CN110567226A

CN110567226A - system for providing temperature control storage box

Info

Publication number: CN110567226A
Application number: CN201910482734.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马里卡·利斯基
Original assignee: Ford Mayer Finland
Current assignee: Ford Mayer Finland
Priority date: 2018-06-05
Filing date: 2019-06-04
Publication date: 2019-12-13
Also published as: EP3579204A1; FI128321B; US20190368750A1; FI20185514A1; CA3044764A1

Abstract

A system for providing a temperature controlled storage tank is disclosed. The system includes a housing having a top cover and first, second, third, and fourth walls connected to one another. The top cover is disposed on top of the wall and is arranged to have at least one slit between the top cover and the first wall and at least one slit between the top cover and the third wall. The system includes a group of cabinets disposed within a housing. The cabinet group comprises at least one set of cabinets. The system also includes a compressor unit for each of the at least one set of cabinets, and the compressor unit includes a first fan and a second fan. The first fan is configured to provide cold air to the respective set of cabinets via a duct system connected to each cabinet, and the second fan is configured to blow heat from the compressor unit in the direction of the first wall.

Description

system for providing temperature control storage box

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to storage boxes; and more particularly to a system for providing a temperature controlled storage tank.

background

With the advancement of technology, people's lifestyles become faster and more busy. Thus, this fast and busy lifestyle gives people little time to do daily chores such as cooking, purchasing groceries and medicines, cleaning, washing, etc. Therefore, people who do not have time to deal with such daily chores can order items (or goods) using an online service or a mobile phone. For example, people may order food or drugs using such online services or mobile phones.

typically, the delivery person delivers the ordered item. In most cases, delivery personnel need to coordinate the time and place with the customer to deliver the ordered goods. Many times, it may happen that the person ordering the goods is not actually able to take the goods. In such a case, the delivery person must wait or retrieve the goods, which may result in dissatisfaction of the delivery person or customer. In addition, in such a case, if the ordered goods belong to a perishable part (e.g., food or medicine) that needs to be maintained at a certain specified temperature until the ordered goods are physically delivered, the process of delivering the goods becomes more complicated. Further, a person who is predicted to be complicated may avoid ordering because they cannot take the ordered goods.

Accordingly, in view of the foregoing discussion, there is a need to overcome the above-described disadvantages of ordering and collecting ordered goods that need to be maintained at a specified temperature.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure is directed to a system for providing a temperature controlled storage tank. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problem of ordering and collecting goods that need to be maintained at a specified temperature. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that at least partially overcomes the problems encountered in the prior art and provides an efficient way of ordering and collecting goods that need to be maintained at a specified temperature.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for providing a temperature control storage tank, the system including:

-a housing having a top cover and a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall connected to each other, wherein:

-the first wall and the third wall are parallel to each other and face each other;

-the second wall and the fourth wall are parallel to each other and face each other;

the first and third walls are perpendicular to the second and fourth walls; and is

-the top cover is arranged on top of the walls and is arranged with at least a first slit between the top cover and the first wall and at least a second slit between the top cover and the third wall, wherein the at least first slit and the at least second slit have a first height and a first width;

-a group of cabinets arranged within the housing and parallel to the first wall at a first distance from the first wall and at a second distance from the third wall, wherein:

-the first distance is smaller than the second distance;

-a group of cabinets having a second height and a second width, the second height being such that a third distance between a top of the group of cabinets and the top cover is smaller than the first height; and is

-the group of cabinets comprises at least one set of cabinets; and

-a compressor unit for each of the at least one set of cabinets and having a first fan and a second fan, wherein:

-the first fan is configured to provide cooling air to the respective set of cabinets via a duct system connected to each cabinet of the set of cabinets; and

the second fan is configured to blow heat from the compressor unit in the direction of the first wall.

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and enable an efficient method of collecting goods that currently cannot be collected.

