Vacuum-Insulated Beverage Housing With Removable Phase-Change Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated beverage containers fail to maintain the desired temperature of beverages over an extended period, as they adjust to environmental temperatures once removed from a chilled or heated environment.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled vacuum insulated beverage housing system with a removable heat transfer unit that can be replaced, using a rigid or semi-rigid material to store phase change materials for heating or cooling, maintaining the temperature of the beverage and providing insulation between the user's hand and the beverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a beverage is placed in a standard insulated container, then the beverage is isolated from the environment, but the beverage temperature adjusts to environmental temperature over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling or pre-heating the heat transfer unit before insertion into the beverage container. The heat transfer unit is prepared in advance in a separate cooling chamber or heating element, so that when inserted, it immediately begins the temperature adjustment process without waiting for the insulated container to passively respond to environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by incorporating a phase change material within the heat transfer unit. As the phase change material transitions between solid and liquid states, it absorbs or releases latent heat, thereby maintaining a constant temperature in the beverage for an extended period. This phase transition allows the system to actively regulate temperature rather than passively insulate.
2Stability of the object's composition
If insulation material is added to maintain temperature, then temperature stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the temperature control system into two independent components: the beverage container and the removable heat transfer unit. This allows the insulation requirements to be satisfied by the container while the active temperature control function is provided by the separate heat transfer unit, which can be optimized independently without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a heat transfer unit that acts as a mediator between the environment and the beverage. This intermediate component absorbs or releases heat as needed, buffering the beverage from environmental temperature fluctuations without requiring the container itself to be highly complex or heavily insulated.
3Temperature
If a removable heat transfer unit is added for temperature control, then temperature maintenance capability improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heat transfer unit removable and replaceable rather than fixed. This dynamic design allows users to adapt the system to different needs by swapping heat transfer units with different properties (e.g., cooling vs. heating, different duration capabilities) without redesigning the entire container system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates self-service by designing the heat transfer unit with self-contained phase change materials that automatically regulate temperature without requiring external power sources, controls, or user intervention. The phase change process occurs passively based on temperature conditions, simplifying operation while maintaining effective temperature control.
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
Effectively maintains the desired beverage temperature for an extended period, allowing users to consume beverages at the desired temperature, while also providing a reusable and efficient insulation layer.
Implementation Method 1
the insulating chamber between the inner wall and the outer wall being vacuum sealed
Implementation Method 2
The heat transfer unit stores a phase change material
Implementation Method 3
The heat transfer unit stores a phase change material
Data Source
AI summary
The double walled vacuum insulated beverage housing system provides an aperture for receiving a heat transfer unit. The heat transfer unit also provides an aperture for receiving a beverage vessel within the heat transfer unit. The heat transfer unit stores a heat transfer material including but not limited to a fluid, gel, phase change material, or other substance that can be heated or cooled depending upon the desired effect on the beverage. A retention shoulder secures the heat transfer unit adjacent an insulating chamber to insulate both the heat transfer unit and the beverage.