Reusable Thermal Package With PCM And Vacuum Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulated packages for temperature-sensitive goods are expensive and not designed for multiple use, lacking in compactness and robustness while providing adequate temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulated package design featuring an array of PCM panels surrounded by two layers of insulating material, including vacuum insulated panels and foam insulation, allowing for easy construction, reuse, and replacement, with the option to use other thermal insulation materials for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing thermally insulated packages are used to provide good temperature control, then temperature control characteristics are improved, but cost and complexity increase and multiple use capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into modular components: an outer shell, removable inner containers holding PCM panels, and separate insulation layers. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced, cleaned, or maintained independently, enabling multiple uses while maintaining temperature control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner containers holding PCM panels are designed to be removable and replaceable. After use, the inner containers can be easily removed from the outer shell for cleaning, sterilization, or replacement of PCM panels, allowing the package structure to be reused multiple times while recovering and maintaining the temperature control function.
2Temperature
If existing thermally insulated packages are designed for good temperature control, then temperature stability is improved, but compactness and robustness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is designed with inherent structural strength and rigidity to protect the internal PCM panels and insulation from mechanical damage during transport and handling. This robust outer structure cushions and protects the more delicate internal components, enabling the package to withstand rough handling while maintaining temperature stability.
3Temperature
If existing thermally insulated packages provide adequate temperature control, then temperature regulation is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The package is constructed from separate, easily manufactured components: a simple outer shell, standardized inner containers, and off-the-shelf insulation materials. Each component can be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective temperature regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer shell serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a thermal barrier, and serves as a protective container. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining temperature regulation capability.
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 a compact, thermally efficient, and cost-effective package that maintains temperature control over extended periods, enabling easy assembly and reuse while protecting sensitive materials.
Implementation Method 1
two layers of insulating material are provided around the PCM panels, namely a layer of vacuum insulated panels
Implementation Method 2
a layer of foam insulation which removably receives the vacuum insulated panels
Implementation Method 3
temperature control media (for example phase change materials)
Implementation Method 4
temperature control media (for example phase change materials)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A thermally insulating package comprises an outer shell (6) formed from a foam insulating material, a plurality of vacuum insulated panels (12) removably received on the walls of the outer shell (6) and a plurality of phase change material panels (18) arranged within the vacuum insulated panels (12) to define a payload space.