Other aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description of illustrative embodiments, which is to be construed in conjunction with the appended claims.

it is to be understood that features of the disclosure are susceptible to being combined in different combinations without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the drawings exemplary constructions of the disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are not drawn to scale. Wherever possible, similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a system providing a temperature control storage tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of a group of cabinets of the system of fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 3 is a schematic front view of a set of cabinets in the group of cabinets of fig. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 5 is a block diagram depicting an example implementation of the system of fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

in the drawings, underlined reference numerals are used to denote items on which the underlined reference numerals are located or items adjacent to the underlined reference numerals. The non-underlined reference number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined reference number to the item. When a reference number is not underlined, accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined reference number is used to identify the general term to which the arrow points.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the disclosure, and methods by which the embodiments may be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the disclosure are possible.

-the top cover is arranged on top of the walls and arranged to have at least a first slit between the top cover and the first wall as at least a second slit between the top cover and the third wall, wherein the at least first slit and the at least second slit have a first height and a first width;

-the first distance is smaller than the second distance;

-the group of cabinets has a second height and a second width, the second height being such that a third distance between a top of the group of cabinets and the top cover is smaller than the first height; and is

-the group of cabinets comprises at least one set of cabinets; and

the system of the present disclosure provides an efficient way to efficiently deliver and receive ordered goods. Further, the system of the present disclosure provides a temperature controlled environment for storing ordered goods. Further, the system disclosed herein provides an efficient way to collect ordered merchandise. For example, the system of the present disclosure provides a robust, more energy efficient, safe, and better temperature controlled environment than conventional temperature controlled storage bins, which may include refrigerators and the like. Advantageously, the system of the present disclosure provides a mode for delivering merchandise even if the user ordering the merchandise is currently unable to receive the ordered merchandise in person. Thus, this mode of ordering and receiving goods can enable a person to effectively manage his or her time while dealing with daily chores. The system can also efficiently manage the entire delivery chain traffic and can increase business opportunities associated therewith.

throughout this disclosure, the term "temperature-controlled storage box" refers to a refrigerated storage box for storing any perishable goods that need to be maintained within a specified temperature when the ambient temperature (the temperature outside the storage box) is above the specified temperature, or a heated storage box for storing any goods when the ambient temperature is below the specified temperature. The temperature control storage tank preferably also includes uniform air circulation, relative humidity, and the like. Furthermore, the temperature control storage tank is typically an enclosed area made of metal, nonmetal, alloy or a combination thereof capable of maintaining a specified temperature. In addition, the temperature control storage box is configured to have any shape that appropriately accommodates the goods to be accommodated therein. Further, the system for a temperature control storage tank includes a housing separating the temperature control storage tank from an external environment. The housing may be made of any metal, non-metal, alloy, or combination thereof. Further, the housing may have a door arranged to allow a user to enter the housing to use the temperature controlled storage tank and/or to exit the housing afterwards. In addition, the housing can accommodate one or more users therein to use the temperature controlled storage box.

As previously mentioned, the system includes a housing having a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall connected to one another. The first, second, third and fourth walls are mounted on a base that serves as a floor. Further, the first wall and the third wall are parallel to and face each other. The first wall and the third wall have a predetermined distance therebetween. For example, the distance between the first wall and the third wall defines the length of the housing. Alternatively, the distance between the first wall and the third wall may define a width of the housing. Also, the second wall and the fourth wall are parallel to and face each other. The second wall and the fourth wall also have a predetermined distance therebetween. In one example, the distance between the second wall and the fourth wall may define a length of the housing, and optionally, the distance between the second wall and the fourth wall may define a width of the housing. The dimensions of the housing are thus dependent on the distance between the first wall and the third wall and the distance between the second wall and the fourth wall.

as previously described, the first and third walls are perpendicular to the second and fourth walls. In other words, the first wall is perpendicular to the second and fourth walls, and similarly, the third wall is perpendicular to the second and fourth walls. It should be understood that the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall are configured to form an enclosed area defining an interior space of the housing.

in an embodiment, the distance between the first wall and the third wall and the distance between the second wall and the fourth wall are substantially fixed and define a housing having fixed dimensions. Alternatively, the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall are configured to move from one position to another position. Thus, the distance between the first, second, third and fourth walls may be adjustable and may be varied as required. The size of the housing can then be changed as needed.

