CN118265992A - Use method of intelligent active cooling handbag - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for cold chain distribution are provided. In some embodiments, a method of operating a handbag to achieve cold chain distribution, the method comprising one or more of: providing storage of one or more cold products in the handbag in a mini-fulfillment center; facilitating a picking and packaging process of one or more cold products, wherein the one or more cold products are picked from a handbag and/or packaged into a handbag; and dispensing the one or more cold products using the handbag. In this way, cold chain compliance requirements are improved while saving time, money and energy.

Description

Use method of intelligent active cooling handbag

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/244,518, filed on 9/15 of 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/402,862 filed on 8/31 of 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to cold chain distribution.

Background

Recent events have led to an exponential increase in the amount of fulfillment in many industries, especially the grocery industry. And it is not slowed down. It is accelerating. By 2025, the online grocery sales would account for 21.5% of the total sales of groceries, estimated at $2500 billions, which is a 60% increase over the estimate in 2020. In 2020, the adoption rate for online grocery shopping has increased, with average online order value exceeding $ 115 per order.

Grocery supply chains are some of the most complex supply chains in the industry.

Product shelf life, friability and temperature requirements present unavoidable challenges. However, groceries serve one of the most common demands in any supply chain. E-commerce fulfillment needs to be considered a system, sometimes referred to herein as a cold chain e-commerce ecosystem.

There is a need for improved systems and methods for cold chain distribution.

Disclosure of Invention

Systems and methods for cold chain distribution are provided. In some embodiments, a method of operating a handbag to achieve cold chain distribution, the method comprising one or more of: providing storage of one or more cold products in the handbag in a mini-fulfillment center; facilitating a picking and packaging process of one or more cold products, wherein the one or more cold products are picked from a handbag and/or packaged into a handbag; and dispensing the one or more cold products using the handbag. In this way, cold chain compliance requirements are improved while saving time, money and energy.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in association with the accompanying drawing figures.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate the use of a portable stand-alone refrigeration or freezing system in combination with integrated automated control and monitoring;

Fig. 2 and fig. 3A and 3B illustrate example embodiments of an active cooler according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a system including an active cooler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of communication and control for an active cooler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which a fulfillment center includes three separate temperature zones in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an overview of a cold chain ecosystem in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates an automated system for use with three different temperature zones according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 9 illustrates room temperature storage and refrigerator/freezer space according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a pick-up center, such as might be located outside of FIG. 9, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a home delivery embodiment in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a pick locker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

figure 13 illustrates an example of a handbag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates that different versions of a handbag may be used in a refrigerator or freezer version, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 15 illustrates an exploded view of a handbag including a thermoelectric unit as discussed herein, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates individual thermoelectric units included on a board as part of the unit according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 17 illustrates room temperature storage and refrigerator/freezer space according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates picking products directly into a handbag according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates a pick-up center in which each handbag maintains temperature, rather than having three separate temperature zones, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 illustrates various types of handbags stored in the same shelf with additional features that may make the automated system more efficient, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 illustrates an automated environment for a micro fulfillment center having three different temperature zones according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 22 illustrates an automated environment for a mini-fulfillment center according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, since the handbag can maintain an appropriate temperature, only one temperature zone is required;

FIG. 23 illustrates an order pickup area in which the totes maintain temperature and the lockers do not require temperature control, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 illustrates a distribution service in which orders are included in a backseat according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 illustrates the use of a handbag for dispensing orders according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment in which a handbag may be left at the time of delivery to further increase the time the order is at the correct temperature, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 illustrates a standard three temperature truck for distribution according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 illustrates a delivery truck that does not require a refrigeration system or does not require such a refrigeration system very much;

figure 29 illustrates various uses of a handbag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Figures 30 and 31 illustrate various ways in which the ventilation duct may be integrated into the luggage rack.

Detailed Description

The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

It will be understood that, although the terms "upper," "lower," "bottom," "middle," "top," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element could be termed a "upper" element and, similarly, a second element could be termed an "upper" element, depending on the relative orientation of the elements, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In some embodiments herein, an ecosystem is defined as the meaning of pouring a product from an inbound truck and placing it in a fulfillment system until it reaches the consumer.

