Removable Ventilation Tubes for Perishable Goods Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shipping and storage containers for perishable goods lack effective ventilation and climate control systems, leading to inadequate preservation of agricultural products during transportation and storage, resulting in spoilage and reduced quality.
Innovation Solution
A shipping container with removable, porous ventilation tubes extending into the enclosed area, connected to exterior ports, allowing for the introduction of controlled gases such as heated, cooled, or dehumidified air, and equipped with sensors for environmental monitoring, which can be configured to be airtight and return to standard dimensions for secure shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ventilation tubes are installed in the container, then climate control and preservation of perishable goods is improved, but the container structure becomes more complex and cannot be used for standard shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into removable tubes that can be detached from the container. The tubes are divided into separate components (tube body, caps, connectors) that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing the container to switch between ventilation mode and standard shipping mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation tubes are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed - they can be installed when climate control is needed and removed when standard shipping is required. The tubes connect to the container through removable fittings that allow for quick installation and removal without permanent modification.
2Reliability
If the container is configured to be airtight for inert gas retention, then preservation capability is improved, but the container loses ventilation functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The container system dynamically switches between airtight and ventilated states based on operational requirements. When inert gas preservation is needed, the container seals and ventilation tubes are capped. When ventilation is needed, the tubes are uncapped and connected, allowing air flow while maintaining the ability to seal when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The container can create and maintain an inert atmosphere when needed by sealing and introducing inert gas, while the removable ventilation tubes allow transition to normal atmospheric conditions when ventilation is required. The system supports both inert and non-inert environments through the same structural configuration.
3Reliability
If ventilation tubes extend through the full length of the container, then climate control coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cargo space reduction increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single complex long tube, the ventilation system uses multiple shorter tube sections that can be connected in series. Each tube segment is a simple, standardized component that connects to adjacent segments, making installation and removal straightforward while achieving full-length coverage when assembled.
4Adaptability or versatility
If removable ventilation tubes are installed, then adaptability for different shipping modes is improved, but the reliability of climate control may be reduced due to potential improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between ventilation tubes and container walls uses standardized intermediary fittings that ensure proper sealing and attachment. These intermediate components act as reliable interfaces that maintain consistent connections regardless of who installs or removes the tubes, ensuring climate control reliability when the system is activated.
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 provides optimal climate control, extending the shelf life of perishable goods by maintaining precise temperature, humidity, and gas conditions, while ensuring the container can be easily converted for standard shipping and storage, minimizing spoilage and maintaining product quality.
Implementation Method 1
wherein ventilation tube is porous along its length
Implementation Method 2
further can include a heater in communication with the ventilation tube for pumping heated air into the container
Data Source
AI summary
A shipping and storage container for the shipment of perishable goods, the shipping container comprising: an enclosed area containing a top, a bottom, back wall, side walls, and a front gate; at least to permeable removable ventilation tubes extending into the enclosed area, the ventilation tubes in communication with the exterior of the container, the ventilation tubes secured to flush mounted ports mounted in the back wall of the container, the ports being substantially flush with the interior and exterior of the container.