FI128321B

FI128321B - System for providing temperature controlled storage

Info

Publication number: FI128321B
Application number: FI20185514A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Marika Liski
Original assignee: Foodmail Finland Oy
Priority date: 2018-06-05
Filing date: 2018-06-05
Publication date: 2020-03-31
Also published as: US20190368750A1; EP3579204A1; FI20185514A1; CA3044764A1; CN110567226A

Abstract

Disclosed is a system for providing temperature controlled storage. The system comprises a housing having a first, second, third and fourth wall in connection with each other, and a ceiling. The ceiling is arranged on top of the walls and is arranged to have at least one slit between the ceiling and first wall, and ceiling and third wall. The system includes a group of cabinets arranged inside the housing. The group of cabinets comprises at least one set of cabinets. The system further includes a compressor unit, for each of the at least one set of cabinets, comprising a first fan and second fan. The first fan is configured to provide cooled air to a respective set of cabinets via a pipe system connected to each of cabinet, and the second air fan is configured to blow heat from the compressor unit to a direction of the first wall.

Description

SYSTEM FOR. PROVIDING TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED STORAGE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to storages; and more 5 specifically, to a system for providing temperature controlled storage.

BACKGROUND

With technological advancement, lifestyle of people is getting faster and busier. Consequently, such fast and busy lifestyle has left people with very little time to do daily chores like cooking, shopping grocery and 10 medicines, cleaning, laundry and so forth. Therefore, people who do not get time to attend to such daily chores may use online services or mobile phone to order things (or items). For example, people may order food or medicine using such online services or mobile phone.

Typically, delivery people are employed to deliver the ordered items. 15 Mostly, a delivery person needs to co-ordinate time and location with a customer for the delivery of the ordered items. Many a times, it happens that the person who ordered the items is not physically available to collect the same. In such instance, the delivery person has to either wait or take back the items, which may cause dissatisfaction either for the delivery 20 person or the customer. Additionally, in such situation, if the ordered item belongs to a perishable section, such as food or medicine, that requires to be maintained at a certain prescribed temperature till physical delivery of the same, the process of delivering such items becomes more challenging. Moreover, foreseeing such challenges people may refrain 25 from ordering in case they are not physically available to collect the ordered items.

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Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of ordering and collecting ordered items that need to be maintained at a prescribed temperature.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide a system for providing a temperature controlled storage. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problem of ordering and collecting items that needs to be maintained at a prescribed temperature. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least 10 partially the problems encountered in prior art and provides efficient way of ordering and collecting ordered items that needs to be maintained at a prescribed temperature.

In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for providing temperature controlled storage, the system 15 comprises

- a housing having a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall in connection with each other, and a ceiling, wherein

- the first wall and the third wall are parallel and facing each other;

- the second wall and the fourth wall are parallel and facing each 20 other;

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

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

- a group of cabinets arranged inside the housing in parallel with the first wall at a first distance from the first wall and a second distance from a third wall, wherein

- the first distance is smaller than the second distance;

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

- 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, the compressor unit having a first fan and a second fan, wherein

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

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

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art and enable 15 an efficient way of collecting items without being physically present to collect the same.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with 20 the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, 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 present

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever 5 possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a system for providing temperature controlled storage, in accordance with an embodiment 10 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 of the group of 15 cabinets of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting exemplary implementation of the 20 system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined 25 number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those 5 skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for providing temperature controlled storage, the system comprises

- the first wall and the third wall are parallel and facing each other;

- the second wall and the fourth wall are parallel and facing each other;

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

- the first distance is smaller than the second distance;

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

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

The system of the present disclosure provides an efficient and effective way of delivering and collecting ordered items. Furthermore, the system 10 of the present disclosure provides a temperature controlled environment for storing the ordered items. Moreover, the system disclosed herein provides an efficient way of collecting ordered items. For example, the system disclosed herein provides a robust, a more energy efficient, secured and better temperature controlled environment as compared to 15 a conventional temperature controlled storage that may include a refrigerator and the like. Beneficially, the system of the present disclosure provides a mode for delivering items even when a user who has ordered the item is not physically present to collect the ordered item. Consequently, such a mode of ordering and collecting items may enable 20 a person to manage his or her time effectively while attending to daily chores. The system further enables efficiently managing an overall delivery-chain business and enables in increasing business opportunities associated therewith.