This includes storage (such as mini-fulfillment centers), picking and packaging processes for grocery retail and Hub & Spoke, and dispensing of food products, pick-up locations (roadsides or lockers), transportation and distribution to home, office, or other pick-up locations.

The ecosystem can be further divided into three parts, but in most cases they overlap in some capacity, which is why you need to treat the problem and solution as a cold chain e-commerce ecosystem.

An automation system:

● This includes mini-fulfillment centers (also known as MFCs) and automated supermarkets.

● Hub and spoke type transportation

Manual fulfillment:

● This includes manually picking items at the sales location.

● These items are stored on store shelves.

● In addition, online groceries or RX orders are picked up via roadside delivery or secure lockers.

And (3) distribution:

● Directly to the customer or pick-up point via the store's own transportation.

● Such as a logistics provider company of UPS.

● Crowd-sourced delivery services such as INSTACART or Uber.

● Hub and spoke type logistics suppliers.

● An unassisted delivery box such as a locker, home porch container or commercial porch container.

In a standard single temperature environment, it is complex to implement an ecosystem. When you add to the need for cold chain compliance to fill nearly every order with refrigerated, frozen, and room temperature items, it can become extremely complex to reduce the likelihood of damaging the cold chain, increasing costs, or adding false contacts or transitions.

What would be there a way to eliminate the need to maintain three separate temperature zones as barriers, thereby designing an optimal and least costly performance process? What would you have a storage, picking and transportation technology that allows you to reduce contact and transfer while maintaining the cold chain throughout?

All are now available. In some embodiments herein, an intelligent actively cooled handbag provides a comprehensive solution for active cooling and freezing, thereby achieving cold chain integrity throughout the fulfillment ecosystem.

Some embodiments include solid state cooling that is modular and compact, free of vibration, and maintains a uniform temperature throughout. It is the most reliable, quietest and sustainable available cooling technology. This thermoelectric cooling technology was the first and only mobile cooling platform developed without a compressor. Handbags utilize sustainable cooling-using only water and CO2 (for example) as refrigerants. In addition, since this solution does not contain a compressor, the internal capacity is maximized.

Figures 1A-1D illustrate the utilization of a portable stand-alone refrigeration or freezing system in combination with integrated automated control and monitoring. In some embodiments, containers with food products may be loaded into other containers. These containers can be controlled and tracked wirelessly. In some embodiments, these containers may be attached to an inventory control area and/or an area that provides power to the containers. In some embodiments, the removable module may include a thermoelectric device and associated control mechanism. This may be added to the insulated container to provide active cooling.

Current methods of commercial refrigerated/frozen food storage and transportation in grocery stores, supply chains, distribution and other food cold chain applications are:

conventional HVAC is used to cool the warehouse location on a large scale to a temperature consistent with the cold chain.

In contrast, thermoelectric commercial refrigeration/frozen food storage achieves the ability to maintain active cold chain compliance at the point of demand, efficient use of space, and transportation of food outside of the warehouse.

An insulated cooler containing ice bags is used for short-term food transport and storage. These all present the risk of hot/cold spots within the storage volume and an undetected deviation from cold chain compliance.

In contrast, thermoelectric commercial refrigeration/frozen food storage enables continuous monitoring of cold chain compliance and stable and uniform temperature control throughout the storage space.

Disclosed herein are coolers (e.g., for food or other perishable item storage) with active Thermoelectric (TEC) cooling to maintain an internal temperature within a cold chain or customer demand. Such coolers with active TEC cooling are also referred to herein as "active coolers". In some embodiments, active coolers are used for the storage and transportation of refrigerated and frozen foods, medical or biological products, and the like. Active coolers maintain stable and uniform temperature control, powered via wall plug power, battery or wireless power transmission.

Fig. 2 and fig. 3A and 3B illustrate example embodiments of an active cooler according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 illustrates an active cooler 200, which may be a removable module including a thermal assembly including a thermoelectric heat pump operable to actively cool the interior of a container. The removable module may convert any insulated box to an active cooling box.

Fig. 4 illustrates a system including an active cooler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. A schematic diagram of a system 400 including an active cooler 200 and a storage and retrieval system docking station 402 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in fig. 4. As shown, the active cooler 200 includes the following components. It should be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the active cooler 200 may not include all of the illustrated components, or may include additional or alternative components not illustrated in fig. 4. The components of the example active cooler 200 shown in fig. 4 are:

container 404: the container 404 (also referred to herein as a "handbag" container 404) is an insulated container in which the items to be cooled are placed. The walls of the container 404 may be insulated using a desired insulating material (e.g., foam).

