Temperature control cart for a payload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for food and medical applications face challenges such as unsanitary conditions due to ice use, unsafe conditions from air circulation and compressors, and failure to maintain regulated temperatures, leading to food safety issues and increased waste.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control cart utilizing phase change materials (PCMs) in a tank beneath a top portion with wells for pans, combined with heat exchangers and optional active heating/cooling units, to passively maintain desired temperatures without ice or water, ensuring thermal regulation of food and medical payloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If large quantities of ice are used for temperature control, then cooling effect is improved, but unsanitary and hazardous conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase change materials (PCMs) that undergo phase transitions at specific temperatures to provide cooling effects. The PCM absorbs heat during melting, maintaining a constant temperature without requiring large quantities of ice, thereby avoiding unsanitary conditions associated with melted ice.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the cooling medium by using PCMs with specific phase transition temperatures tailored to different food storage requirements. This allows precise temperature control without the drawbacks of traditional ice-based systems.
2Temperature
If circulating air and compressors are used near food preparation areas, then temperature control is improved, but unsafe conditions are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compressor and air circulation system from the food preparation area, placing them in separate locations. The PCM-based system provides passive cooling without requiring mechanical components near the food, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical air circulation and compression system with a passive PCM-based thermal regulation system. This eliminates the need for motors, compressors, and air flow mechanisms in the food preparation area, removing associated safety risks.
3Temperature
If existing temperature control systems are used, then some cooling effect is achieved, but regulated temperature ranges are not maintained for required time periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-cools the PCM below its phase transition temperature before use, storing thermal energy in advance. When food is placed in the container, the PCM absorbs heat during phase transition, maintaining the required temperature range for extended periods without additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCM undergoes phase transitions at specific temperatures, absorbing or releasing latent heat to maintain stable temperature conditions. This phase change mechanism provides prolonged temperature regulation that exceeds the capabilities of traditional ice-based systems.
4Temperature
If traditional temperature control methods are used, then cooling is provided, but food safety decreases and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses PCMs with precisely controlled phase transition temperatures that match food safety requirements. This ensures temperatures remain within safe ranges without dropping too low to cause freezing damage or rising too high to allow bacterial growth, thereby improving food safety and reducing waste.
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 temperature ranges for extended periods without active heating/cooling, reducing waste and ensuring food safety in food preparation and medical transport, while being portable and adaptable to various environments.
Implementation Method 1
phase change material (PCM) disposed within the tank
Implementation Method 2
heating or cooling the PCM disposed in the tank of the temperature control cart to above or below a transition temperature of the PCM
Implementation Method 3
one or more heat exchangers disposed in a tank wherein the PCM is located
Implementation Method 4
thermal energy is transferred from the payload to the PCM or from the PCM and to the payload, thereby controlling the temperature of the payload
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects and embodiments of a temperature control cart are disclosed. The temperature control cart comprises a top portion with one or more wells, wherein the one or more wells is operable to receive one or more pans. The wells are configured to hold pans, wherein the pans often contain a payload, such as food or medicine, which requires temperature control. Further, the top portion is disposed in a tank that contains phase change material (PCM). In another aspect, a method for controlling temperature of a payload is disclosed. A temperature control cart is further provided with one or more heat exchangers. Wherein the one or more heat exchangers circulate a heat exchange fluid, thereby heating or cooling the PCM disposed in the tank of the temperature control cart to above or below a transition temperature of the PCM.