Method and system for customized configuration of a shipper for transporting temperature-sensitive materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-sensitive material shipping systems often require seasonal configuration switches between winter and summer settings, which can be inefficient due to unpredictable weather changes and varying ambient temperatures along shipment routes, leading to suboptimal protection during transit.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for customizing shipper configurations based on forecasted ambient temperatures along the shipment route, using a central controller to select optimal shipper configurations from a stored solution table, including hot, cold, and moderate settings, to maintain temperature-sensitive materials within desired ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seasonal configuration switches are implemented between winter and summer settings, then temperature protection is improved for extreme conditions, but the system becomes less reliable when unpredictable weather changes or varying ambient temperatures occur along shipment routes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects shipper configurations based on forecasted ambient temperatures along the shipment route. Instead of static seasonal configurations, the system calculates average forecasted temperatures and automatically chooses the appropriate configuration (hot, cold, or moderate) to match expected conditions, making the system adaptive to varying weather patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis by retrieving forecasted ambient temperature data along the intended shipment travel path before making configuration selections. This advance temperature assessment allows the system to pre-determine the optimal shipper configuration based on expected conditions rather than reacting to actual conditions during transit.
2Reliability
If multiple shipper configurations are maintained for different seasonal conditions, then temperature protection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases due to configuration management
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects the appropriate shipper configuration by comparing forecasted ambient temperatures against stored configuration criteria. This self-service approach eliminates manual configuration management, as the system autonomously determines whether to use hot, cold, or moderate configurations based on temperature data and pre-established selection rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages multiple configurations by varying key parameters such as phase-change material selection, insulation thickness, and pre-conditioning temperatures. Each configuration (hot, cold, moderate) is defined by specific parameter sets that are automatically selected based on forecasted temperature ranges, simplifying management through parameter-based differentiation rather than complex structural variations.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual seasonal configuration changes are required, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but loss of time occurs due to configuration switching delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical configuration switching with an automated electronic selection process. A central controller retrieves forecasted temperature data, calculates average ambient temperatures, and automatically selects the appropriate shipper configuration from stored options, eliminating the time-consuming manual switching process while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized configuration modules.
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
Ensures temperature-sensitive materials are maintained within desired temperature ranges throughout transit by dynamically adjusting shipper configurations to match expected ambient conditions, improving protection and reducing the need for seasonal configuration changes.
Implementation Method 1
a phase-change material, typically disposed within the cavity of the insulated container within a suitable phase-change material receptacle, such as a bag or bottle, for maintaining the temperature-sensitive material above a particular temperature, below a particular temperature, or within a particular temperature range
Implementation Method 2
an insulated container having a cavity for receiving a temperature-sensitive material
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for customized configuration of a shipper for transporting temperature-sensitive materials. In one embodiment, a webpage application is used to allow a user to input certain information. Such information may include the shipping origin zip code, the shipping destination zip code, an indication of the courier used to transport the shipper, an indication of the desired temperature range at which the materials are to be maintained by the shipper, and an indication of the maximum payload size desired. Based on the inputted information and a selection methodology that determines the average ambient temperature to which the shipper will likely be exposed, a shipper is then selected from among a pre-selected collection of possible shipper configurations. Such a collection may include, for example, configurations designed to protect against hot ambient temperatures, cold ambient temperatures and intermediate ambient temperatures.