Transport container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport containers for temperature-sensitive goods face inefficiencies in dry ice utilization, requiring large amounts to maintain temperature uniformity, limited transit times due to asymmetric heat input, and inadequate use of interior space due to air circulation needs, with disassembly necessary for dry ice replacement.
Innovation Solution
A transport container with a layered structure comprising insulation layers and an energy distribution layer, incorporating a coolant reservoir on a wall for efficient heat distribution, allowing minimal dry ice usage and enabling extended runtime without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If dry ice is placed on or inside the transported goods, then the temperature of the goods is very constant at about -78°C, but a large amount of dry ice must be used to achieve uniform coverage of the transported goods and fill the gaps
Solution Approach 1:
A highly thermally conductive intermediate structure (energy distribution layer made of aluminum or graphite with thermal conductivity >100 W/(m·K)) is introduced between the dry ice and the goods. This intermediary distributes the cooling effect uniformly across the entire goods surface, eliminating the need for large amounts of dry ice while maintaining constant temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of directly contacting dry ice with goods (which requires large quantities for uniform coverage) with a thermal conduction-based system using highly conductive materials to distribute cooling energy efficiently across the cargo space.
2Temperature
If dry ice is placed in disc form around the goods on all sides and at the top and bottom of the transport container, then uniform temperature distribution is achieved, but if asymmetric heat input occurs, the transit time is limited by the point at which the dry ice first sublimates completely
Solution Approach 1:
The highly thermally conductive energy distribution layer acts as an intermediary that rapidly redistributes heat throughout the cargo space, preventing localized hot spots and ensuring uniform temperature distribution even under asymmetric heat input conditions, thereby extending transit time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic heat distribution system where the highly conductive material continuously adapts to asymmetric heat inputs by rapidly conducting heat from warmer to cooler regions, maintaining temperature uniformity throughout the transit period.
3Ease of manufacture
If the inner walls of the transport container are made of plastic or cardboard, then heat distribution takes place only through the transported goods themselves and via natural convection, but the transported goods must have a certain distance to the side walls, the rear wall and the floor, so that air circulation is not impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the inner wall material from low (plastic/cardboard) to high (aluminum or graphite with >100 W/(m·K)), enabling the walls themselves to actively participate in heat distribution and eliminating the need for air circulation gaps, thereby maximizing usable volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the natural convection-based heat distribution system (which requires air gaps) with a thermal conduction-based system using highly conductive wall materials, eliminating the need for circulation space and maximizing cargo volume.
4Temperature
If a large amount of dry ice is used to achieve uniform temperature distribution, then the desired temperature range is maintained, but minimizing the amount of dry ice used per kg of cargo directly affects the total amount of cargo allowed per flight
Solution Approach 1:
The highly thermally conductive energy distribution layer serves as an intermediary that amplifies the cooling effect of each unit of dry ice by efficiently distributing thermal energy throughout the entire cargo space, thereby reducing the dry ice quantity needed per kg of cargo while maintaining the required temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the heat distribution system, transforming it from a low-conductivity system (requiring large dry ice quantities) to a high-conductivity system that maximizes the efficiency of each unit of dry ice, thereby reducing total dry ice requirements.
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
Achieves uniform temperature distribution and extended transit times of over 100-140 hours with minimal dry ice, maximizing payload volume and simplifying dry ice renewal.
Implementation Method 1
an energy distribution layer bounding the interior chamber and made of a material having a thermal conductivity of >100 W/(m·K)
Implementation Method 2
Dry ice (solid CO2) is used as a coolant, which is ideal for this temperature range due to the sublimation temperature of approx. −78.5° C. In addition, an amount of energy of 571.1 kJ/kg is required for the phase transition from solid to gas (sublimation)
Implementation Method 3
For insulation, layered wall constructions of standard insulation material such as EPS, PIR or XPS as well as high-performance insulation such as vacuum panels (VIP) are used
Data Source
AI summary
A transport container for transporting temperature-sensitive goods, having a container wall arrangement surrounding an interior chamber for accommodating the goods comprising a plurality of walls adjoining one another at an angle. The container wall arrangement has an opening for loading and unloading the interior chamber, which opening can be closed by means of a door device, and the container wall arrangement encloses the interior chamber on all sides with the exception of the opening. The container wall arrangement consists of a layered structure comprising, from the outside to the inside, a first insulation layer, optionally a second insulation layer, and an energy distribution layer bounding the interior chamber and made of a material having a thermal conductivity of >100 W/(m·K). In the interior chamber, at least one coolant reservoir for holding a coolant is arranged and/or fastened to at least one wall, in particular an upper wall.