A cover 406: the lid 406 is attached to the container 404 via a hinge 408 (in this example). The cover 406 may be opened and closed to place items into the container 404 or to remove items from the container 404.

Hinge 408: as described above, the hinge 408 attaches the lid 406 to the container 404 such that the lid 406 can be opened and closed.

Capping sensor 410: the closure sensor 410 is a sensor that senses when the closure 406 is open or closed. The output of the closure sensor 410 is provided to the thermal assembly 412 via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the output of the cover sensor 410 may be used in a control scheme implemented by the thermal assembly 412 to control a TEC for maintaining a desired set point temperature within the active cooler 200.

Thermal assembly 412:

Control board 414: the control board 414 includes electronics (e.g., one or more processors such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and/or the like, as well as digital-to-analog (D/a) converters or similar circuitry that drives the TECs under the control of the processor (e.g., via conversion of digital output signals from the processor to corresponding analog signals) according to a control scheme). The control scheme may take into account the output of the closure sensor 410 as well as the output from the temperature sensor within the container 404. The control scheme uses such inputs to control the TEC so that a desired set point temperature is maintained within the container 404. In some embodiments, the control scheme includes one or more of the control schemes described in: U.S. patent application publication US2013/0291555, U.S. patent application publication US 2015/007584, U.S. patent No. 9,581,362, U.S. patent No. 10,458,683, and U.S. patent No. 9,593,871, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Thermal module 416: the thermal module 416 includes a TEC and various heat transfer components for extracting heat from the container 404 and discharging the extracted heat to the ambient environment (i.e., the environment external to the active cooler 200). In some embodiments, the thermal module 416 includes a heat pump, such as the heat pump described in U.S. patent No. 9,144,180, incorporated herein by reference. For heat extraction (i.e., heat reception) and heat discharge, the thermal module 416 may include, for example, a heat receiving system (e.g., a thermosiphon or other passive or active heat exchange component for transferring heat from the interior of the active cooler 200 to the cold side of the TEC/heat pump) and a heat discharge system (e.g., a thermosiphon or other active or passive heat exchange component for transferring heat from the hot side of the TEC/heat pump to the ambient environment).

Wireless/wired power receiver 418: the wireless/wired power receiver 418 includes circuitry for receiving power from a wired power source (e.g., an electrical outlet or battery) or from a wireless power source via wireless power transfer.

Temperature control sensor 420: the temperature control sensor 420 is a sensor that senses the temperature within the active cooler 200 and provides a signal indicative of this temperature to the thermal assembly 412 for use by the control board 414 to implement a control scheme.

Product retention feature 422: the product retention feature 422 is a feature (e.g., tray, rack, etc.) that retains desired items within the container 404.

Automated storage and retrieval system interaction feature 424: the automated storage and retrieval system interaction feature 424 is a feature (e.g., an electronic device) that enables interaction between the active cooler 200 and the storage and retrieval system docking station 402 (e.g., enables a desired set point temperature to be set, e.g., via a user, enables an internal temperature of the active cooler 200 to be reported, etc.).

An external handle 426: the external handle 426 is a handle that enables a user and/or some automated system for moving the active cooler 200, for example, within a warehouse, to handle the active cooler 200.

Unit identification tag bar code 428: the unit identification tag barcode 428 is a barcode tag that enables identification of this particular active cooler 200.

In some embodiments, the active cooler 200 is an active adiabatic cooler characterized by a thermoelectric cooler (e.g., a TEC assembly mounted directly into the cooler 200 in a removable or built-in module (e.g., thermal module 416)). In some embodiments, cold chain compliance is maintained by actively monitoring and controlling the thermoelectric assembly (e.g., actively monitoring and controlling thermoelectric assembly 412).

In some embodiments, the active cooler 200 achieves temperatures as low as 1 ℃. In some other embodiments, the active cooler 200 achieves temperatures as low as-22 ℃.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart of communication and control for an active cooler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Additional details are included in the following: U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/953,771, entitled THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED/FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/135,420, entitled THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED/FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER, now U.S. patent application publication No. 2021/0199353A1; and International patent application No. PCT/US2020/067172, entitled THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED/FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER, now International patent publication No. WO 2021/134068.

