Smart Insulation Box with External Sensor Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shipment of blood, organs, and biological materials is challenging due to their short effective life and high value, as existing temperature-control systems are not effective in maintaining consistent conditions during long-distance global shipments, leading to potential product unusability and regulatory compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
A smart thermal insulation box with externally viewable temperature, humidity, and vibration sensors, and externally operable sensors, integrated with a display panel, to monitor and maintain optimal conditions and provide real-time data for regulatory compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insulated containers with temperature-control agents are used, then cost-effective temperature maintenance is achieved, but real-time temperature and humidity monitoring capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by integrating sensors that continuously monitor temperature and humidity conditions inside the insulated container, with data transmitted to external devices for real-time viewing and analysis, enabling closed-loop monitoring of shipment conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses display panels and communication modules as intermediaries to bridge the gap between the insulated container's internal environment and external observers, allowing real-time viewing of sensor data without compromising the container's insulation integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If shipment routes are extended globally, then market reach is increased, but temperature and humidity variations during shipment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism provides continuous monitoring of temperature and humidity conditions, enabling real-time detection of environmental variations during extended global shipments, allowing stakeholders to respond to conditions that may affect product integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical insulation with an active monitoring system using sensors and electronic display components to track and report temperature and humidity conditions throughout the shipment journey
3Strength
If insulated cardboard panels with mitered edges are used, then box structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases due to sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural function of insulated cardboard panels with the monitoring function of integrated sensors and display systems, combining multiple functions into a unified container system that provides both protection and real-time data collection
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
Ensures the integrity of biological products by maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels, providing real-time monitoring and alerts, and facilitating regulatory compliance through accurate tracking of shipment conditions.
Implementation Method 1
each insulated cardboard panel has an insulation panel with mitered edges adhered to the cardboard panel's major planar surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a smart thermal insulation box, including thermally insulated layers with mitered edges forming a thermally insulated space, and said space surrounded by corrugated material. The box also has externally viewable and operable temperature and humidity sensors, and optionally, a vibration sensor, where the sensors are preferably fixed inside the box to one side. One of the cardboard panels forming the top of the box which overlays the insulation layer has a window configured to overlay the display panel. An audible alert system may also be included to alert users to temperature or humidity excursions.