Throughout the present disclosure the term temperature controlled 25 storage refers either to a refrigerated storage for preservation of any perishable item that needs to be kept within a prescribed temperature when ambient temperature (temperature outside of the storage) is higher than the prescribed temperature, or to a heated storage for preservation of any item when ambient temperature is below the prescribed 30 temperature. The temperature controlled storage preferably also

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 includes uniform air circulation, relative humidity and the like. Furthermore, the temperature controlled storage is typically a closed area made from a metal, non-metal, alloy or combination thereof capable of maintaining the prescribed temperature. Additionally, the temperature 5 controlled storage is configured to have any shape that suitably accommodates the items to be received therein. Moreover, the system for temperature controlled storage comprises a housing that separates the temperature controlled storage from an external environment. The housing can be made of any metal, non-metal, alloy or combination 10 thereof. Furthermore, the housing may have a door arranged to let a user enter the housing for using the temperature controlled storage and/or leave the housing thereafter. Additionally, the housing may be capable of accommodating one or more users therein for using the temperature controlled storage.

As mentioned previously, the system comprises the housing having the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, the fourth wall in connection with each other. The first, second, third and fourth walls are mounted on a base that acts as a floor. Furthermore, the first wall and the third wall are parallel and facing each other. The first wall and the third wall have 20 a predetermined distance therebetween. For example, the distance between the first wall and the third wall defines a length of the housing. Alternatively, the distance between the first wall and the third wall may define a width of the housing. Moreover, the second wall and the fourth wall are parallel and facing each other. The second wall and the fourth 25 wall also have a predetermined distance therebetween. At one instance, a distance between the second wall and the fourth wall may define a length of the housing, and alternatively the distance between the second wall and the fourth wall may define a width of the housing. Consequently, a size of the housing depends upon the distance between the first and 30 third walls and the distance between the second and fourth walls.

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018

As mentioned previously, the first and third walls are perpendicular to the second and fourth walls. In other words, the first wall is perpendicular to the second wall and the fourth wall, and similarly the third wall is perpendicular to the second wall and the fourth wall. It will be 5 appreciated that the first, second, third and fourth walls are configured to form a closed area defining interior space of the housing.

In an embodiment, the distance between the first and third walls and the distance between the second and fourth walls are fixed in nature and define a housing having a fixed size. Alternatively, the first, second, third 10 and fourth walls are configured to be moved from one position to another position. Consequently, the distances between the first, second, third and fourth walls may be adjustable and may be changed when required. Subsequently, size of the housing may be changed when required.

Furthermore, the housing comprises the ceiling, wherein the ceiling is 15 arranged on top of the first, second, third and fourth walls. The ceiling is attached to the top of each of the first, second, third and fourth walls forming a separation between the interior space within the housing and outer environment. In an example, the ceiling acts as a shade for the interior space within the housing. In an embodiment, the ceiling is 20 arranged on top of the walls with supports. The ceiling may be arranged on top of the walls by means of supports like clamps, nut bolts, screws and so forth.

In an embodiment, the ceiling may be made from tampered glass. The tampered glass provides thermal resistance to the housing, i.e. does not 25 allow heat (generated by sunrays falling on the ceiling) to affect a temperature inside the housing. Also, beneficially the tampered glass, when broken, crumbles into small granular chunks that are less likely to cause injury to a user inside the housing.

