Method for retrofitting a refrigerated container with lockable refrigerated compartments and refrigerated container comprising retrofitted lockable refrigerated compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerated containers lack efficient and cost-effective methods to create lockable compartments for secure storage and adequate air circulation, which is essential for maintaining the temperature of perishable goods.
Innovation Solution
The method involves retrofitting a refrigerated container by removing a side wall and replacing it with a door frame, attaching air-permeable compartments, and mounting doors to provide lockable compartments while ensuring air circulation and energy efficiency, utilizing a modular framework and sealing elements to maintain temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lockable compartments are added to a refrigerated container, then security and separation of goods are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerated container is divided into multiple independent lockable compartments, each with its own door and locking mechanism. This segmentation allows separate access and secure storage for different goods while maintaining the overall refrigerated environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The door frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for mounting doors, creates the opening for compartment access, and integrates with the refrigerated container's existing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
2Reliability
If solid partitions are used to create compartments, then separation is improved, but air circulation and cooling efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The door frames and partition structures incorporate perforated or mesh-like designs that allow air to pass through while maintaining physical separation between compartments. This porous structure enables both effective compartmentalization and adequate air circulation for uniform cooling throughout the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structure has different properties in different regions: solid sections provide separation where needed, while perforated sections allow air flow. This local variation in quality optimizes both compartment separation and cooling efficiency in different areas of the container.
3Reliability
If custom lockable compartments are manufactured, then security is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door frames and mounting structures are designed to be pre-assembled units that can be installed into the refrigerated container without requiring custom manufacturing for each specific application. This preliminary preparation of standardized components significantly reduces manufacturing cost and installation time while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses standardized, repeatable door frame and door assemblies that can be copied multiple times across different compartments. This standardization allows for economical manufacturing through repetition rather than custom fabrication for each compartment.
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 allows for the creation of lockable compartments at low cost and effort, ensuring reliable separation, air circulation, and efficient cooling or freezing of goods, while preventing unauthorized access and maintaining high energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
air permeable compartments, so that a number of door frame access portions are equipped with respective air permeable compartments
Implementation Method 2
sealing elements to maintain temperature control
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for retrofitting a refrigerated container (2), particularly a stationary coldroom or a mobile refrigerated container, such as a refrigerated van, truck or trailer, with lockable refrigerated compartments for providing individual access to refrigerated goods to be stored in such refrigerated compartments, includes the steps of providing a refrigerated container (2); removing at least part of a side wall of the refrigerated container (2) to form an opening in the refrigerated container (2); mounting a door frame (12) to the opening in the refrigerated container (2) such that the door frame (12) provides an airtight connection to the opening in the refrigerated container (2), the door frame (12) defining access portions (14) for a number of refrigerated compartments (16); attaching, to at least one door frame access portion (14), an air-permeable compartment (16), said compartment (16) extending from the door frame access portion (14) substantially into the direction of the opposite side wall (11) of the refrigerated container (2); and mounting to each door frame access portion (14) a door (18) such that such door (18) is moveable between an open position providing access to the refrigerated compartment (16) behind the door (18) and a closed position in which the door (18) closes the respective door frame access portion (14); the door (18) comprising a lock for locking the door (18) in the closed position.