A locker system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerated locker systems face inefficiencies due to the need for separate compartments for different temperature ranges, leading to increased energy consumption, limited space utilization, and potential cross-contamination of goods, while also being difficult to assemble and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled storage apparatus with independently controllable compartments that can maintain ambient, chilled, or frozen temperatures, using a common refrigeration system and remote programmable locking mechanisms, allowing for flexible storage and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate refrigerated compartments are used for different temperature ranges, then temperature control for different goods is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature control functions (ambient, chilled, and frozen storage) into a single integrated refrigerated locker unit. The system uses one refrigeration unit with adjustable temperature settings that can maintain different temperature zones within the same locker, eliminating the need for multiple separate refrigerated compartments and their associated refrigeration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration unit is designed to perform multiple functions by adjusting its temperature settings. The same refrigeration system can provide ambient temperature storage, chilled temperature storage, and frozen temperature storage depending on the configuration, making the system universal and adaptable to different storage needs without requiring separate dedicated systems for each temperature range.
2Temperature
If separate refrigerated compartments are used for different temperature ranges, then temperature control for different goods is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature control functions (ambient, chilled, and frozen storage) into a single integrated refrigerated locker unit. The system uses one refrigeration unit with adjustable temperature settings that can maintain different temperature zones within the same locker, eliminating the need for multiple separate refrigerated compartments and their associated refrigeration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and utilizes the cold air that would otherwise be wasted when lockers are opened or when different temperature zones are maintained separately. By having a single refrigeration system, the cold air generated can be distributed efficiently across different zones, and when one zone is accessed, the cooling capacity can be redirected to other zones rather than losing the cooling effect entirely.
3Reliability
If lockers are kept occupied to prevent spoilage, then food safety is improved, but space utilization decreases when lockers remain vacant overnight
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is designed to dynamically adjust its operation based on the occupancy status of lockers. When lockers are vacant or removed, the system automatically reduces or suspends cooling in those specific zones, thereby conserving energy. The system maintains reliable temperature control only in actively occupied lockers, adapting its operation in real-time to the actual storage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the occupancy status of each locker. This information is used to control the refrigeration system, ensuring that cooling is applied only where needed. The feedback loop allows the system to maintain food safety in occupied lockers while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption in vacant spaces.
4Temperature
If multiple refrigeration units are installed in each storage space, then temperature control is improved, but ease of manufacture and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature control functions (ambient, chilled, and frozen storage) into a single integrated refrigerated locker unit. The system uses one refrigeration unit with adjustable temperature settings that can maintain different temperature zones within the same locker, eliminating the need for multiple separate refrigerated compartments and their associated refrigeration systems.
5Temperature
If multiple refrigeration units are installed in each storage space, then temperature control is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature control functions (ambient, chilled, and frozen storage) into a single integrated refrigerated locker unit. The system uses one refrigeration unit with adjustable temperature settings that can maintain different temperature zones within the same locker, eliminating the need for multiple separate refrigerated compartments and their associated refrigeration systems.
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 enhances space utilization, reduces energy costs, and prevents cross-contamination, while allowing for efficient and flexible storage of various types of perishable goods, improving the overall efficiency and maintenance of refrigerated locker systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one common distribution system that is arranged to be in cooperation with a refrigeration system, the at least one common distribution system distributing a heat transfer fluid to exchange heat with the one or more compartments in each of the plurality of storage spaces
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)~1(d)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
AI summary
A temperature controlled storage apparatus8(10), comprising; a plurality of lockable storage spaces, each of the plurality of lockable storage spaces comprising one or more compartments; in which the temperature of each of the one or more compartments is independently controllable to provide either one of: chilled temperature; or frozen temperature; and wherein access to the storage space is remotely programmable.