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The ceiling is arranged to have at least one slit between the ceiling and the first wall and at least one slit between the ceiling and the third wall. In an example, the first wall includes a first cut-out defining the at least one slit between the ceiling and the first wall, and the third wall includes 5 a second cut-out defining the at least one slit between the ceiling and the third wall. Further, the at least one slit between the ceiling and the first wall, and the at least one slit between the ceiling and the third wall are positioned in the middle (facing each other) of the first and third walls, respectively. Alternatively, the at least one slit between the ceiling and 10 the first wall and the at least one slit between the ceiling and the third wall may be positioned diagonally. The at least one slit between the ceiling and the first wall and the at least one slit between the ceiling and the third wall facilitate flow of air from outside of the housing into the housing and from within the housing to the outside. Additionally, the at 15 least one slit between the ceiling and the first wall and the at least one slit between the ceiling and the third wall are arranged or configured face to face to allow proper flow of air therethrough.

The at least one slit (between the ceiling and the first wall, and the ceiling and the third wall) have a first height and a first width that defines size 20 thereof. It may be appreciated that the at least one slit may be configured to have a rectangular shape or any other suitable shape, such as rectangle with rounded corners. Further, the size of the at least one slit determines an amount of air flowing into the housing and flowing outside the housing. In an embodiment, the first height is 20 cm and the 25 first width is at least 80 % of a width of the first wall and the third wall.

For example, when each of the first and third walls includes a width of about 300 cm, then the first width is 240 cm. Further, in an example, each of the second and fourth walls includes a width of about 400 cm. In this embodiment the width of the second and fourth walls defines a length 30 of the housing, whereas the width of the first and third walls defines a width of the housing. Moreover, each of the first, second, third and fourth

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 walls include a height of about 300 cm. In an example, the housing may be configured to have a standard size of a shipping container.

As mentioned previously, the system comprises the group of cabinets arranged inside the housing in parallel with the first wall at the first 5 distance from the first wall and the second distance from a third wall.

The group of cabinets includes a number of cabinets having similar or dissimilar size and shape. Each of the cabinets in the group of cabinets is configured to receive and store an ordered item or thing therewithin. Additionally, the group of cabinets is arranged within the housing at a 10 distance from each of the first, second, third and fourth walls. For example, as mentioned herein, the first distance is smaller than the second distance. Consequently, the group of cabinets is closer to the first wall as compared to the third wall. Additionally, an area (or region) between the first wall and the group of cabinets is smaller in comparison 15 with an area between the third wall and the group of cabinets.

The group of cabinets has the second height and the second width, the second height being such that the third distance between top of the group of cabinets and the ceiling is smaller than the first height. The second height is smaller than height of the first, second, third and fourth walls. 20 In an example, when the walls include a height of 300 cm and the first height is 20 cm (i.e. the height of the at least one slit), then the second height of the group of cabinets would be more than 280 cm and less than 300 cm. Further, in an example, the third distance is 5 cm, therefore the second height of the group of cabinets may be 295 cm. Additionally, the 25 second width of the group of cabinets is smaller than width of the first and third walls. Further, the group of cabinets is spaced apart from the first, the second and the fourth walls by a distance of about 30 to 50 cm. Moreover, the group of cabinets is spaced apart from the third wall by a distance of about 200 to 300 cm. Additionally, when the width of the 30 second and fourth walls is 400 cm, the second width of the group of

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 cabinets may lie in a range of 50 cm to 150 cm. Similarly, a second length of the group of cabinets may lie in a range of 200 cm to 240 cm. In an example, the group of cabinets may be configured to have following dimensions, i.e. a height of 295 cm, a width of 75 cm and a length of 200 5 cm. The area or region between the group of cabinets and the third wall provides room for one or more users inside the housing. Moreover, the space between the group of cabinets and the third wall provides room for air to enter the housing. As is obvious to a person skilled in the art, the numbering of the walls and the location of the cabinets can vary from io what has been disclosed above, and still be within the scope of the present description. Likewise, a group of cabinets may be arranged on more than one wall of the housing.

