Cooling device and cooking system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature-controlled containers lack versatility as they cannot cool cooking containers without a built-in heat exchange element, limiting their application.

Innovation Solution

A cooling device with a disc-like housing made of flexible material, accommodating a cooling unit and power supply unit, which can be attached and removed from any cooking container, utilizing a Peltier element for temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a temperature-controlled container uses a built-in heat exchange element, then temperature control function is achieved, but versatility is reduced because other cooking containers cannot be cooled

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling function is segmented from the cooking container itself and placed in a separate attachable device. The cooling device can be attached to or removed from various cooking containers, allowing temperature control without requiring built-in heat exchange elements in the containers themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling device is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different types and sizes of cooking containers. By using a flexible housing that can be adjusted to fit various container shapes, a single cooling device can serve multiple cooking containers, enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a cooling device uses a rigid housing structure, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different cooking container shapes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to container shapesVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The housing of the cooling device is made from flexible material that can deform to match the contours of different cooking container shapes. This flexibility allows the cooling device to adapt to various container geometries while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to house the cooling unit and power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The housing transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can change its shape according to the container it is attached to. This dynamic adaptability allows the same cooling device to effectively fit different container shapes and sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the cooling of various cooking containers, improving versatility and reducing food cooling time, thereby preventing bacterial spread and enhancing food taste by allowing controlled temperature adjustment post-cooking.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling unit (20) configured to be driven by electric power and to receive heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a Peltier element for temperature control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3978833B1Cooling device and cooking system

Publication Date: 2023.05.10 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

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AI summary

A cooling device includes a cooling unit configured to be driven by electric power and to receive heat, a power supply unit configured to supply the electric power to the cooling unit, and a housing that accommodates the cooling unit and is attachable to a cooking container and removable from the cooking container.