Thermal insulation box with cooling mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shipment of pharmaceuticals, blood, and biological materials is challenging due to their short effective life and high value, as temperature and humidity variations during global shipping can lead to delays and render products unusable, necessitating a cost-effective system for maintaining optimal conditions.
Innovation Solution
A smart thermal insulation box with a temperature, humidity, and vibration monitoring system, combined with an automatic refrigerant delivery system, which includes an inner insulator box made of thermal insulation material and an outer cardboard box, equipped with sensors, electronic circuitry, and a display screen for real-time monitoring and cooling control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If refrigerant materials or phase change materials are used to maintain temperature below room temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but the system cannot respond to unexpected delays and temperature increases during shipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a temperature monitoring system with sensors that continuously measure internal temperature and provide feedback to a control unit. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit automatically activates the refrigerant delivery system to release refrigerant, creating a closed-loop feedback control mechanism that responds dynamically to temperature changes during shipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to autonomously monitor temperature and trigger refrigerant release without external intervention. The control unit automatically processes temperature data from sensors and activates the refrigerant delivery mechanism when needed, enabling the cooling system to self-regulate and maintain temperature control reliability throughout the shipment journey
2Use of energy by stationary object
If insulated containers with temperature-control agents are used, then cost-effective temperature maintenance is achieved, but real-time monitoring and automatic cooling control are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and vibration sensors that continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide real-time feedback to a microprocessor control unit. This automated feedback system enables the container to automatically adjust refrigerant release based on actual conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual temperature control mechanisms with an automated electronic control system. The microprocessor control unit processes sensor data and automatically activates the refrigerant delivery system, substituting mechanical/manual operations with electronic automation that improves both convenience and precision of temperature control
3Adaptability or versatility
If shipping routes become longer to reach global destinations, then market access is improved, but temperature and humidity variations increase causing product degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple sensors (temperature, humidity, vibration) that continuously monitor environmental conditions throughout the shipment and provide real-time feedback to the control system. This enables the container to detect and respond to temperature and humidity variations caused by long shipping routes, maintaining product integrity regardless of route length or duration
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes predetermined temperature thresholds and automatic refrigerant release mechanisms that are configured before shipment begins. When environmental conditions deviate from acceptable ranges during long-distance transport, the system proactively releases refrigerant to prevent product degradation, addressing harmful factors before they cause damage
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 optimal temperature and humidity levels, ensuring the integrity of shipped products by automatically releasing refrigerant when internal temperatures exceed thresholds, providing real-time monitoring and regulatory compliance verification.
Implementation Method 1
an inner insulator box made of panels of thermal insulation material
Implementation Method 2
the temperature monitoring system triggers a microprocessor to cause the refrigerant delivery system to release refrigerant into the internal space
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a smart thermal insulation box, including thermally insulated layers with mitered edges forming a thermally insulated space, and said space surrounded by cardboard material. The box has externally viewable and operable temperature and humidity sensors, where the sensors are preferably fixed inside the box to one side. The temperature monitoring system monitors temperature of the insulated space and facilitates delivery of refrigerant into it through a refrigerant delivery system when the temperature of insulated space exceeds a set value. One of the cardboard panels forming the top of the box which overlays the insulation layer has a window configured to overlay the display panel. An audible alert system may also be included to alert users to temperature or humidity excursions.