U.S. patent application number 17/499199 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-14 for modular power and access control system for actively cooled (refrigerated/frozen) product storage & transportation container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Phononic, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jesse W. Edwards, Ed Karwacki, Austin J. Lewis, Simbarashe Nyika, Mattias Olsson.
Application Number | 20220113068 17/499199 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-14 |
![](/patent/app/20220113068/US20220113068A1-20220414-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20220113068/US20220113068A1-20220414-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20220113068/US20220113068A1-20220414-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20220113068/US20220113068A1-20220414-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20220113068/US20220113068A1-20220414-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20220113068/US20220113068A1-20220414-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20220113068/US20220113068A1-20220414-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20220113068/US20220113068A1-20220414-D00007.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20220113068 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lewis; Austin J. ; et
al. |
April 14, 2022 |
MODULAR POWER AND ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ACTIVELY COOLED
(REFRIGERATED/FROZEN) PRODUCT STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION
CONTAINER
Abstract
Systems and methods for modular power and access control for
actively cooled containers are provided. In some embodiments, a
mobile and/or stationary, modular, power system/dock for perishable
storage/transport containers with active cooling functionality is
provided to maintain a controlled internal temperature for extended
periods. In some embodiments, this active cooling can include:
thermoelectric (TEC), Stirling-cooler; and/or vapor compression.
This can be in support of refrigerated or frozen cargos in (but not
limited to) Cold chain, grocery (food), Pharma, Medical
applications, or specialized customer requirements. The power
system is useable with either mains, locally generated, and/or
battery power. In some embodiments, the system includes a proximity
sensor and/or switching system to control timing of power
application and power removal to the food storage cooler to
eliminate risk of arcing or shock.
Inventors: |
Lewis; Austin J.; (Durham,
NC) ; Edwards; Jesse W.; (Wake Forest, NC) ;
Olsson; Mattias; (Durham, NC) ; Nyika;
Simbarashe; (Durham, NC) ; Karwacki; Ed;
(Durham, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Phononic, Inc. |
Durham |
NC |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/499199 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63090432 |
Oct 12, 2020 |
|
|
|
International
Class: |
F25B 21/04 20060101
F25B021/04; F25D 11/00 20060101 F25D011/00 |
Claims
1. An actively cooled container comprising: a modular power
subsystem; an active cooling subsystem; and an access control
subsystem.
2. The actively cooled container of claim 1 wherein the active
cooling subsystem comprises one or more of the group consisting of:
a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), a Stirling-cooler; and a vapor
compression subsystem.
3. The actively cooled container of claim 1 wherein the modular
power subsystem is useable with one or more of the group consisting
of: mains power, locally generated power, and battery power.
4. The actively cooled container of claim 1 further comprising: a
proximity sensor and/or a switching system to control timing of
power application and power removal.
5. The actively cooled container of claim 1 further comprising:
access control locking features that secure the actively cooled
container from unauthorized removal.
6. The actively cooled container of claim 1 wherein remote
utilization and unattended delivery drop-off and pickup is enabled
while maintaining the actively cooled container in a fully powered
condition to preserve integrity of perishable goods.
7. A dock for accepting an actively cooled container comprising: a
power subsystem; and an access control subsystem.
8. The dock of claim 7 wherein the access control subsystem secures
the actively cooled container from unauthorized removal from the
dock.
9. The dock of claim 7 wherein the actively cooled container
includes the features of claim 1.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application Ser. No. 63/090,432, filed Oct. 12, 2020, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods
related to actively cooled containers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Current methods for refrigerated/frozen product storage
& transportation in grocery, supply chain, delivery, and other
perishable cold chain applications are: Phase-change material (i.e.
"ice" packs: Paraffin, water-ice, glycol, Dry-ice, etc.);
Refrigerated Trucks/Containers used in shipping and over-the-road
applications; Large scale cooling of warehouse location using
conventional HVAC to cold chain compliant temperatures. Improved
systems and methods for cooled product storage are needed.
SUMMARY
[0004] Systems and methods for modular power and access control for
actively cooled containers are provided. In some embodiments, a
mobile and/or stationary, modular, power system/dock for perishable
storage/transport containers with active cooling functionality is
provided to maintain a controlled internal temperature for extended
periods. In some embodiments, this active cooling can include:
thermoelectric (TEC), Stirling-cooler; and/or vapor compression.
This can be in support of refrigerated or frozen cargos in (but not
limited to) Cold chain, grocery (food), Pharma, Medical
applications, or specialized customer requirements. The power
system is useable with either mains, locally generated, and/or
battery power. In some embodiments, the system includes a proximity
sensor and/or switching system to control timing of power
application and power removal to the food storage cooler to
eliminate risk of arcing or shock.
[0005] In some embodiments, the dock has access control locking
features that secure the actively cooled storage/transport device
from unauthorized removal. In some embodiments, this enables remote
utilization and unattended delivery drop-off and pickup while
maintaining the unit in a fully powered condition to preserve the
integrity of perishable goods.