further, the housing includes a top cover, wherein the top cover is disposed on top of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall. A top cover is attached to a top of each of the first, second, third, and fourth walls to form a separation of the interior space within the housing from the external environment. In an example, the top cover serves as a shield for the interior space within the housing. In an embodiment, the roof is arranged on top of the wall with the support. The top cover may be disposed on top of the wall by supports such as clamps, nuts and bolts, screws, and the like.

in one embodiment, the top cover may be made of tempered glass. The tempered glass is heat resistant to the housing, i.e. does not allow heat (generated by sunlight falling on the top cover) to affect the temperature within the housing. Furthermore, it is beneficial that the tempered glass, when broken, will break into small granular pieces that are less likely to cause injury to a user within the housing.

The top cover is arranged to have at least one slit between the top cover and the first wall and at least one slit between the top cover and the third wall. In an example, the first wall includes a first void defining at least one slit between the cap and the first wall, and the third wall includes a second void defining at least one slit between the cap and the third wall. Further, at least one slit between the top cover and the first wall and at least one slit between the top cover and the third wall are located in the middle of the first wall and the middle of the third wall (facing each other), respectively. Alternatively, the at least one slit between the top cover and the first wall and the at least one slit between the top cover and the third wall may be placed diagonally. At least one slit between the top cover and the first wall and at least one slit between the top cover and the third wall facilitate air flow from outside the housing into the housing and from inside the housing to outside the housing. In addition, at least one slit between the top cover and the first wall and at least one slit between the top cover and the third wall are arranged or configured to face each other to enable proper flow of air therethrough.

The at least one slit (between the top cover and the first wall, and between the top cover and the third wall) has a first height and a first width defining dimensions of the at least one slit. It will be appreciated that the at least one slit may be configured to have a rectangular shape or any other suitable shape, such as a rectangle with rounded corners. Furthermore, the size of the at least one slit determines the amount of air flowing into the housing and the amount of air flowing out of the housing. In an embodiment, the first height is 20cm and the first width is at least 80% of the width of the first and third walls. For example, when the width of each of the first and third walls is about 300cm, then the first width is 240 cm. Further, in the example, each of the second and fourth walls has a width of about 400 cm. In this embodiment, the widths of the second and fourth walls define the length of the housing, while the widths of the first and third walls define the width of the housing. Also, each of the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall has a height of about 300 cm. In an example, the housing may be configured as a shipping container having standard dimensions.

As previously mentioned, the system includes a group of cabinets disposed inside the housing, the group of cabinets being parallel to the first wall at a first distance from the first wall and a second distance from the second wall. The group of cabinets includes a plurality of cabinets having similar or different sizes and shapes. Each cabinet in the group of cabinets is configured to receive and store ordered goods or items therein. In addition, the group of cabinets is disposed within the enclosure at a distance from each of the first, second, third, and fourth walls. For example, as mentioned herein, the first distance is less than the second distance. Thus, the group of cabinets is closer to the first wall than the third wall. In addition, the area (or zone) between the first wall and the group of cabinets is smaller than the area between the third wall and the group of cabinets.

The cabinet group has a second height and a second width, the second height being such that a third distance between a top of the cabinet group and the top cover is less than the first height. The second height is less than the heights of the first, second, third, and fourth walls. In an example, when the height of the wall is 300cm and the first height is 20cm (i.e., the height of the at least one slot), then the second height of the group of cabinets will be greater than 280cm and less than 300 cm. Further, in an example, where the third distance is 5cm, the second height of the group of cabinets may be 295 cm. In addition, the second width of the group of cabinets is less than the width of the first wall and the third wall. Further, the group of cabinets is spaced apart from the first, second and fourth walls by a distance of about 30cm to 50 cm. Also, the group of cabinets is spaced from the third wall by a distance of about 200cm to 300 cm. Additionally, when the width of the second and fourth walls is 400cm, the second width of the group of cabinets may be in the range of 50cm to 150 cm. Similarly, the second length of the group of cabinets may be in a range of 200cm to 240 cm. In an example, the group of cabinets may be configured to have dimensions of 295cm in height, 75cm in width, and 200cm in length. The area or zone between the cabinet group and the third wall provides space for one or more users within the enclosure. Further, the space between the cabinet group and the third wall provides space for air to enter the housing. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the number of walls and the location of the cabinets may vary in accordance with the disclosure above and still be within the scope of this description. Also, the group of cabinets may be arranged on more than one wall of the housing.