In another embodiment, the housing comprises a front access door arranged on a wall (such as the third wall) and at least one maintenance 15 door arranged on a wall (typically a wall different from the one comprising the front access wall, such as a first wall). Furthermore, the front access door may be used by the one or more users to enter the housing for accessing the group of cabinets. Additionally, the maintenance door arranged on the first wall may be used to access a rear side of the group 20 of cabinets for maintenance or loading thereof. Indeed, the present system may be arranged in such a manner that the loading is done via a different side of the cabinets than the side the items area collected therefrom.

As mentioned previously, the group of cabinets comprises at least one 25 set of cabinets. In an example, the at least one set of cabinets comprises a pair of sets of cabinets, and each of the pair of sets of cabinets includes a pair of columns of vertically stacked cabinets. For example, each of the pair of set of cabinets forms a matrix structure, i.e. the cabinets may be arranged adjacent and one above another. Further, each of the cabinets

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 in the at least one set of cabinets may be associated to a user, using such cabinets for collecting ordered items.

As mentioned previously, the system further comprises the compressor unit for each of the at least one set of cabinets. Furthermore, the 5 compressor unit for each of the at least one set of cabinets works individually in order to maintain the prescribed temperature for each cabinet in the at least one set of cabinets. Specifically, the compressor unit is operatively attached to each cabinet of the at least one set of cabinets.

The compressor unit includes the first fan and the second fan. The first fan is configured to provide cooled air to the respective set of cabinets via the pipe system connected to each cabinet of the set of cabinets. For example, the first fan is operable to blow cooled air generated by the compressor unit to the respective set of cabinets. In an example, the 15 pipe system includes one or more pipes operable to provide cooled air to each of the cabinets. However, the second fan is configured to blow out heat or hot air from the compressor unit towards a direction of the first wall. The second fan blows out heat generated during cooling of air in the compressor unit. Consequently, the second fan keeps temperature 20 of the compressor unit balanced and prevents the compressor unit from over-heating. The blown out heat from the compressor unit towards the direction of the first wall increases temperature of rear of the group of cabinets. In such instance, the at least one slit between the ceiling and the first wall lets the blown out heat to leave the housing.

In an embodiment, the pipe system includes at least one central pipe extending between the pair of columns of vertically stacked cabinets, the at least one central pipe includes a plurality of connecting pipes and each of the plurality of connecting pipes is coupled to a respective cabinet of the vertically stacked cabinets. Furthermore, the central pipe is operable 30 to carry the cooled air to each of the cabinets in the pair of columns of

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 vertically stacked cabinets. Typically, the central pipe enables in providing the cooled air generated by the compression unit to the cabinets with help of plurality of connecting pipes. In an example, a cross-sectional shape of the central pipe and the connecting pipes may 5 be one of circular or rectangular.

Optionally, a cross-sectional size of each of the plurality of connecting pipes increases with a distance between the respective cabinet and the compressor unit. It will be appreciated that a volume of cooled air to be provided by the connecting pipe decreases as the distance between the 10 respective cabinet and the compressor unit increases. Consequently, increasing the cross-sectional size of each of the plurality of connecting pipes (with increased distance between the respective cabinet and the compressor unit) provides desired amount of cool air for uniform cooling within the cabinets.

Alternatively, the pipe system further comprises a plurality of valve arrangements, each of the plurality of valve arrangements being operatively coupled to a respective connecting pipe of the plurality of connecting pipes for regulating a size of an opening through the respective connecting pipe. The valve arrangement may regulate the size 20 of opening (through the connecting pipes) for regulating the amount of cool air to be delivered by the connecting pipe into the cabinets.

In an embodiment, the system comprises a control unit operatively coupled to the compressor unit for controlling operations thereof. The control unit may be operable to start and stop function of the first and 25 the second fan of the compressor unit. Additionally, the control unit may be operable to control functioning of other components of the compressor unit, which will be explained herein later. It will be appreciated that the control unit may include electronic components, such as a processor, memory, integrated circuits and so forth, integrated and designed to 30 control the function of the compressor unit. In an example, the control

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 unit may be operable to control function of the compressor unit based on a sensor output. Alternatively, the control unit may be operable to control function of the compressor unit based on a user command.

