid-impermeable container
Implementation Method 4
a unidirectional thermal conductor with a condensing end and an evaporative end
Implementation Method 5
at least one active refrigeration unit including a set of evaporator coils, the evaporator coils positioned at least partially within the liquid-impermeable container
Implementation Method 6
a unidirectional thermal conductor including a hollow interior and an evaporative liquid within the hollow interior
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes: walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold phase change material internal to the refrigeration device; at least one active refrigeration unit including a set of evaporator coils positioned at least partially within the liquid-impermeable container; a unidirectional thermal conductor with a condensing end and an evaporative end, the condensing end positioned within the liquid-impermeable container; a first aperture in the liquid-impermeable container, the first aperture of a size, shape and position to permit the set of evaporator coils to traverse the aperture; a second aperture in the liquid-impermeable container, the second aperture including an internal surface of a size, shape and position to mate with an external surface of the unidirectional thermal conductor; and one or more walls substantially forming a storage region in thermal contact with the evaporative end of the unidirectional thermal conductor.