Handbag use

The handbag (i.e., active cooler 200) is intended to be stored in a powered-off state until the demand indicates that refrigerator or freezer space is needed. This may provide the ability to implement a maximum amount of or no temperature control space for a farm, retail store clerk, warehouse or storage system as desired. The manual user may activate the handbag 200 locally or the central control system may require initializing the desired capacity as indicated by the desired control scheme (e.g., ioT algorithm) or direct demand. When the handbag 200 reaches the desired set point, it can report locally via visual and/or audible alarms and/or report through the network that the handbag is ready for use. This architecture allows for the most efficient use of space and energy in inventory storage, retail display, and customer order management. The handbag 200 can have an on-board battery system that allows for extended off-grid operation, thereby facilitating communication, shipping pick-up and distribution services.

Modular docking station

A modular docking system (e.g., a modular system including docking station 402) can accommodate installation in carts, transport vehicles, retail shelves, warehouse racks, automated storage and retrieval systems, customer home kiosks, and the like. All of these systems may have the ability to physically secure the handbag 200, power the handbag, charge the handbag, and communicate with the handbag over a network connection and report to a central control system. As the deployment expands, this capability will help to expand use cases from single mode operation to multi-purpose mode. In some implementations, the docking station/shelf system (e.g., docking station 402) provides a primary power source, either wired or wireless, and provides charging capability for the on-board battery system. The docking station 402 may act as a power conversion system to accommodate a wide variety of input power sources, if desired. The docking station 402 may also function as a wired network interface and an extended range wireless interface that will periodically poll the status of the handbag and report the status to the central control system.

Barrows:

The cart can be used to transport the tote 200 as a single unit or multiple tote arrays. The battery system may provide extended power for the entire array. These carts may be used outdoors or indoors as desired to facilitate order collection in a harvesting or retail environment. The cart will be able to provide extended battery operation for all on-board handbags if desired.

Transport vehicle:

vehicles transporting inventory or custom orders may be integrated with modular handbag stores or shelves. These systems may be integrated into power and network systems that are independent or fully integrated into the vehicle's power system. This provides an indefinite temperature hold to achieve extended range distribution into and out of retail or warehouse locations.

Retail shelves:

The retail shelf may be integrated with a docking system to allow for bulk item display of perishable food items. These may be incorporated into a dedicated location, a shelf end or a middle aisle location.

Storage shelf:

The central storage rack may be integrated with the docking system to provide local temperature control space in any available space, rather than central refrigerator and freezer space. This will enable more efficient use of space and workflow to enable customer orders to be kept in a single location, thereby reducing the risk of ordering/distribution errors.

Automated storage and retrieval system:

An automated inventory and order management system would be able to better utilize space in its limited available space as needed for standard and perishable items. This, in combination with centralized control and monitoring, will achieve the most efficient space usage and minimum energy consumption while allowing for coordination of both long term product storage and customer orders stored within the same system while minimizing the risk of errors or confusion when pulling from storage and into retrieval.

Customer home kiosk:

The home delivery kiosk may allow for a compatible docking station to provide indefinite temperature control for perishable food items. The client information pavilion can be used for realizing unattended distribution. This can greatly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the home delivery service, as no one is required to be at home when delivering, while ensuring that perishable items are not lost or damaged.

Intelligent actively cooled handbags are available in the form of refrigerators or freezers, where colors are used to quickly identify both. These handbags use wireless contact charging and are capable of WiFi and IoT, providing real-time exploration of your cold chain automation process, thereby improving operating efficiency. In some embodiments, solid state cooling techniques provide the highest possible performance for portable refrigeration and freezing. Semiconductor-based cooling technologies for handbags have achieved new reliability and efficiency levels through stringent thermal, mechanical and electrical engineering developments.

By using these actively cooled refrigerated and frozen handbags, the obstacles present today between cooled, frozen and ambient products are eliminated. Order fulfillment efficiency is improved and cold chain supervision is maintained throughout. Whether performing fulfillment operations in a manual environment (such as sales area picking and storing grocery orders), or acting as a cooling container within a miniature fulfillment center, handbags are perfect solutions to maintaining the cold chain.