In yet another embodiment, the compressor unit further comprises a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator, the compressor unit being operable to provide cooled air flow to the pipe system. It will be appreciated that the compressor unit of the present disclosure relates to a compressor unit of a refrigeration system, i.e. the compressor is operable to compress a cooling medium, whereafter the compressed 10 cooling medium is fed to the condenser to cool the compressed cooling medium, and the cooled compressed cooling medium is fed to the evaporator. It will be appreciated that the evaporator is operatively coupled to the pipe system, for example, the evaporator may be arranged within the central pipe and the first fan is operable to direct air towards 15 the evaporator. This allows the compressor unit to provide cool air flow to the pipe system and further to the cabinets coupled to the pipe system.

In an embodiment, the compressor unit further comprises a heating unit to provide heat air flow to the pipe system. In an example, the heating unit may include an electric coil that may be heated by allowing electric 20 current to pass there-through. The electric coil is operatively coupled to the pipe system, i.e. the electric coil may be arranged within the central pipe and the first fan is operable to direct air towards the electric coil. This allows the compressor unit to provide heat air flow to the pipe system and further to the cabinets coupled to the pipe system. It will be 25 appreciated that the compressor unit of the present disclosure is operable to provide either the cold or hot air flow to the pipe system based on user need and/or atmospheric condition.

In an embodiment, each of the cabinets includes a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being operatively coupled to the control unit and 30 operable to sense temperature of the cabinets for controlling operations

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 of the compressor unit. Accordingly, as soon as temperature of the cabinets reaches a predefined threshold temperature, the temperature sensor may communicate with the control unit to provide cooled air flow from the compressor unit towards the cabinets by the pipe system or 5 heated air flow from the heating unit. It will be appreciated that the predefined threshold temperature relates to a desired temperature of a cabinet, to be maintained when the cabinet receives an item therein, wherein the desired temperature may depend upon the prescribed temperature of the perishable items to be kept in the cabinets. Moreover, 10 as soon as temperature of the cabinets reaches the predefined threshold temperature, the temperature sensor may communicate with the control unit to stop cooled air flow from the compressor unit or heated air flow from the heating unit.

In an example, the control unit comprises a user interface operable to 15 receive the user commands for controlling operations of the compressor unit. The user interface may include buttons, touch screen and other mediums of providing user commands to the control unit. In an example, the user command may include setting the predefined threshold temperature for cabinets. Further, the user command may include 20 setting time-periods for auto-operation of the first fan, the second fan and the compressor unit for maintaining the desired temperatures for the cabinets.

Optionally, the cabinets include an electronic door and the electronic door is operable via the control unit with a user command. The user command 25 may be an access code (for example, an alpha-numeric code) for opening the electronic door. In an example, a delivery person may be provided with the access code for accessing a cabinet and delivering an ordered into the cabinet.

In an embodiment, the system comprises a communication module 30 communicably coupled to a plurality of user devices that are associated

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 with a delivery person or a user ordering an item, for allowing communication therebetween. The communication module may include components that enable the system to connect with a network that further enables the system to connect with the plurality of user devices 5 (namely, user device of a delivery person or user device of a user who has ordered an item). Optionally, the communication module may be operable to establish an internet connection using a wired communication interface. Additionally, the wired communication interface is to be employed to communicably couple the system with user devices. In such 10 a case, the wired communication interface is implemented by way of an electrical connector (for example, such as a connector receptacle commonly known as a 'jack', a 'socket', and the like). In operation, the wired communication interface of the communication module engages with a first connector plug of a connector cable, and another wired 15 communication interface of the communication module engages with a second connector plug of the connector cable, to establish a wired connection between the system and the devices. Examples of the wired communication interface include, but are not limited to, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector receptacle (namely, a USB port). More optionally, 20 the communication module may be operable to establish the internet connection using a wireless communication interface. Additionally, the wireless communication interface allows the system and the plurality of user devices to exchange information therebetween via a wireless network (for example, such as a Near-field communication network, a 25 Bluetooth network, Internet, a WiFi Direct network, and the like). The wireless communication interface is implemented by way of a wireless network adapter (for example, such as a Near-field communication chip, a Bluetooth adapter, a WiFi adapter, a WiFi Direct adapter, and the like) that is compatible with a desired wireless network. The communication 30 module is operable to connect to the network via the wired or wireless communication interface. The network further has user devices

