Transport containment assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional refrigerated cargo trucks and trailers face inefficiencies in cooling due to door openings, leading to reduced temperature control and operational inefficiency, as the existing refrigeration systems cool the entire compartment rather than targeting specific areas effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular cold box system where multiple boxes are configured in series with each other, allowing for the flow of cooling air and equipped with isolation devices and temperature sensors, enabling efficient cooling and temperature control by using a refrigeration unit connected via supply and return ducts, and allowing for detachable engagement and stacking of boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional refrigeration systems cool the entire compartment, then the cargo compartment is cooled, but cooling efficiency is reduced and temperature control is compromised when doors are opened
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo compartment is divided into multiple independent temperature zones using separate temperature control units (220, 221, 222) that can independently cool different sections. Each zone has its own refrigeration system, allowing selective cooling of only the necessary areas rather than the entire compartment, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining reliable temperature control in each zone independently.
2Loss of energy
If multiple boxes are stacked in series for cooling air flow, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple detachable boxes (202, 203, 204) that can be stacked in series, with each box containing simplified refrigeration components. This segmentation allows efficient serial cooling air flow through multiple zones while keeping each individual unit relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
Each box is designed as a universal module that can function independently or be combined with other boxes. The standardized design with common components (compressors, condensers, expansion devices, evaporators) allows the system to scale from single-box to multi-box configurations without increasing complexity proportionally, as each module performs the same cooling function.
3Reliability
If isolation devices are added to control air flow between boxes, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation devices (214, 215) are designed to dynamically adjust air flow between boxes based on operational needs. These movable isolation components allow the system to open or close passages between temperature zones as required, enabling precise temperature control in each zone while maintaining relatively simple isolation mechanisms that can be easily actuated.
4Adaptability or versatility
If boxes are made detachable and stackable, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate detachable boxes (202, 203, 204) with standardized connection interfaces, allowing individual boxes to be manufactured separately and then assembled into various configurations. This segmentation improves adaptability for different cargo requirements while the modular design actually simplifies manufacturing compared to building one large integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The boxes are designed to nest within each other when stacked, with each box fitting into the space above or below adjacent boxes. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization and allows flexible configuration of multiple temperature zones while maintaining simple, standardized manufacturing processes for each individual box.
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
This modular system enhances cooling efficiency by maintaining temperature control across the cargo compartment, allowing for precise temperature management and improved operational efficiency by ensuring consistent cooling even when doors are opened, and enabling easy disassembly and reassembly of boxes for flexible use.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration system located at one end of the truck, trailer, or cargo container. Refrigeration systems typically include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator serially connected by refrigerant lines in a closed refrigerant circuit in accord with known refrigerant vapor compression cycles
Implementation Method 2
Refrigeration systems typically include a compressor
Implementation Method 3
Refrigeration systems typically include a compressor, a condenser
Implementation Method 4
Refrigeration systems typically include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator
Implementation Method 5
a refrigeration system located at one end of the truck, trailer, or cargo container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A transport containment assembly (26) includes a refrigeration unit (36) and a container (34). The container (34) houses a plurality of boxes (52) of the transport containment assembly (26) for storage of cargo. The plurality of boxes (52) are configured in series with one-another for the flow of cooling air from the refrigeration unit (36).