Temperature-Controlled Shipping Container with Insulated Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting temperature-sensitive products often fail to maintain a consistent temperature range, leading to deleterious effects or hazards, particularly when coolants are either insufficient or excessive, causing products to be shipped outside optimal temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
A method and container system that determines the appropriate type and amount of cooling or heating elements based on environmental conditions of origin, destination, and transit time, using a barrier element to separate the product from the cooling element and employing insulating materials to maintain a controlled temperature range of 59° F. to 86° F. or 36° F. to 46° F., with software programs to calculate the necessary cooling elements and container design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If refrigerating or self-heating containers are used to maintain constant temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but weight and complexity increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active temperature control system (compressor, evaporator, condenser) from the container and replaces it with passive cooling elements (ice packs, gel packs, dry ice) that maintain temperature through phase change. This removes the heavy mechanical components while preserving temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable cooling elements such as ice packs, gel packs, and dry ice that are pre-charged and discarded after use, replacing the need for heavy, reusable mechanical refrigeration systems. These single-use cooling elements provide adequate temperature maintenance for the shipping duration without the weight penalty of permanent refrigeration equipment.
2Temperature
If refrigerating or self-heating containers are used to maintain constant temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex active temperature control system (compressor, evaporator, condenser, control electronics) and replaces it with passive cooling elements that automatically maintain temperature through physical phase change mechanisms, eliminating mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling elements (ice packs, gel packs, dry ice) automatically regulate temperature through phase change without requiring external power, control systems, or mechanical intervention. The system serves itself by using the temperature differential to drive heat transfer, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms.
3Use of energy by moving object
If cooling elements are placed in direct contact with products, then cooling efficiency is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal barriers such as foam insulation, air gaps, or reflective materials between the cooling elements and the products. These intermediaries modulate the heat transfer rate, preventing direct thermal contact while maintaining adequate cooling through the barrier layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different barrier materials and thicknesses in different regions of the container based on local heat transfer requirements. Areas with higher heat ingress receive thicker or more insulating barriers, while areas closer to cooling elements have reduced barrier thickness to maintain cooling efficiency. This localized approach balances cooling performance with temperature control precision.
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 system ensures products are maintained within a stable temperature range during transport, preventing spoilage and ensuring the efficacy and safety of medicaments and other sensitive items.
Implementation Method 1
employing insulating materials to maintain a controlled temperature range
Implementation Method 2
using a barrier element to separate the product from the cooling element
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and containers for transporting products, such as medical products are disclosed. The methods and systems involve identifying an environmental condition of a place to where a product is to be shipped, identifying an environmental condition of a place from which the product is to be shipped, identifying the amount of time that the product is expected to be in transit during shipping, and determining the type of container and cooling element that should be employed to transport the product.