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 connected thereto. Furthermore, the system communicates with the user devices via the communication module. It is to be understood that the network acts as a mediator between the communication module of the system and the plurality of user devices. Also, the user devices may also 5 be operable to communicate therebetween via the network. In an example, a user device being used by a person for ordering a food item may communicate with another user device associated with a delivery person of the food item via the network for sharing delivery address and access code for delivering the food item to the respective cabinet.

In another embodiment, the communication module is communicably coupled to the control unit for communicating status of each of the cabinets and the compressor unit to the user devices. For example, the status may include a temperature of a cabinet, i.e. the temperature of the cabinet may be communicated to the user device associated with a person that owns the cabinet. Further, the status may include whether the cabinet is empty or occupied. For example, each of the cabinets may include a weight sensor, which is operatively coupled to the communication module, therefore based on the weight sensor reading the control unit determines presence of an item within the cabinet.

Further, the control unit communicates with the communication module for communicating status (whether the cabinet is empty or occupied) to user device associated with the person that owns the cabinet. For example, the communication module may communicate whether the ordered item is delivered or not to the cabinet.

In one embodiment, during operation, the at least one slit between the ceiling and the first wall and the at least one slit between the ceiling and the third wall facilitate a flow of an air-stream through the housing for reducing temperature around the compressor unit. The flow of the airstream is caused due to temperature and pressure differences at various 30 regions around the group of cabinets and the housing. For example, the

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 temperature outside the housing may be higher as compared to the temperature inside the housing, particularly, in the front portion of the housing between the third wall and the group of cabinets. It will be appreciated that air moves from a higher temperature towards a lower 5 temperature. Therefore, the air tends to flow from outside the housing towards the inside the housing through the at least one slit between the ceiling and the third wall.

Further, as mentioned above, the second fan is operable to blow out the hot air from within the compression unit towards the first wall. It will be 10 appreciated that the cold air flow, provided by the compression unit to the cabinets through the pipe system, leaves the cabinets with the heat of the cabinet. Each of the cabinets includes at least one opening configured at top portions thereof for releasing the air from within the cabinets. It will be appreciated that air from within the cabinets may be 15 directly released from an opening in a rear portion thereof towards the first wall. Otherwise, the pipe system may include a separate pipe connected to the openings of the cabinets for allowing the air from within the cabinets to be released by the pipe towards the at least one slit between the ceiling and the first wall. This may cause accumulation of 20 hot air at a rear portion of the housing, i.e. behind the group of cabinets.

However, as mentioned above, the second fan is configured to blow heat from the compressor unit to the direction of the first wall, particularly towards the at least one slit between the ceiling and the first wall. Therefore, the hot air from the rear portion of the housing leaves the 25 housing through the at least one slit between the ceiling and the first wall. The release of air from the rear portion causes a pressure difference between the rear and the front portion of the housing. This causes the air in the front portion of the housing to flow towards rear portion of the housing and over top of the group of cabinets. In simple words, the 30 temperature and pressure differences at various regions around the group of cabinets and the housing forms the flow of the air-stream, i.e.

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 the air enters into the house through the at least one slit between the ceiling and the third wall, thereafter the air flows over the compression unit between the top of the group of cabinets and the ceiling, and finally the air leaves the housing through the at least one slit between the ceiling 5 and the first wall. Therefore, the flow of the air-stream through the housing enables in providing a cooling effect around the compression unit. Beneficially, the cooling effect produced by the flow of air creates a comparatively lower temperature around the compressor unit. In addition to the flow of the air-stream, humidity due to the presence of 10 the users inside the housing further enables lowering the temperature within the housing. Consequently, the compressor unit consumes less power for functioning thereof in order to maintain the prescribed temperature within the set of cabinets.