in another embodiment, the housing includes a front access door disposed on a wall (e.g., a third wall) and at least one maintenance door disposed on a wall (typically a different wall than the wall including the front access door, e.g., a first wall). Further, one or more users may access the enclosure using the front access door to access the group of cabinets. In addition, a maintenance door disposed on the first wall may be used to access the rear side of the group of cabinets for maintenance or loading. Indeed, the present system may be arranged to load via a different side of the cabinet than the side of the area of merchandise picked up from the cabinet.

As previously mentioned, the group of cabinets includes at least one set of cabinets. In an example, the at least one set of racks includes a pair of rack sets, and each rack set of the pair of rack sets includes a column of a pair of vertically stacked racks. For example, each set of racks of a pair of sets of racks forms a matrix structure, i.e., the racks may be arranged adjacent and above the other rack. Further, each of the at least one set of racks may be associated with a user who uses such racks to collect the ordered goods.

As previously mentioned, the system further comprises a compressor unit for each of the at least one set of cabinets. Further, the compressor unit for each of the at least one set of cabinets is independently operable to maintain a specified temperature for each of the at least one set of cabinets. Specifically, a compressor unit is operatively attached to each of the at least one set of cabinets.

The compressor unit includes a first fan and a second fan. The first fan is configured to provide cool air to the respective set of cabinets via a duct system connected to each cabinet of the set of cabinets. For example, a first fan may be operable to blow cool air generated by the compressor unit to the respective set of cabinets. In an example, the duct system includes one or more ducts, the duct system operable to provide cool air to each of the cabinets. However, the second fan is configured to blow out heat or hot air from the compressor unit in the direction of the first wall. The second fan blows out heat generated during cooling of the air in the compressor unit. Therefore, the second fan keeps the temperature of the compressor unit balanced and prevents the compressor unit from overheating. The heat blown from the compressor unit in the direction of the first wall increases the temperature at the rear of the cabinet group. In this case, at least one slit between the top cover and the first wall allows the blown heat to leave the housing.

in one embodiment, the duct system includes at least one central duct extending between a pair of vertically stacked columns of cabinets, the at least one central duct includes a plurality of connecting tubes, and each of the plurality of connecting tubes is coupled to a respective cabinet of the vertically stacked cabinets. Further, the central duct is operable to carry cool air to each cabinet in the column of vertically stacked cabinets. Generally, the central duct is able to provide the cold air generated by the compressor unit to the cabinet by means of a plurality of connecting pipes. In an example, the cross-sectional shape of the center tube and the connecting tube may be one of circular or rectangular.

Optionally, the cross-sectional dimension of each of the plurality of connecting tubes increases with the distance between the respective cabinet and the compressor unit. It should be understood that the volume of cold air provided by the connecting duct decreases as the distance between the respective cabinet and the compressor unit increases. Thus, increasing the cross-sectional size of each of the plurality of connecting tubes (which increases with the distance between the respective cabinet and compressor unit) provides the required amount of cold air to enable uniform cooling within the cabinet.

alternatively, the piping system further comprises a plurality of valve devices, each valve device of the plurality of valve devices being operatively coupled to a respective connecting tube of the plurality of connecting tubes for adjusting a size of an opening through the respective connecting tube. The valve arrangement can adjust the size of the opening (through the opening of the connecting tube) to adjust the amount of cold air delivered by the connecting tube into the cabinet.

in one embodiment, the system includes a control unit operatively coupled to the compressor unit to control operation of the compressor unit. The control unit is operable to start or stop the functions of the first fan and the second fan of the compressor unit. In addition, the control unit is operable to control the functions of other components of the compressor unit, as will be explained later. It should be understood that the control unit may comprise electronic components, such as a processor, a memory, an integrated circuit, etc., integrated and designed for controlling the functions of the compressor unit. In an example, the control unit may operate based on the sensor output to control a function of the compressor unit. Alternatively, the control unit may operate to control the functions of the compressor unit based on user commands.

