Intelligent divider placement detection and algorithmic control of climate modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature-controlled containers have fixed interior configurations, limiting the ability to rearrange divider walls and automatically reconfigure temperature zones based on user needs, which restricts flexibility in storing items with varying temperature requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular container with removable dividers that includes sensors to detect divider positions and a processor to control a thermal control system, allowing for intelligent reconfiguration of temperature zones in response to divider arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed interior configuration is used in temperature-controlled containers, then the structural simplicity and manufacturing ease are improved, but the adaptability and flexibility for rearranging divider walls deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container interior is divided into multiple removable divider walls that can be independently positioned and reconfigured. Each divider acts as a separate module that can be moved without affecting the entire structure, enabling flexible zone creation while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider walls are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing users to dynamically reconfigure the interior spaces according to different storage needs. The dividers can be removed and repositioned to create different temperature zones, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable system.
2Device complexity
If manual reconfiguration of temperature zones is required after moving dividers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect the position of divider walls and provide feedback to the processor. The system automatically receives this positional information and uses it to determine the appropriate temperature zone configuration, eliminating the need for manual input while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic reconfiguration of temperature zones without requiring user intervention. After dividers are moved, the sensors and processor automatically detect the new arrangement and adjust the thermal control settings, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual operation.
3Productivity
If automatic detection and reconfiguration systems are implemented, then the productivity and convenience are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor serves multiple functions: it detects divider positions through sensor input, determines the appropriate temperature zone configuration based on detected positions, and controls the thermal system accordingly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors act as intermediaries between the physical divider positions and the digital control system. They convert physical positions into detectable signals that the processor can interpret, bridging the gap between mechanical configuration and electronic control without requiring complex direct integration.
4Reliability
If fixed temperature zones are used, then the reliability of temperature control is improved, but the adaptability to different storage requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones within the container can have different temperature settings tailored to specific storage needs. Each divided compartment can be independently controlled at its optimal temperature, allowing local customization of thermal conditions while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes temperature parameters based on divider configurations. When dividers are moved to create different zone arrangements, the processor adjusts the temperature setpoints for each zone accordingly, allowing flexible adaptation to various storage requirements while maintaining reliable temperature control in each zone.
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a main interior compartment, and at least one divider disposed within the main interior compartment. The at least one divider defines two divided compartments within the main interior compartment. A sensor is configured to detect the at least one divider. A thermal control system is configured to maintain a temperature controlled zone within at least one of the divided compartments. A processor is programmed to determine a position of the at least one divider, based on output from the sensor, and in response to the at least one divider being removed or moved, or in response to an additional divider being added to the main compartment and being detected by the sensor, control the thermal control system to reconfigure the temperature controlled zone.