Vacuum-Sealed Shipping Panel for Stable Cold-Chain Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-sensitive product packaging systems fail to effectively maintain consistent temperature control during shipping due to variations in internal and external conditions, leading to potential heat damage.
Innovation Solution
An insulated panel with an openwork insert and flexible overwrap, vacuum sealed to create an insulation barrier, maintains shape and temperature control through reduced air, using sustainable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional insulated packaging is used, then temperature control is provided, but consistent temperature control fails due to variations in internal and external conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a vacuum environment (inert atmosphere without molecules) within the insulated panel to eliminate convective heat transfer. The vacuum is maintained by removing air from the enclosed space between the insert and overwrap, preventing heat transfer through air molecules and providing consistent temperature control regardless of external conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the insulation medium from air (gaseous) to vacuum (absence of gas). This parameter change eliminates molecular-based heat transfer mechanisms, providing more reliable and consistent temperature control that is not affected by variations in internal and external conditions.
2Loss of energy
If vacuum sealing is applied to the overwrap, then air is removed for better insulation, but the insert must maintain its shape under vacuum conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible overwrap that can conform to the insert's shape while maintaining the vacuum seal. The flexible film allows the vacuum environment to be created without requiring the insert itself to be rigid, enabling shape maintenance through the flexible containment rather than rigid structural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the insulation system into separate functional components: the insert (which maintains its shape through its own structural design), the flexible overwrap (which provides sealing and vacuum containment), and the vacuum space (which provides thermal insulation). This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently.
3Quantity of substance
If an openwork insert with void spaces is used, then material usage is reduced, but structural integrity must be maintained when vacuum sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an openwork insert with a porous or void-filled structure that reduces material usage while maintaining sufficient structural integrity. The porous design allows for reduced material quantity but the interconnected void spaces are configured to maintain shape and structural strength when under vacuum conditions, as the openwork structure distributes mechanical stresses effectively.
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 solution provides passive temperature regulation, minimizing temperature excursions and protecting sensitive products while being eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible overwrap that completely covers the insert and is vacuum sealed about the insert
Implementation Method 2
insulated panel with an openwork insert and flexible overwrap, vacuum sealed to create an insulation barrier
Data Source
AI summary
An insulated panel for a packaging system for shipping a temperature-sensitive product is provided. The insulated panel includes one or more inserts or spacers defining a network of interconnecting void spaces therein and a flexible overwrap that completely covers the insert or inserts and is vacuum sealed about the insert or inserts. A packaging system including at least one of the insulated panels is also provided.