Vacuum insulation transport container for temperature-controlled transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum insulation transport containers for temperature-sensitive goods face challenges in easy lid removal due to their secure, thermally efficient connections, which hinder manual access while maintaining minimal heat exchange.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an engaging portion at the corners of the outer upper edge section with a recess extending along two sides, allowing safe and easy lid removal by hand while maintaining a firm connection for minimal heat loss, using a combination of EPP foam and polyethylene plastic materials for robustness and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the connection between the lid and receiving container is made tight to minimize heat exchange, then thermal insulation is improved, but the lid becomes difficult to remove manually
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple engagement sections distributed at corners and along sides of the container. Each engagement section independently contributes to the overall connection strength, allowing the lid to be securely attached when closed while enabling manual removal through engagement of just one or two sections with fingers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lid-container connection have different engagement characteristics. Corner engagement sections provide strong anchoring points, while intermediate engagement sections along the sides offer additional security. This local variation in engagement quality allows the connection to be tight enough for thermal insulation yet accessible for manual opening.
2Reliability
If the tongue-and-groove connection is made secure to ensure tight sealing, then thermal insulation is improved, but the lid requires excessive force to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The secure connection is achieved through multiple segmented engagement sections rather than a single large connection. This segmentation distributes the connection force across several points, maintaining overall reliability while allowing individual sections to be engaged or disengaged with minimal force during opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement sections are designed with geometries that facilitate preliminary engagement during closing (where full security is needed) while allowing preliminary disengagement during opening (where minimal force is applied). The recess and projection shapes are optimized to guide the opening action through a small number of engagement points.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement section geometry is optimized for easy finger engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection strength is maintained through multiple segmented engagement sections working together. Each section is optimized for easy finger engagement, but the cumulative effect of all sections provides the necessary overall connection strength for secure sealing and thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple engagement sections are merged into a unified connection system where the corner engagement sections and intermediate engagement sections work together. The combined effect of all engagement sections provides both the ease of operation needed for manual removal and the connection strength required for secure sealing.
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
Ensures easy manual opening and closing of the container while maintaining excellent thermal insulation, suitable for transporting temperature-sensitive goods like food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and medical products with minimal heat loss.
Implementation Method 1
the outer layer of EPP foam surrounds an insulating layer of highly insulating vacuum insulation elements
Implementation Method 2
achieving a specific heat flux Q in the range of 0.15 W/K to 0.19 W/K
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Vacuum insulation transport container (1) for the temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods, such as food, beverages, pharmaceutical products or medical devices, which vacuum insulation transport container (1) comprises a receiving container (2) and a lid (3), wherein the receiving container (2) comprises an outer upper rim section (21), an inner upper rim section (23) and a middle upper rim section (22) arranged between the outer and the inner upper rim sections (21, 23), and wherein the outer upper rim section (21) comprises an engagement section (4) at at least one corner.