Thermally insulated containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulated containers for transporting temperature-sensitive goods are complex to manufacture and assemble, with thermal conditioning elements often falling out of channels due to inadequate retention mechanisms, which affects efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conditioning wall panel with channels for receiving thermal conditioning elements, featuring retaining elements that project over the channel edges to secure the elements in place, made from thermally insulating materials like expanded foam, with a foot for engagement in a socket to provide stability and support, and optional reinforcing caps for additional strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal conditioning elements are placed in channels without retaining elements, then the panel structure is simple and lightweight, but the thermal conditioning elements fall out of the channels
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining elements are formed integrally with the panel body as self-service features, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms. The panel body itself provides the retention function through its molded design, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements utilize the panel body's material properties and geometric parameters to create effective retention. By changing the panel body's shape in specific regions (creating ledges and engagement features), the design achieves secure retention without adding complex separate components.
2Reliability
If retaining elements extend fully across the channel, then thermal conditioning elements are securely retained, but the panel weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining elements extend only partially across the channel width - sufficient to provide secure retention of thermal conditioning elements, but not fully across the entire channel. This partial action approach maintains reliability while minimizing the material required and panel weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements are positioned locally at specific regions of the channel where retention is most needed, rather than providing uniform coverage across the entire channel. This localized approach reduces material usage and panel weight while maintaining effective retention of thermal conditioning elements.
3Temperature
If the panel body is made from thermally insulating foam material, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the structural strength and edge stiffness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The panel body uses foam material for thermal insulation while incorporating integral retaining elements that provide structural reinforcement. The composite structure combines the insulating properties of foam with the strength-providing geometry of the molded-in retaining features, achieving both thermal performance and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel body is segmented into functional regions: the main foam body provides thermal insulation, while the integral retaining elements provide structural strength and edge stiffness. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its primary function while working together as a unified structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for the panel, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining elements are merged with the panel body as integral features, creating a single unified component rather than separate parts. This merging reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need to attach separate retention mechanisms, while the molded design maintains manufacturing flexibility for different panel configurations.
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 solution allows for easy assembly and secure retention of thermal conditioning elements, reducing weight and enhancing the structural integrity of the panels, facilitating efficient temperature maintenance during transportation while maintaining a compact and stable container configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally insulating container (2)
Implementation Method 2
thermal conditioning elements, typically in the form of coolant packs
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal conditioning wall panel 10 for use in a thermally insulating container comprises a panel body (22) having a channel (26) formed therein along one face thereof for receiving one or more thermal conditioning elements (12). At least one foot (32) is formed at the lower end of the body (22) for engagement within a socket provided on the thermally insulating container. The panel further comprises thermal conditioning element retaining elements (40) provided adjacent the longitudinal edges (29) of the channel (26), the retaining elements (40) projecting over a peripheral portion of the channel (26) for retaining the thermal conditioning elements (12) within the channel (26).