The reduction is as follows: OPEX, capital cost, labor force

The improvement is as follows: marketing speed, flexibility to scale without increasing cost, order throughput

The method comprises the following steps: order fulfillment and delivery time and cost, customer waiting time during pick-up, physical space usage

Eliminating the following requirements: passive cooling, such as dry ice and gel bags, three-temperature trucks, temperature controlled compartments, walk-in/upright chillers or coolers

By using these actively cooled refrigerated and frozen handbags, the obstacles present today between cooled, frozen and ambient products are eliminated. Order fulfillment efficiency is improved and cold chain integrity is maintained throughout.

Additional details regarding the following are provided: automated system, picking and storing, picking and RX, dispensing

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment in which the fulfillment center includes three separate temperature zones.

Fig. 7 shows an overview of the cold chain ecosystem. Fig. 8 shows an automated system for use with three different temperature zones. Fig. 9 shows room temperature storage and refrigerator/freezer space.

Fig. 10 shows a pick-up center which may be located outside of fig. 9, for example. Fig. 11 shows a home delivery embodiment. FIG. 12 illustrates a pick locker.

Figure 13 illustrates an example of a handbag as disclosed herein. Figure 14 shows that different types of handbags can be used with a refrigerator or freezer type. Figure 15 shows an exploded view of a handbag comprising a thermoelectric unit as discussed herein. Fig. 16 shows individual thermoelectric units included on a board as part of the unit.

Fig. 17 shows room temperature storage and refrigerator/freezer space. Fig. 18 shows picking products directly into a handbag. This may minimize the amount of time the product is not in the temperature range. Figure 19 shows a pick-up center where each bag maintains temperature rather than having three separate temperature zones. This may reduce the energy and economic impact of these centers. This may also facilitate automated processing. Figure 20 shows various types of handbags stored in the same shelf with additional features that may make the automated system more efficient.

Fig. 21 shows an automated environment for a mini-fulfillment center having three different temperature zones. Figure 22 shows an automated environment for a mini-fulfillment center, since the handbag can maintain the proper temperature, only one temperature zone is needed. FIG. 23 illustrates an order pickup area in which the totes are maintained at temperature and the lockers do not require temperature control.

Fig. 24 shows a delivery service in which an order is included in a backseat. These may include different temperature requirements. Some ice bags or other passive cooling are used to maintain these temperatures. However, this reduces the amount of time before the dispense must be completed. Figure 25 illustrates the use of a handbag for distributing orders. This may maintain the correct temperature longer and/or more accurately. This may enable more deliveries to be made per pick up and provide increased customer satisfaction. Figure 26 shows an embodiment that may leave a handbag at the time of distribution to further increase the time the order is at the correct temperature. In this figure, there may also be charging stations to facilitate distribution. Otherwise, battery operation may keep the dispensing cold, or passive cooling may keep the dispensing cold.

Fig. 27 shows a standard three-temperature truck for distribution. This may involve several different cooling systems that must be carried around, whether or not they are currently needed. Figure 28 shows a delivery truck that does not require a refrigeration system or that does not require such a refrigeration system very much. In this embodiment, the handbag provides an appropriate temperature for the various food items. This may make the truck more efficient in a number of ways. This also increases the configurability. This can be easily achieved if the whole truck is required to reach a specific temperature, compared to the standard truck shown in fig. 27. These trucks may include charging capability or other amenities.

Figure 29 illustrates various uses of the handbag. This includes stationary shelves, packing carts and/or rotating shelves. In some embodiments, these may include power delivery mechanisms and additional features that aid in automation.

Recent changes due to dramatic increases in demand and increased competition within the marketplace are pushing new innovations in logistics to meet the needs of the grocery supply chain that is directly customer oriented.

Two quite new grocery fulfillment technological advances are: MFC and CFC (customer fulfillment center) or automated online supermarkets, these are in fact simply the beginning of digital grocery shopping.

More and more groceries are considering turning to mini-fulfillment centers, which can reduce operating costs. These actively cooled handbags allow you to do seamless operations in a mini-fulfillment center or an automated supermarket.

Actively cooled inventory or order handbags can store perishable foods without having to build a refrigerated or frozen warehouse.

