Thermally Sealed Storage Container with Heat Sink and Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage containers fail to maintain a stable temperature over extended periods, particularly for sensitive materials like pharmaceuticals and vaccines, due to inadequate insulation and thermal management systems.
Innovation Solution
A thermally sealed storage container design featuring ultra-efficient insulation materials, heat sink units, and a dispenser system with interlocks, which maintains a predetermined temperature range and ensures controlled access to the storage region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional insulation materials are used in storage containers, then the container structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the temperature stability deteriorates and thermal transfer occurs too quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite insulation structure consisting of multiple layers including vacuum insulation layers, thermal reflective layers, and thermally isolating spacer units. This composite approach creates a multi-barrier thermal protection system that significantly reduces heat transfer compared to conventional single-material insulation, achieving superior temperature stability while managing structural complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation system is divided into discrete functional segments: vacuum layers for thermal isolation, reflective layers for radiant heat blocking, and spacer units for structural support and separation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific thermal function optimally while enabling modular assembly that manages overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple access apertures are provided in the storage container wall, then ease of access to stored materials improves, but thermal transfer and loss of temperature stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conduit system as an intermediary element that penetrates the insulated wall structure. This conduit serves as a controlled thermal bridge, allowing access to stored materials through a sealed pathway that minimizes thermal transfer. The conduit includes insulation and sealing components that maintain the thermal integrity of the wall while enabling operational access.
3Productivity
If extended storage periods are implemented, then productivity and material utilization improve, but temperature stability deteriorates due to cumulative thermal transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates heat sink units positioned within the storage chamber that are pre-cooled to sub-ambient temperatures before use. These heat sinks act as thermal buffers that absorb heat transfer over extended periods, maintaining stable temperatures throughout long storage durations. The heat sinks are strategically placed to maximize thermal mass within the constrained storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum insulation layers and thermal reflective layers provide continuous thermal protection without requiring active cooling systems or periodic maintenance. This passive, continuous thermal barrier ensures consistent temperature stability throughout extended storage periods, eliminating the need for intermittent cooling cycles and maintaining productivity over time.
4Temperature
If advanced insulation materials and heat sink units are added to improve temperature stability, then thermal performance improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested insulation architecture where vacuum layers, reflective layers, and spacer units are arranged in concentric or stacked configurations within the storage chamber walls. This nesting approach allows multiple insulation functions to be integrated within a compact footprint, reducing the overall volume required for thermal protection and simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for large-scale vacuum chambers or complex assembly operations.
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 effectively maintains a stable temperature between 2°C and 8°C for an extended period, ensuring the integrity of stored materials by minimizing thermal transfer and providing controlled access for dispensing and retention units.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sections of ultra efficient insulation material substantially defining at least one thermally sealed storage region
Implementation Method 2
at least one heat sink unit within the at least one thermally sealed storage region
Data Source
AI summary
A substantially thermally sealed storage container includes an outer assembly, including one or more sections of ultra efficient insulation material substantially defining at least one thermally sealed storage region, and an inner assembly, including at least one heat sink unit within the at least one thermally sealed storage region, and at least one stored material dispenser unit, wherein the at least one stored material dispenser unit includes one or more interlocks.