Shipping system for storing and/or transporting temperature-sensitive materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping systems for temperature-sensitive materials face challenges in maintaining precise temperature control and efficiency in transporting and storing such materials, particularly due to limitations in insulation and phase-change materials.
Innovation Solution
A shipping system comprising an outer box with a cavity, a product box, and temperature-control members, including self-contained dry ice containers, insulation, and a liner assembly with reversible U-shaped liner pieces and a riser structure to maintain temperature-sensitive materials within desired temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insulation materials are used in shipping systems, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the temperature control precision and duration are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite insulation structures combining multiple materials with different thermal properties. The insulation system integrates reflective barriers, foam insulation layers, and air gaps to create a multi-layer composite structure that significantly improves temperature control precision while managing the complexity through systematic material combination rather than single-material reliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested insulation configurations where multiple insulation layers are arranged concentrically or in overlapping patterns around the cargo space. This nesting approach maximizes thermal protection within limited space, improving temperature control effectiveness while maintaining a compact overall structure that doesn't excessively increase system complexity.
2Reliability
If phase-change materials are used for temperature control, then temperature maintenance capability is improved, but the system complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates phase-change materials (PCMs) that undergo phase transitions at specific temperatures to absorb or release heat, thereby maintaining stable temperature conditions. The PCMs are strategically positioned in contact with cargo items, and their phase transition properties provide passive temperature regulation without requiring active control systems, thus improving reliability while limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-change materials function autonomously based on their inherent thermodynamic properties, automatically absorbing heat when temperature rises and releasing heat when temperature drops. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems, sensors, or power sources, thereby improving temperature maintenance capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple temperature-control members are used, then temperature control reliability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control system into multiple discrete temperature-control members, each responsible for specific zones or cargo items. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where each unit can be independently positioned and adjusted, improving overall temperature control reliability through distributed coverage while maintaining assembly ease through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature-control members are designed with universal characteristics, allowing the same basic component design to be used in multiple positions and configurations within the shipping system. This universality simplifies assembly procedures as workers need to handle and install only one type of component, improving ease of operation while achieving reliable temperature control through multiple identical units working in parallel.
4Manufacturing precision
If self-contained dry ice containers are used, then temperature control precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dry ice containers are pre-assembled and pre-filled with phase-change materials or dry ice in controlled manufacturing environments before being integrated into the shipping system. This preliminary action ensures precise temperature control specifications are met during manufacturing while allowing the containers to be produced as standalone units, thereby improving temperature control precision without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process through modular pre-assembly.
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 temperature-sensitive materials within specified temperature ranges for extended periods, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of transportation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
temperature-control members, including self-contained dry ice containers
Implementation Method 2
self-contained dry ice containers
Implementation Method 3
insulation
Data Source
AI summary
Shipping system for storing and/or transporting temperature-sensitive materials. In one embodiment, the system includes an outer box having four side walls, bottom closure flaps, and top closure flaps. A vacuum insulated panel (VIP) is detachably coupled to one of the top closure flaps and is removably covered by a cover. An insulation unit is removably positioned within the outer box, the insulation unit including a plurality of VIPs arranged to define a cavity bounded by a bottom wall and four side walls. A disposable liner assembly is removably mounted on the insulation unit. The liner assembly includes a first liner piece, a second liner piece, and a liner support. A plurality of temperature-control members and a product box may be removably positioned in a cavity defined by the liner assembly. The temperature-control members snugly fit around all sides of the product box and each include a container containing dry ice.