This also eliminates triple temperature buildings and/or trucks.

It allows you to operate in an employee friendly ambient environment, which also allows for reduced energy costs and maintenance of warehouse and automation systems.

Solid state refrigeration means easier maintenance and industry leading reliability.

Due to stringent cold chain compliance regulations, private shopping assistants must adhere to certain time constraints when picking refrigerated or frozen products. Most people are limited to only 30 minutes during the time they purchase these items, which can sometimes be damaging to their overall picking time.

By using active refrigerated handbags during their picking process, they can now continue their entire route without having to return to the back room because of time constraints or concerns about product quality.

Additionally, due to the general size of the handbag, retailers are able to utilize their mobile assets, such as trolleys, pickers, shelves, MFCs, etc., which can be a significant capital savings.

When groceries desire to increase the amount of orders at their store, they tend to be limited by the amount of physical space available in the backroom or order storage area.

With actively cooled handbags, in combination with automated vertical storage or existing shelving systems, retailers are now able to adapt to future workflow flexibility by utilizing and optimizing existing space.

Since the handbag is mobile in nature, retailers can move things as needed, while what is seen today in a stationary upright situation is stationary.

In addition, the handbag can be flexibly adjusted as required with the fluctuation of the order ratio between the number of normal temperature products and the number of refrigerated products and the number of frozen products. Whereas conventional solutions (as in the vertical case) are more stagnant.

Now, more than ever before, we see that more and more retailers are adopting and promoting their online purchasing, in-store pick-up (BOPIS) solutions, such as in-store pick-up and drive pick-up, and locker.

Current refrigerated locker solutions do not provide the modularity and plug and play capabilities that handbags can provide.

As the need to have refrigeration versus freezer locker space fluctuates, the handbag can accommodate these needs by simply inserting into the multiple spaces required. Most retailers insist on providing a locker at ambient temperature, which only contributes to the dry goods or GM products, and requires staff to retrieve perishable items in another area.

As an e-commerce category, the grocery industry has fallen behind most other retail industries for a number of reasons, some of which are purely logistical. Dispensing refrigerated and frozen items is challenging, especially if you lose control during the second that the product leaves your building. This can be a concern for some people because it is not possible to control whether a third party driver-delivered car has climate control in operation.

Groceries currently rely on passive cooling solutions such as gel or ice packs to maintain temperature control, which is unreliable or not sustainable. Typical grocery delivery is done one order at a time, but with actively cooled handbags you can get a cost efficiency that is once considered unavailable by optimizing the route that the bulk order goes through.

The current standard for dispensing food products is to pick up within an hour, which limits the number of customers that can be covered in this time frame. With actively cooled handbags, the distribution radius can be significantly increased, covering more customers with fewer trips to and from the fulfillment center.

As groceries struggle to find new innovations to reduce delivery time to their customers without increasing labor costs, development of autonomous vehicles, sidewalk robots, and porch delivery and storage systems is being pursued. Most of these techniques still require effective cooling of perishable items as they are transported to the customer's home. This problem is solved because the handbag is mobile and actively cooled.

In some embodiments, an intelligent actively cooled handbag allows you to freely design your fulfillment solutions and/or achieve a powerful ROI and win the war of fulfillment.

For more details, the interested reader is referred to the following: U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/953,771, entitled THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED/FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/135,420, entitled THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED/FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER, now U.S. patent application publication No. 2021/0199353A1; and International patent application No. PCT/US2020/067172, entitled THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED/FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER, now International patent publication No. WO 2021/134068. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

And (3) a pipeline:

Figures 30 and 31 illustrate various ways in which the ventilation duct may be integrated into the luggage rack. For more details, the interested reader is referred to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/402,862, entitled THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF ACTIVELY COOLED TOTES USED IN LAST MILE DELIVERY OF FOOD, filed on 8/31 OF 2022. This application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The heat in the handbag can be removed by actively piping the hot exhaust air to the outside. The central ventilation fan provides an air flow to the outside. A single handbag can be connected to the central ventilation fan using flexible tubing. The connection may involve a spring-loaded mechanism to push the bag against the compressible gasket and seal the tubing to the drain of the bag. When the handbag position is unoccupied, a damper can be used to reduce air flow back into the van.

The duct may also be integrated into the support structure of the pallet to reduce the space occupied by the duct. The support beams of the pallet may be made hollow and the pipes may pass through these hollow channels.

To further improve the air exchange with the outside, vents may be included in the sides of the van to improve the air inlet from the outside. These vents may be angled to increase the amount of air that enters as the van accelerates. The rear portion may include additional vents to enhance turbulence and air mixing inside the van.

Another way to remove heat from the handbag is to use a liquid cooling circuit. The handbag waste heat exchanger can be made of flat plates that mate with liquid cold plates that remain stationary in the van. A radiator or a refrigerant chiller circuit may be used to cool the liquid.

Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims that follow.

Claims (27)

1. A method of operating a handbag (200) to enable cold chain delivery, the method comprising one or more of:

Providing storage of one or more cold products in the handbag (200) in a mini-fulfillment center;

facilitating a picking and packaging process of one or more cold products, wherein the one or more cold products are picked from a handbag (200) and/or packaged into a handbag (200); and

The one or more cold products using the handbag (200) are dispensed.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein dispensing the one or more cold products using the handbag (200) further comprises:

Dispensing the one or more cold products using the handbag (200) to one or more of:

A pick-up location;

Roadside location;

Distributing a storage cabinet; and

Home or office.

3. The method of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein dispensing the one or more cold products using the handbag (200) further comprises: -dispensing the handbag (200) to an electric docking station.

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, the method further comprising: the handbag (200) is stored on an electrically powered shelf or docking station.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: the handbag (200) provides active cooling to the one or more cold products during at least some portion of the cold chain distribution.

6. The method of any of claims 1-5, wherein multiple handbags (200) having different temperature requirements can be stored in the same ambient environment.

7. The method of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the handbag (200) comprises wireless and/or contact charging capability.

8. The method of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the handbag (200) comprises monitoring capabilities that can be reported locally and/or through one or more wireless interfaces.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein cold chain compliance of the handbag (200) is monitored during the cold chain distribution.

10. The method of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein a handbag (200) is used when picking the one or more cold products, such as manually or via automation in a retail environment.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein using the handbag (200) in picking the one or more cold products comprises using a cart or trolley that can provide power or communication to the handbag (200).

12. The method of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the handbag (200) is stored using automated vertical storage or an existing shelving system.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the automated vertical storage or existing shelving system comprises shelves that can provide power or communications to the handbag (200).

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, the method further comprising:

Providing the handbag (200) to a third party for transportation while maintaining active cooling of the handbag (200).

15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, the method further comprising:

The handbag (200) is used to increase distribution radius (e.g., cover more customers) with fewer trips to and/or from the fulfillment center.

16. The method of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the handbag (200) comprises a thermoelectric cooler.

17. The method of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the handbag (200) comprises:

A container (404);

-a cover (406) attached to the container (404) such that the cover (406) can be opened to access the interior of the container (404) and closed to seal the container (404); and

A thermal assembly (412) comprising a thermoelectric heat pump operable to actively cool the interior of the container (404).

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the thermal assembly (412) further comprises a processing circuit configured to control the thermoelectric heat pump according to a control scheme.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the processing circuit is configured to control the thermoelectric heat pump according to the control scheme to maintain a desired set point temperature within the interior of the vessel (404).

20. The method of any one of claims 18 to 19, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to provide remote monitoring and/or control.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to provide the remote monitoring and/or control of one or more of the group consisting of: on-board access, wireless access, and networking access.

22. The method of any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the thermal assembly (412) further comprises a heat receiving system and a heat exhausting system.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the heat receiving system comprises means for transferring heat from an interior of an active cooler (200) to a cold side of the thermal assembly (412), and the heat discharging system comprises means for transferring heat from a hot side of the thermal assembly (412) to the ambient environment.

24. The method of any one of claims 17 to 23, further comprising circuitry for receiving power from a wired power source and/or from a wireless power source via wireless power transfer.

25. The method of any of claims 17 to 24, further comprising automating storage and retrieval system interaction features (424) that enable interaction between the active cooler (200) and a storage and retrieval system docking station (400).

26. The method of any of claims 17 to 25, wherein the thermal assembly (412) comprises a removable module.

27. A handbag (202) usable in the method of any one of claims 1 to 26.