In yet another embodiment, the compressor unit further comprises a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator, the compressor unit being operable to provide a flow of cold air to the piping system. It should be understood that the compressor unit of the present disclosure refers to a compressor unit of a refrigeration system, i.e., a compressor is operable to compress a cooling medium, then send the compressed cooling medium to a condenser to cool the compressed cooling medium, and send the cooled compressed cooling medium to an evaporator. It should be understood that the evaporator is operatively attached to the duct system, for example, the evaporator may be disposed within the center tube, and the first fan is operable to direct air toward the evaporator. This enables the compressor unit to provide a flow of cold air to the duct system and further to the cabinet attached to the duct system.

In one embodiment, the compressor unit further comprises a heating unit to provide a flow of hot air to the duct system. In an example, the heating unit may comprise an electrical coil, which may be heated by passing an electrical current through the electrical coil. The electrical coil is operably attached to the piping system, i.e. the electrical coil may be arranged within the centre tube and the first fan is operable to direct air towards the electrical coil. This allows the compressor unit to provide a flow of hot air to the duct system and further to a cabinet connected to the duct system. It should be understood that the compressor unit of the present disclosure is operable to provide either a cold air stream or a hot air stream to the duct system based on user demand and/or atmospheric conditions.

in an embodiment, each cabinet comprises a temperature sensor operatively attached to the control unit and operative to sense a temperature of the cabinet for controlling operation of the compressor unit. Thus, once the temperature of the cabinet reaches a preset threshold temperature, the temperature sensor may communicate with the control unit to provide a flow of cold air from the compressor unit or a flow of heated air from the heating unit to the cabinet through the duct system. It should be understood that the predetermined threshold temperature is related to a desired temperature of the cabinet, which is maintained when the goods are contained in the cabinet, wherein the desired temperature may depend on a specified temperature of the perishable goods to be stored in the cabinet. Further, once the temperature of the cabinet reaches a preset threshold temperature, the temperature sensor may communicate with the control unit to stop the flow of cold air from the compressor unit or the flow of heated air from the heating unit.

In an example, the control unit includes a user interface operable to receive user commands for controlling operation of the compressor unit. The user interface may include buttons, touch screens, and other media to provide user commands to the control unit. In an example, the user command may include setting a preset threshold temperature for the cabinet. Further, the user command may include setting a time period for automatic operation of the first fan, the second fan, and the compressor unit to maintain a desired temperature of the cabinet.

Optionally, the cabinet comprises an electronic door, and the electronic door is operable via the control unit using user commands. The user command may be an access code (e.g., an alpha-numeric code) for opening an electronic door. In an example, a delivery person may be provided with an access code for accessing the cabinet and placing the ordered item into the cabinet.

In one embodiment, a system includes a communication module communicatively coupled to a plurality of user devices associated with a delivery person or a user ordering merchandise to enable communication between the delivery person and the user ordering merchandise. The communication module may include components that enable the system to connect to a network that further enables the system to connect to a plurality of user devices (i.e., user devices of users who have ordered goods or user devices of delivery personnel). Optionally, the communication module is operable to establish an internet connection using the wired communication interface. Additionally, a wired communication interface is used to communicatively couple the system with the user device. In this case, the wired communication interface is implemented by an electrical connector (e.g., a connector receptacle commonly referred to as a "jack," "receptacle," etc.). In operation, the wired communication interface of the communication module engages with the first connector plug of the connector cable and another wired communication interface of the communication module engages with the second connector plug of the connector cable to establish a wired connection between the system and the device. Examples of wired communication interfaces include, but are not limited to, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector receptacles (i.e., USB ports). More optionally, the communication module is operable to establish an internet connection using the wireless communication interface. In addition, the wireless communication interface allows the system and the plurality of user devices to exchange information between the system and the devices via a wireless network (e.g., a near field communication network, a bluetooth network, the internet, a WiFi-direct network, etc.). The wireless communication interface is implemented by a wireless network adapter (e.g., such as a near field communication chip, a bluetooth adapter, a WiFi direct adapter, etc.) that is compatible with the desired wireless network. The communication module is operable to connect to a network via a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. The network also has user equipment connected thereto. Further, the system communicates with the user equipment via a communication module. It should be understood that the network acts as an intermediary between the communication modules of the system and the plurality of user devices. Also, the plurality of user equipments may be further operable to communicate therebetween via the network. In an example, a user device used by a person ordering food may communicate via a network with another user device associated with a delivery person of the food to share a delivery address and an access code for placing the food item to a respective cabinet.

