Reusable Thermal Package with Segmented PCM and VIP Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermally insulated packages for temperature-sensitive goods are expensive and not designed for multiple use, despite providing good temperature control.

Innovation Solution

A compact and robust thermally insulated package with vacuum insulated panels and phase change material (PCM) panels, featuring a modular design with pockets for easy assembly and protection elements to enhance durability and reusability, utilizing materials with varying thermal conductivity to optimize temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional thermally insulated packages are used to maintain temperature control, then temperature control characteristics are good, but the package is expensive and not suitable for multiple use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidreusability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The package is divided into separate functional components: an outer shell, removable inserts containing phase change materials (PCMs), and vacuum insulated panels (VIPs). The inserts can be removed and replaced between uses, allowing the structural outer shell to be reused while the consumable inserts are swapped out. This segmentation enables multiple uses of the durable shell while accommodating different temperature control needs through interchangeable inserts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional thermally insulated packages are used to maintain temperature control, then temperature control characteristics are good, but the package is expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The package combines different insulation technologies: vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) providing high-performance thermal insulation, and phase change materials (PCMs) for active temperature regulation. The outer shell is made from insulating foam material. This composite approach uses materials with different thermal properties synergistically to achieve superior temperature control at a lower overall cost than conventional single-material solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If vacuum insulated panels are used to reduce thermal conductivity, then temperature control is improved, but the panels are fragile and require protection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidpanel durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum insulated panels are pre-protected by placing them within protective pockets formed in the outer shell. These pockets provide structural support and cushioning to the fragile VIPs during assembly, handling, and transport. The pockets are specifically designed to accommodate the VIPs and protect them from damage while maintaining their insulating function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If the outer shell is made from insulating foam material, then thermal insulation is provided, but the structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The outer shell combines insulating foam material with protective structural elements. The foam provides thermal insulation while the integrated protective pockets and recesses provide structural support and protection for the vacuum insulated panels. This composite construction allows the shell to simultaneously achieve both insulation and structural integrity functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 effective temperature control over extended periods while being potentially less expensive and more reusable than existing solutions, maintaining temperature ranges for sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals and biological samples.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum insulated panel or a panel of a material having a coefficient of thermal conductivity less than that of the foam material mounted in the pocket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum insulation: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

phase change material (PCM) panels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

phase change material (PCM) panels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 4

one or more of said side walls having a pocket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2883812B1Thermally insulated package

Publication Date: 2018.01.31 PELI BIOTHERMAL

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AI summary

A thermally insulated package comprises a thermally insulating shell (6) of a foam material. One or more walls (24) of the shell (6) comprise an open topped pocket (28) formed therein, with at least one side edge of the pocket (28) having a slot (40) formed therein. A phase change material (PCM) panel (18) comprising a peripheral flange (50) is arranged with the flange (50) received in the slot or slots (40).