Stored Goods Temperature Modeling From Refrigeration Air Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature monitoring systems in refrigeration units fail to accurately determine the internal temperature of stored goods, as they rely on air temperature measurements that are subject to fluctuations, leading to potential spoilage or loss of potency in temperature-sensitive materials like vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that analyzes raw temperature data from refrigeration units to determine the internal temperature of goods by considering properties such as volume, geometry, and density, using equations like T(t)=TA+(T0−TA)e−kt to adjust for ambient temperature changes, and employing k values specific to each good for accurate temperature representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If air temperature measurements are used to monitor stored goods, then the monitoring system is simple to operate, but the temperature measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model that acts as a mediator between the simple air temperature sensor and the actual goods temperature. The model uses the air temperature as input and computes the goods internal temperature through mathematical relationships involving thermal properties, effectively translating indirect measurements into accurate direct temperature readings without requiring complex sensor arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex physical temperature sensing systems (multiple sensors, direct contact thermometers) with a computational approach. Instead of using more complex mechanical or physical measurement devices, the system uses mathematical modeling and data processing to achieve precise temperature determination, substituting computational complexity for physical complexity.
2Measurement precision
If internal temperature of goods is directly measured, then the temperature measurement precision is high, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy or model of the thermal behavior of stored goods through mathematical equations. Instead of physically inserting sensors into goods, the system creates a computational representation (copy) of the goods' thermal response to ambient temperature changes, allowing accurate temperature determination through data processing rather than physical intrusion.
3Reliability
If temperature control is based on air temperature fluctuations, then the control system is simple to operate, but the reliability of temperature control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the computational model continuously processes air temperature data and generates corrected goods temperature readings. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust and refine temperature measurements based on the thermal response patterns, improving reliability without requiring manual calibration or complex user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and self-correction through the computational model. The model automatically accounts for thermal properties, heat transfer rates, and ambient temperature variations without requiring external calibration equipment or expert intervention, making the improved reliable control as easy to operate as the simple system.
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
This solution provides accurate and reliable internal temperature monitoring, enabling timely alerts and improved refrigeration control, thus maintaining the potency of goods and preventing adverse temperature excursions.
Implementation Method 1
T(t)=TA+(T0−TA)e−kt where T(t) is the temperature of the good at time 't'; TA is the ambient temperature; T0 is the initial temperature of the stored good; k is a positive constant; and t is the time
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for determining a temperature of goods in a temperature controlled unit are disclosed. Raw temperature data is received for a first iteration. The raw temperature data indicates an air temperature inside the temperature controlled unit at the first iteration. A property value for a good stored in the temperature controlled unit is obtained. Based on the raw temperature data for the first iteration and the property value for the good, a first adjusted stored goods temperature is determined for the good. The first adjusted stored goods temperature for the good represents a first internal temperature of the good. Additional iterations are performed, where raw temperature data is received for a second iteration. Based on the raw temperature for the second iteration and the property value for the good, a second adjusted stored goods temperature is determined.