in another embodiment, the communication module is communicatively coupled to the control unit for communicating the status of each of the cabinets and compressor units to the user equipment. For example, the status may include a temperature of the cabinet, i.e., the temperature of the cabinet may be communicated to user equipment associated with a person owning the cabinet. Further, the status may include whether the cabinet is empty or occupied. For example, each cabinet may include a weight sensor that is operatively coupled to the communication module, thus determining the presence of the item within the cabinet based on the weight sensor of the read control unit. Further, the control unit communicates with the communication module to communicate the status (whether the cabinet is empty or occupied) to the user equipment associated with the person owning the cabinet. For example, the communication module may communicate whether the ordered item is delivered to the cabinet.

In one embodiment, during operation, the at least one slit between the top cover and the first wall and the at least one slit between the top cover and the third wall facilitate airflow through the housing to reduce a temperature around the compressor unit. The flow of the air stream is caused by temperature and pressure differences in various areas around the cabinet group and the enclosure. For example, the temperature outside the enclosure may be higher than the temperature inside the enclosure (particularly at the front of the enclosure between the third wall and the group of cabinets). It should be understood that the air moves from a higher temperature flow to a lower temperature. Thus, air flows from outside the housing to inside the housing through the at least one slit between the top cover and the third wall.

Further, as described above, the second fan is operable to blow the hot air within the compressor unit toward the first wall. It will be appreciated that the flow of cold air provided to the cabinet by the compressor unit through the duct system causes heat from the cabinet to leave the cabinet. Each cabinet includes at least one opening configured in a top of the cabinet to release air within the cabinet. It should be understood that the air within the cabinet may be released directly from the opening in the rear of the cabinet to the first wall. Additionally, the duct system may include a separate duct connected to the opening of the cabinet to allow air from within the cabinet to be released through the duct toward the at least one slit between the top cover and the first wall. This can result in hot air accumulating behind the enclosure (i.e., behind the group of cabinets). However, as mentioned above, the second fan is configured to blow heat from the compressor unit in the direction of the first wall, in particular in the direction of the at least one slit between the top cover and the first wall. Thus, hot air from the rear of the housing exits the housing through the at least one slot between the top cover and the first wall. Releasing air from the rear causes a pressure differential between the rear and front of the housing. This allows air at the front of the enclosure to flow to the rear of the enclosure and over the top of the group of cabinets. In short, the temperature and pressure differences at the respective areas around the group of cabinets and the casing create a flow of air flow, i.e. air enters the casing through at least one slit between the top cover and the third wall, after which the air flows over the compressor unit between the top of the group of cabinets and the top cover, and finally the air leaves the casing through at least one slit between the top cover and the first wall. Thus, the flow of air flow through the housing can provide a cooling effect around the compressor unit. Advantageously, the cooling effect created by the air flow creates a relatively low temperature around the compressor unit. In addition to the flow of the air flow, the humidity generated due to the presence of the user inside the housing also enables the temperature inside the housing to be reduced. Thus, the compressor unit consumes less power to function in order to maintain a specified temperature within the group of cabinets.

According to an embodiment, in use, cold air may be provided to the cabinet to preserve perishable goods that need to be maintained at a lower temperature (e.g., at about 3 to 5 degrees celsius). In examples, the perishable goods may include food, cold drinks, ice cream, fruit, salad, medicines, and the like. Alternatively, hot air may be provided to the cabinet to hold the goods that need to be maintained at a higher temperature (e.g., at about 60 to 80 degrees Celsius). In an example, such ordered goods may include soup, tea, coffee, pizza, noodles, curry, and the like.

