Vessel assemblies for temperature control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-sensitive shipping methods using single phase change materials (PCMs) are ineffective in maintaining a payload temperature across a range of temperatures, leading to excess packaging and potential incorrect mixtures of PCM-containing vessels, which can compromise the product being shipped.
Innovation Solution
A vessel assembly comprising a rigid vessel with a flexible bladder, both filled with different phase change materials, reduces packaging materials and prevents incorrect mixtures by allowing for precise temperature control across a range of temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate PCM vessels are used to maintain a temperature range, then the temperature control effectiveness is improved, but the packaging material usage and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple PCM vessels into a single integrated vessel assembly where different PCM containers are positioned within one unified structure. This merging approach maintains the temperature range control functionality while reducing the number of separate packaging components and simplifying the overall packaging structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where inner PCM containers are placed within an outer vessel structure. This nesting arrangement allows multiple PCM components to be integrated in a space-efficient manner, reducing packaging material usage while maintaining the ability to control temperature across a range.
2Reliability
If multiple separate PCM vessels are used to maintain a temperature range, then the temperature control effectiveness is improved, but the excess packaging materials and empty spaces increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple PCM vessels into a single integrated assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate packaging around each individual PCM container. This reduces packaging material waste while maintaining the temperature control functionality across the desired range.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of inner PCM containers within an outer vessel minimizes empty spaces and reduces the overall packaging volume required. This nesting approach ensures that packaging materials are used efficiently without creating excess waste.
3Ease of operation
If personnel assemble shipper boxes without specific instructions, then the assembly process is flexible, but the risk of incorrect PCM mixture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PCM system into distinct, pre-configured containers within the vessel assembly, each designed for specific temperature control functions. This segmentation allows personnel to assemble the system flexibly while ensuring that the correct PCM types and quantities are used in each position, preventing incorrect mixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel assembly is designed as a self-contained unit where the correct PCM mixture is pre-determined by the physical configuration and positioning of the containers. This self-service design guides personnel to assemble the system correctly without requiring detailed instructions, as the structure itself ensures proper PCM placement.
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 vessel assembly effectively maintains payload temperature across a range of temperatures with reduced packaging, ensuring accurate temperature control and preventing incorrect PCM mixtures, thus protecting the shipped product.
Implementation Method 1
The PCM offsets the heat energy entering or leaving the shipper box, by absorbing or releasing energy as it changes temperature or as it changes phase from solid to a liquid, solid to a gas or from a liquid to a gas (or vice versa).
Implementation Method 2
The PCM offsets the heat energy entering or leaving the shipper box, by absorbing or releasing energy as it changes temperature or as it changes phase
Data Source
AI summary
This present disclosure provides a vessel assembly for use in temperature sensitive shipping that can maintain a payload temperature across a range of temperatures. Importantly, the vessel assembly of the present disclosure reduces the overall packaging materials used in a shipper box and prevents the “wrong” mixture of PCM-containing vessels from being used.