Transport Container Air Composition Control Using Dual-Path Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air control systems for transport containers fail to effectively adjust the composition of inside air to maintain the freshness of perishable items during marine transportation, particularly for products that breathe by absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.
Innovation Solution
A transport container with an inside air control apparatus that separates inflowing air into first and second air streams with different compositions using a separation module, and switches outlet paths to control the composition of inside air, utilizing a refrigeration apparatus to maintain a controlled atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single air handling system is used without composition separation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to dynamically adjust oxygen and carbon dioxide levels for perishable goods is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling system is segmented into two separate pathways: a first air pathway that introduces outside air with higher oxygen content, and a second air pathway that introduces inside air with lower oxygen content. A composition adjuster selectively mixes these two air streams to achieve the desired oxygen concentration, enabling dynamic adaptation to different perishable goods requirements without excessive system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The air composition control system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can maintain oxygen levels for different types of perishable goods, adjust to varying storage durations, and adapt to different container sizes. The same system architecture handles both oxygen enrichment and carbon dioxide management, providing universal applicability across diverse refrigeration scenarios
2Duration of action of stationary object
If air composition is not dynamically adjusted, then the device complexity is reduced, but the freshness maintenance duration of perishable goods decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Oxygen and carbon dioxide sensors continuously monitor the air composition within the container and provide feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the opening degrees of first and second opening/closing mechanisms based on real-time composition data, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal atmosphere for extended periods and enables long-duration marine transportation of perishable goods
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically adjustable opening mechanisms that can continuously vary the proportion of outside air versus inside air introduced into the container. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to changing oxygen consumption rates and carbon dioxide accumulation over time, extending the freshness maintenance duration throughout the marine voyage
3Manufacturing precision
If precise air composition control is implemented, then the product quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composition adjuster acts as an intermediary device that precisely mixes first air (outside air) and second air (inside air) in controlled proportions. This intermediary mixing mechanism provides precise oxygen concentration control without requiring complex individual control systems for each gas component, achieving accurate air composition control with moderate system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines oxygen control and carbon dioxide management into a unified air composition control approach. By controlling the ratio of outside air (high oxygen) to inside air (low oxygen, high carbon dioxide), the system simultaneously manages both gas compositions through a single control mechanism, improving product quality while limiting the increase in device complexity
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 adjusts oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations within the transport container, ensuring the freshness of perishable goods by maintaining a controlled atmosphere, thereby enhancing the preservation of fruits, vegetables, and flowers during marine transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a composition adjuster (200) configured to separate inflow air to be treated into first air and second air having different compositions
Data Source
AI summary
An inside air control apparatus includes a composition adjuster. Outside air flowing in a first inflow path and inside air flowing in a second inflow path flow into the composition adjuster as the air to be treated. The composition adjuster separates the air to be treated into first air and second air. The first air flows into a first outflow path. The second air flows into a second outflow path. An outlet switching mechanism changes the destinations of the first air and the second air.