According to an embodiment, in use, the cabinets may be provided with 15 cool air to keep perishable items that need to be maintained at lower temperature, for example, at about 3 to 5 degree Celsius. In an example, the perishable items may include food, cold drinks, ice-cream, fruits, salad, medicine and so forth. Alternatively, the cabinets may be provided with hot air to keep items that need to be maintained at a higher 20 temperature, for example, at about 60 to 80 degree Celsius. In an example, such ordered item may include soup, tea, coffee, pizza, noodles, curry and so forth.

According to an optional embodiment the system can be arranged in a top of a platform. The platform can be moved using a truck from place to 25 place, thus enabling easy moving and deployment of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a system 1OO for providing temperature controlled storage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes a housing 102 having a

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 first wall 104, a second wall 106, a third wall 108, a fourth wall 110 in connection with each other, and a ceiling 112. The ceiling is arranged on top of the walls with supports 114. The ceiling 112 is arranged on top of the walls 104-110 and is arranged to have at least one slit 120 5 between the ceiling 112 and the first wall 104 and at least one slit 122 between the ceiling 112 and the third wall 108. The system 100 also includes a group of cabinets 130 arranged inside the housing 102.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the group of cabinets 130 of the system 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present io disclosure. The group of cabinets 130 includes at least one set of cabinets, i.e. a pair of sets of cabinets 202, and each of the pair of sets of cabinets 202 includes a pair of columns of vertically stacked cabinets 204. The each of the pair of sets of cabinets 202 also includes a compressor unit, such as compressor units 206. As shown, each of the 15 compressor units 206 comprises a first fan 210 and a second fan 212.

The system 100 also includes a pipe system 220 connected to each of the cabinets 204 of the set of cabinets 202. The pipe system 220 includes a central pipe 222 extending between the pair of columns of vertically stacked cabinets 204. The central pipe 222 includes a plurality 20 of connecting pipes 224 and each of the plurality of connecting pipes 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 operations thereof. Further, as shown, each of the cabinets 204 includes an 25 electronic door, such as an electronic door 240, operable via the control unit 230 with a user command. The control unit includes a user interface 232 operable to receive the user command. Each of the cabinets 204 includes a temperature sensor 242. The system 100 (shown in FIG. 1) further includes a communication module 250 communicably coupled to

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 user devices for allowing communication therebetween, this will be explained in greater detail in conjunction with subsequent FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a schematic front view of the set of cabinets 202 of the group of cabinets 130 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the compressor unit 206, of the set of cabinets 202, comprises a compressor 302, a condenser 304 and an evaporator 306. The compressor unit 206 is operable to provide cool air flow to the pipe system 220. Additionally, the compressor unit 206 further comprises a heating unit 310 to provide 10 heat air flow to the pipe system 220. Further, as shown, a crosssectional size of each of the plurality of connecting pipes 320 increases with a distance between the respective cabinet and the compressor unit 206. Alternatively, a pipe system, such as the pipe system 220 of FIG.

2, further comprises a plurality of valve arrangements (not shown), and each of the plurality of valve arrangements is operatively coupled to a respective connecting pipe of the plurality of connecting pipes 224 of FIG.

for regulating a size of an opening through the respective connecting pipe.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the system 100 of FIG. 1, in 20 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the housing 102 comprises a front access 402 door arranged on the third wall 108 and at least one maintenance door, such as doors 404, arranged on the first wall 102. In operation, the slit 120 between the ceiling 112 and the first wall 102, and the slit 122 between the ceiling 25 112 and the third wall 108 facilitate a flow of an air-stream, represented by an arrow X, through the housing 102 for reducing temperature around the compressor unit 206. The flow of the air-stream X is caused due to temperature and pressure differences at various regions around the group of cabinets 130 and the housing 102. The flow of air stream X 30 enables in lowering a temperature around the compressor unit 206, and

