Containers and methods and devices for enhancing thermal energy transfer between container contents and external environment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional ice chests are inefficient in cooling beverages, taking 30 to 60 minutes to cool drinks and lack a visual indicator for reaching the ideal temperature, and require heavy ice bags that melt, causing beverages to become warm.

Innovation Solution

A modular retrofit device that uses a pump to circulate cooled water over beverage containers, which can be rotated for enhanced heat transfer, and includes a level sensor and photodetector to manage water levels and lighting for visual notification of cooling completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional ice chests are used to cool beverages, then cooling function is provided, but cooling time is excessively long (30 to 60 minutes)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling speedVSAvoidcooling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a water circulation system where cooled water is pumped and circulated through channels surrounding the beverage containers. This hydraulic approach enables rapid heat extraction from the beverages, reducing cooling time from 30-60 minutes to approximately 5-10 minutes while maintaining effective cooling function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces active water flow circulation around the beverage containers, transforming the static cooling environment into a dynamic one. The circulating water continuously renews the thermal contact surface, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and dramatically accelerating the cooling process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If traditional ice chests use heavy ice bags, then cooling capacity is achieved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a pump-driven water circulation mechanism that automatically maintains cooling without requiring manual handling of heavy ice bags. The circulating cooled water continuously contacts the beverage containers, providing sustained cooling capacity while eliminating the need for users to carry and replenish heavy ice supplies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing solid ice bags with a liquid water circulation system powered by a pump, the invention achieves comparable or superior cooling capacity while significantly reducing the weight and manual handling requirements. The hydraulic system allows for more efficient heat transfer and easier portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If traditional ice chests are used, then basic cooling is provided, but visual indication of cooling completion is absent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature status information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a photodetector that detects the temperature of beverages by measuring light absorption or emission characteristics that change with temperature. When the beverage reaches the target temperature, the system provides visual feedback through color-changing indicators or illuminated displays, enabling users to precisely determine when cooling is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a feedback mechanism where the photodetector continuously monitors beverage temperature and relays this information to a control system. The control system then provides visual notifications to the user when the desired temperature is achieved, closing the loop between cooling action and user awareness of cooling status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If beverages are cooled in traditional ice chests, then cooling function is achieved, but temperature maintenance after cooling is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling rateVSAvoidtemperature maintenance duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous circulation of cooled water around the beverage containers even after the initial cooling phase. This continuous thermal contact ensures that beverages remain at the target temperature for extended periods, as the circulating cold water constantly removes any heat that attempts to enter the containers from the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic circulation system provides sustained and uniform cooling by continuously moving cooled water through contact surfaces around the beverages. This dynamic thermal management maintains more stable temperatures over time compared to static ice chest environments, extending the duration of optimal temperature maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 device rapidly cools beverages to a pre-selected temperature, providing visual confirmation when ready, and maintains optimal temperature, outperforming traditional ice chests in efficiency and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

directing a flow of chilled (or warmed) fluid (such as water, brine, or other fluid) over the beverage containers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the flow of cooling or heating water can cause the beverage containers to rotate in place to enhance heat transfer from the beverage containers to the cooling water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection