Actively Heated Dishware with Integrated Temperature Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of actively heated or cooled dishware and drinkware technologies that can maintain food or liquid at desired temperatures during use, relying on passive heat transfer mechanisms which are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Development of actively heated or cooled containers with integrated heating or cooling systems, including heating elements, power storage, wireless power reception, and control circuitry that can sense parameters and adjust heating or cooling based on user input or environmental conditions, ensuring consistent temperature maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If passive heating or cooling mechanisms are used, then the dishware can maintain temperature for a longer time without external power, but the temperature control precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using temperature sensors to continuously monitor the temperature of the food or liquid, and the control circuitry adjusts the heating element power accordingly to maintain a target temperature. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise temperature control while extending the duration of effective temperature maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The dishware system performs self-service temperature control by automatically sensing its own temperature state and adjusting heating power without external intervention. The integrated sensors and control circuitry enable the system to self-regulate temperature, maintaining precision over extended periods without requiring manual adjustment or external monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If active heating systems with control circuitry are integrated, then temperature control precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components: the control circuitry is embedded within the dishware body, temperature sensors are integrated into the heating element assembly, and power management is combined with the heating control. This functional integration achieves precise temperature control while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry serves multiple functions simultaneously: it regulates heating element power, processes sensor signals, manages power storage charging/discharging, and controls wireless power reception. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting complexity growth while maintaining precision control capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If wireless power reception and power storage elements are added, then operational convenience improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the power storage element within the dishware body structure, with the wireless power receiver integrated into the same housing. The control circuitry is embedded within the power management system, creating a nested arrangement where smaller components are housed within larger structural elements. This nesting approach facilitates manufacturing by reducing assembly steps and integrating multiple functions into unified components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables containers to maintain food or liquid at precise temperatures for extended periods, enhancing convenience and food quality by actively managing temperature, unlike passive systems which rely on material properties.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body
Implementation Method 2
the body having a vacuum insulated chamber configured to reduce the rate in which heat energy exits the mug or travel mug
Data Source
AI summary
An actively heated or cooled dishware or serverware device (e.g., a plate, a bowl, a serving dish, such as a platter) can have a temperature control system that can include one or more heating or cooling elements operable to heat or cool a surface of the dishware or serverware device to thereby heat or cool the food on said surface.