20185514 PRH 05 -06- 2018 simultaneously the temperature sensors 242 sense the temperature of the cabinets 204 and communicate the same to the control unit 230 (shown in FIG. 2) for controlling operations of the compressor unit 206. This allows efficient ways of managing amount of cooled air to be 5 provided via the pipe system 220 (shown in FIG. 2) to regulate temperature of the cabinets 204, and thereby maintaining desired temperature for food 410 stored in the cabinet 204 by a user 420.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting exemplary implementation of the system 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present 10 disclosure. As shown, the communication module 250 of the system 100 is communicably coupled to user devices 502 and 504 for allowing communication therebetween. The user devices 502, 504 are communicably coupled to the communication module 250 via a communication network 510. The communication module 250 is 15 communicably coupled to the control unit 230 (shown in FIG. 2) for communicating status of the cabinets 204 (shown in FIG. 2) and the compressor unit 206 (shown in FIG. 2) to the user devices 502, 504. It will be appreciated that the user device 502 is associated with a food delivery person, and the user device 504 is associated with a person that 20 orders the food.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as 25 including, comprising, incorporating, have, is used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a nonexclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

A system (100) for providing temperature controlled storage, the system comprising

- a cabinet (102) having a first wall (104), a second wall (106), a third wall (108), a fourth wall (110) connected to each other and a roof (112), wherein

- the first wall and the third wall are parallel and facing each other;

- the second wall and the fourth wall are parallel and facing each other;

- the roof is arranged on the walls and is provided with at least a first gap (120) between the roof and the first wall and at least a second gap (122) between the roof and the third wall, the at least one gap having a first height and a first width;

- a compartment group (130) arranged inside the cabinet 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 less than the second distance;

- the compartment has a second height and a second width, the second height being such that the third distance between the top of the compartment and the roof is less than the first height; and

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

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

- the first fan is arranged to supply cooled air to each compartment set through a piping system (220) connected to each compartment of the compartment set; and the second fan is arranged to blow heat from the compressor unit in the direction of the first wall.

The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the roof (112) is arranged on the walls with brackets, and the first wall (104) comprises a first section defining at least a first gap (120) between the roof and the first wall, and a third wall (108). ) comprises a second section defining at least a second gap (122) between the roof and the third wall.

The system (100) of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first height is 20 cm 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.

The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the cabinet (102) comprises a front access door (402) disposed on the third wall (108) and at least one service door (404) disposed on the first wall (104).

The system (100) of any preceding claim, 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 cool air flow to the piping system (220).

The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one compartment set comprises a pair of compartment sets, each pair of compartment sets (202) comprising a pair of vertically stacked compartment rows (204).

The system (100) of claim 5, wherein the piping system comprises at least one central tube (222) running between a pair of vertically stacked rows of compartments (204), the at least one central tube comprising a plurality of connecting tubes (224, 320) and each of the plurality of connecting tubes connected vertically. to the corresponding department of the departments.

The system (100) of claim 6, wherein the cross-sectional size of each of the plurality of connecting tubes (224, 320) increases with respect to the distance between the respective compartment and the compressor unit (206).

The system (100) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the piping system (220) further comprises a plurality of valve arrangements, each of the plurality of valve arrangements being operatively connected to a respective connecting pipe (224, 320) of the plurality of connecting pipes to control the size of the respective connecting pipe opening.

The system (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a control unit (230) operatively coupled to the compressor unit (206) for its control operations.

The system (100) of claim 9, wherein each of the compartments comprises an electric door (204), the electric door being accessible through the control unit (230) by a user command.

The system (100) of claim 9 or 10, wherein each of the compartments comprises a temperature sensor (242), the temperature sensor being operatively connected to the control unit (230) and operable to detect the temperature of the compartments for control operations of the compressor unit (206).

The system (100) of any of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a communication module (250) communicatively coupled to the user equipment (502, 504) to enable communication therebetween.

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

The system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the compressor unit (206) further comprises a heating unit (310) for providing a heated air flow to the piping system.