According to an alternative embodiment, the system may be arranged on top of the platform. The platform can be moved from place to place using trucks so that the system can be easily moved and deployed.

Detailed description of the drawings

fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a system 100 providing a temperature control storage tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes a housing 102 having a top cover 112 and first, second, third, and fourth walls 104, 106, 108, 110 connected to one another. The top cover is arranged on top of the wall with the support 114. The top cover 112 is disposed on top of the walls 104-110 and is arranged to have at least one slit 120 between the top cover 112 and the first wall 104 and at least one slit 122 between the top cover 112 and the third wall 108. The system 100 also includes a cabinet group 130 disposed within the housing 102.

Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of cabinet group 130 of system 100 of fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cabinet group 130 includes at least one set of cabinets (i.e., a pair of cabinet sets 202), and each cabinet set of the pair of cabinet sets 202 includes a pair of columns of vertically stacked cabinets 204. Each of the pair of cabinet sets 202 also includes a compressor unit, such as compressor unit 206. As shown, each of the compressor units 206 includes a first fan 210 and a second fan 212. The system 100 also includes a duct system 220 connected to each cabinet 204 in the collection 202. The duct system 220 includes a center tube 222 that extends between a pair of vertically stacked columns of cabinets 204. The center tube 222 includes a plurality of connecting tubes 224, and each of the plurality of connecting tubes 224 is coupled to a respective cabinet of the vertically stacked cabinets 204.

The system 100 (shown in fig. 1) also includes a control unit 230 operatively coupled to the compressor unit 206 for controlling the operation of the compressor unit 206. Further, as shown, each of the cabinets 204 includes an electronic door, such as electronic door 240, operable using user commands via the control unit 230. The control unit includes a user interface 232 operable to receive user commands. Each of the cabinets 204 includes a temperature sensor 242. The system 100 (shown in fig. 1) also includes a communication module 250, the communication module 250 communicatively coupled to the plurality of user devices to enable communication between the plurality of user devices, as will be explained in more detail in connection with fig. 5, which follows.

referring now to fig. 3, fig. 5 illustrates a schematic front view of a set of cabinets 202 of the cabinet cluster 130 of fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the compressor unit 206 in the cabinet collection 202 includes a compressor 302, a condenser 304, and an evaporator 306. The compressor unit 206 is operable to provide a flow of cold air to the duct system 220. In addition, the compressor unit 206 also includes a heating unit 310 that provides a flow of heated air to the duct system 220. Further, as shown, the cross-sectional size of each of the plurality of connecting tubes 320 increases with the distance between the respective cabinet and the compressor unit 206. Alternatively, the piping system (e.g., piping system 220 of fig. 2) further comprises a plurality of valve devices (not shown), and each of the plurality of valve devices is operatively coupled to a respective connecting tube of the plurality of connecting tubes 224 of fig. 2 for adjusting a size of an opening through the respective connecting tube.

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the system 100 of fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the housing 102 includes a front access door 402 disposed on the third wall 108 and at least one maintenance door, such as maintenance door 404, disposed on the first wall 102. In operation, the slits 120 between the top cover 112 and the first wall 102 and the slits 122 between the top cover 112 and the third wall 108 facilitate airflow (represented by arrows X) through the housing 102 to reduce the temperature around the compressor unit 206. The flow of the air stream X is caused by temperature and pressure differences in various areas around the cabinet group 130 and the housing 102. The flow of the air stream X enables the temperature around the compressor unit 206 to be reduced while the temperature sensor 242 senses the cabinet 204 temperature and communicates the sensed temperature to the control unit 230 (shown in fig. 2) for controlling the operation of the compressor unit 206. This allows for an efficient way of managing the amount of cold air to be provided via the duct system 220 (as shown in fig. 2) to regulate the temperature of the cabinet 204 such that the food 410 stored in the cabinet 204 by the user 420 is maintained at a desired temperature.

fig. 5 is a block diagram of an example implementation of the system 100 of fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the communication module 250 of the system 100 is communicatively coupled to user devices 502 and 504 to enable communication between the user devices 502 and 504. The user devices 502, 504 are communicatively coupled to the communication module 250 via a communication network 510. The communication module 250 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 230 (shown in fig. 2) to communicate the status of the cabinet 204 (shown in fig. 2) and the compressor unit 206 (shown in fig. 2) to the user devices 502, 504. It should be understood that user device 502 is associated with a delivery person for food and user device 504 is associated with a person ordering food.

