Enhanced Temperature-Controlled Shippers with Adaptive Phase Change Materials and Real-Time Monitoring

Publication ID: 24-11857496_0006_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Temperature-Controlled Shippers with Adaptive Phase Change Materials and Real-Time Monitoring,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857496_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857496_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,496.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept improves upon the original temperature-controlled shipper by introducing adjustable phase change material containers, real-time monitoring, and modular design, enhancing the thermal performance, customization, and efficiency of shipping temperature-sensitive products.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent's temperature-controlled shipper, although effective, has limitations in terms of customization, thermal performance, and real-time monitoring. This new inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing a more adaptable, efficient, and reliable solution for shipping temperature-sensitive products.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced temperature-controlled shipper features adjustable phase change material containers, allowing for customization of the thermal performance based on the specific product being shipped. This is achieved through a modular design, comprising interchangeable phase change material containers and insulated clamshell portions. Additionally, the shipper incorporates real-time monitoring sensors to track the temperature and phase change material performance, transmitting data to a remote server. The system also includes an integrated cooling system, comprising a thermoelectric cooler and a heat sink, to maintain a precise temperature range for extended periods of time.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the concept of adjustable phase change material containers, real-time monitoring, and modular design, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement in customization, thermal performance, and efficiency, making the enhanced temperature-controlled shipper a novel and non-obvious advancement over the prior art.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different types of phase change materials, varying container shapes and sizes, and alternative cooling systems. Additionally, the modular design could be adapted for use in other applications, such as cold chain logistics or medical device storage.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced temperature-controlled shipper has significant commercial potential in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical industries, where temperature-sensitive products require precise temperature control during shipping. The real-time monitoring and modular design features also make it an attractive solution for logistics and supply chain management companies.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61J1/165
A A61 A61J1/16
B B65 B65D81/18
B B65 B65D81/3813
F F25 F25D3/06
F F25 F25D2201/12
F F25 F25D2303/08222

Field of Art

Thermal packaging and temperature-controlled shipping systems, specifically for medical and biological sample transport, involving phase change materials, thermal insulation, and temperature management technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with expertise in thermal engineering, packaging design, and materials science, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree, with knowledge of phase change materials, thermal transfer principles, and medical shipping requirements

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core thermal management technology. The modular design, real-time monitoring, and adjustable phase change material containers are logical improvements that address known limitations in temperature-controlled shipping systems. These variations demonstrate incremental innovation using standard engineering techniques and readily available technologies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Dual phase change material liquid suspension in containers
PTD Variation
Adjustable ratio of phase change materials based on product thermal requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that modifying material ratios is a predictable design optimization technique for achieving specific thermal performance targets
Source Patent Element
Insulated clamshell portions for temperature control
PTD Variation
Modular design with interchangeable components for customization
Obviousness Reasoning
Designing modular packaging systems is a known approach in thermal shipping technologies, representing a straightforward design choice for improved flexibility
Source Patent Element
Temperature-controlled product receptacle
PTD Variation
Integrated real-time monitoring sensors and remote data transmission
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding sensor technologies for performance tracking is a standard engineering solution for improving system monitoring and diagnostic capabilities
Source Patent Element
Phase change material containers
PTD Variation
Integrated thermoelectric cooling system with heat sink
Obviousness Reasoning
Supplementing passive thermal management with active cooling is a predictable enhancement using well-established thermal engineering techniques
Source Patent Element
Temperature-controlled shipping container design
PTD Variation
Adaptable container shapes and sizes for different product requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
Designing flexible packaging solutions with variant geometries is a routine design optimization approach in thermal shipping technologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857496 and the technical variations disclosed herein, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed temperature-controlled shipping system innovations obvious and non-patentable. The incremental improvements represent predictable engineering solutions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner, thus rendering subsequent claims obvious under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,496
TitleTemperature controlled product shipper with a dual phase change material liquid suspension
Assignee(s)Packaging Technology Group, LLC