[0006] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the
present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after
reading the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments in association with the accompanying drawing
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0007] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated in and forming
a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the
disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the
principles of the disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example insulated container with
active refrigeration system, according to some embodiments of the
current disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a power System for Perishable storage
container. (AC Mains power shown), according to some embodiments of
the current disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an active container power configuration
for left-hand or right-hand docking, according to some embodiments
of the current disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates example electrical contacts and proximity
sensor (Magnetic and Hall-effect shown), according to some
embodiments of the current disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a generic automated warehouse/racking
kept at room temperature, according to some embodiments of the
current disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a secure local/remote dock diagram,
according to some embodiments of the current disclosure; and
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a rack implementation with
docking/locking rails, according to some embodiments of the current
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary
information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the
embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the
embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the
accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will
understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize
applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein.
It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall
within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.
[0016] The present disclosure relates to an insulated container
that features an active cooling system i.e. (thermoelectric,
vapor-compression, Stirling, etc.) installed directly into the
cooler in a removable or built-in module). FIG. 1 illustrates an
example insulated container with active refrigeration system,
according to some embodiments of the current disclosure. Additional
details can be found in International Patent Application serial
number PCT/US2020/067172, filed Dec. 28, 2020, the disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety;
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/135,420, filed on Dec. 28,
2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. Both of these claim priority to
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/953,771, filed Dec. 26,
2019.
[0017] Additional details regarding the use of these insulated
containers can be found in Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
63/244,518, filed Sep. 15, 2021.
[0018] Direct or filtered AC or DC power applied through Power
System with minimal internal losses is discussed below. FIG. 2
illustrates a power System for Perishable storage container. (AC
Mains power shown), according to some embodiments of the current
disclosure.
[0019] Potential sources are (but not limited to): Mains power
(typically 90-240V at 50 Hz or 60 Hz); Photovoltaic (PV); Vehicle
power bus (Typically 12-48 VDC); Battery system; Micro-turbine
(wind).
[0020] Power transfer implementation includes but is not limited
to: Magnetic coupling; Direct contact.
[0021] Wireless Transmission
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an active container power configuration
for left-hand or right-hand docking, according to some embodiments
of the current disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates example electrical contacts and proximity
sensor (Magnetic and Hall-effect shown), according to some
embodiments of the current disclosure. The proximity sensor is used
to time application and removal of power to the container with no
need for manual intervention. In some embodiments, dual input
contacts allow for left-hand or right-hand docking to facilitate
cargo access in multiple applications. Integrated contacts can
allow for direct connection and/or stand-alone battery module to be
securely docked/affixed to container for self-powered
applications.
[0024] These embodiments could potentially be used in (but not
limited to): Robotic warehouse/racking systems where manual
plug/unplug of the container is not feasible and/or desirable;
Manual systems where minimum employee interaction time is needed;
Mobile delivery platforms to extend safe delivery ranges; Remote
deployment dock/racks. FIG. 5 illustrates a generic automated
warehouse/racking kept at room temperature, according to some
embodiments of the current disclosure.
[0025] Some embodiments feature optional security functions to
enable remote, unattended, drop-off and/or pickup. FIG. 6
illustrates a secure local/remote dock diagram, according to some
embodiments of the current disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a rack
implementation with docking/locking rails, according to some
embodiments of the current disclosure.
[0026] Current methods for refrigerated/frozen product storage
& transportation in grocery, supply chain, delivery, and other
perishable cold chain applications are: [0027] Phase-change
material (i.e. "ice" packs: Paraffin, water-ice, glycol, Dry-ice,
etc.) [0028] Active cooling provides indefinite holdover as long as
power is available from any source [0029] Greater tolerance for
economy (longer term) shipping options [0030] Greater tolerance for
extended shipping periods to remote locations [0031] Refrigerated
Trucks/Containers, used in shipping and over-the-road applications
[0032] Modular, actively cooled containers provide more efficient
use of space and minimize energy requirements for partial loads
[0033] Minimized risk of compromising order integrity [0034]
Individualized monitoring and logging and temperature data [0035]
Multiple temperature options [0036] Large scale cooling of
warehouse location using conventional HVAC to cold chain compliant
temperatures [0037] Modular, self-contained, actively cooled
containers (incorporating TEC, VC, Stirling, etc.) for commercial
refrigerated/frozen food storage enables point of need cold chain
compliance, efficient use of space, and ability to maintain active
cold chain compliance while transporting goods outside of the
warehouse. [0038] A fast, automatic and simple method of power
application & removal improves robotic and manual movement of
the active coolers. It removes manual steps of plugging and
unplugging the cooler. [0039] Security and access control features
enable extended remote deployment.
[0040] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and
modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present
disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered
within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims
that follow.
EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Embodiment 1: An actively cooled container comprising one or
more of: modular power; active cooling; and an access control
system.
[0042] Embodiment 2: Embodiment 1 wherein the active cooling
comprises thermoelectric (TEC), Stirling-cooler; and/or vapor
compression.
[0043] Embodiment 3: Any of Embodiments 1-2 wherein power system is
useable with either mains, locally generated, and/or battery
power.
[0044] Embodiment 4: Any of Embodiments 1-3 further comprising: a
proximity sensor and/or switching system to control timing of power
application and power removal.
[0045] Embodiment 5: Any of Embodiments 1-4 further comprising:
access control locking features that secure the actively cooled
container from unauthorized removal.
[0046] Embodiment 6: Any of Embodiments 1-5 wherein remote
utilization and unattended delivery drop-off and pickup is enabled
while maintaining the actively cooled container in a fully powered
condition to preserve the integrity of perishable goods.
* * * * *