Modifications may be made to the embodiments of the disclosure described in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "having", "is", and the like, which are used to describe and claim the present disclosure, are to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., there are also items, components, or elements that are not explicitly described. References to the singular are also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

1. A system (100) for providing a temperature controlled storage tank, the system comprising:

-a housing (102), the housing (102) having a top cover (112) and a first wall (104), a second wall (106), a third wall (108), a fourth wall (110) connected to each other, wherein:

-said first wall and said third wall are parallel to each other and face each other;

-said second wall and said fourth wall are parallel to each other and face each other;

-the first wall and the third wall are perpendicular to the second wall and the fourth wall; and is

-the top cover is arranged on top of the walls and is arranged with at least a first slit (120) between the top cover and the first wall and at least a second slit (122) between the top cover and the third wall, wherein at least one slit has a first height and a first width;

-a cabinet group (130) arranged within the housing and parallel to the first wall at a first distance from the first wall and at a second distance from the third wall, wherein:

-the first distance is smaller than the second distance;

-the group of cabinets comprises at least one set of cabinets (202); and

-a compressor unit (206) for each of the at least one set of cabinets, the compressor unit having a first fan (210) and a second fan (212), wherein:

-the first fan is configured to provide cold air to a respective set of cabinets via a duct system (220) connected to each cabinet of the set of cabinets; and

-the second fan is configured to blow heat from the compressor unit in the direction of the first wall.

2. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the top cover (112) is disposed on top of the wall with a support, and the first wall (104) includes a first void defining the at least first slit (120) between the top cover and the first wall, and the third wall (108) includes a second void defining the at least second slit (122) between the top cover and the third wall.

3. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first height is 20cm and the first width is at least 80% of the width of the first wall (104) and the third wall (108), and optionally the third distance is 5 cm.

4. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (102) comprises a front access door (402) disposed on the third wall (108) and at least one maintenance door (404) disposed on the first wall (104).

5. The system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one set of cabinets comprises a pair of cabinet sets, each cabinet set (202) of the pair of cabinet sets comprising a column of a pair of vertically stacked cabinets (204).

6. The system (100) of claim 5, wherein the duct system comprises at least one central duct (222), the central duct (222) extending between the columns of the pair of vertically stacked cabinets (204), the at least one central duct comprising a plurality of connecting tubes (224, 320), and each of the plurality of connecting tubes being coupled to a respective cabinet of the vertically stacked cabinets.

7. The system (100) of claim 6, wherein a cross-sectional dimension of each of the plurality of connecting tubes (224, 320) increases with a distance between the respective cabinet and the compressor unit (206).

8. The system (100) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the piping system (220) further comprises a plurality of valve devices, each of the plurality of valve devices being operatively coupled to a respective connecting tube (224, 320) of the plurality of connecting tubes to adjust a size of the opening through the respective connecting tube.

9. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit (230) operably coupled to the compressor unit (206) to control operation of the compressor unit.

10. The system (100) of claim 9, wherein each of the cabinets comprises an electronic door (240) operable using user commands via the control unit (230).

11. The system (100) of claim 9 or 10, wherein each of the cabinets comprises a temperature sensor (242) operably attached to the control unit (230) and operable to sense a temperature of the cabinet to control operation of the compressor unit (206).

12. The system (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a communication module (250) communicatively couplable to user devices (502, 504) to enable communication between the user devices (502, 504).

13. The system (100) of claim 12, wherein the communication module (250) is communicably coupled to the control unit for communicating a status of each of the cabinets and the compressor unit to the user equipment).

14. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressor unit (206) further comprises a compressor (302), a condenser (304) and an evaporator (306), the compressor unit being operable to provide a flow of cold air to the duct system (220).

15. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressor unit (206) further comprises a heating unit (310) providing a heated air flow to the duct system.