Bi-Metallic Heat Conductive Panel for Adaptive Container Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems face challenges in efficiently cooling beverages to low temperatures, particularly when changing containers or dealing with high flow rates, as they require frequent cleaning and may not effectively cool the beverage flowing through the dispensing tube, and cooling entire containers can be time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A cooling unit with a heat conductive panel composed of two materials with different thermal expansion coefficients, which bulges to create a concave shape for improved contact with the container, combined with a cold source and optional pulse generator for agitation, enhances heat transfer and maintenance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid heat conductive panel is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to containers of varying shapes and sizes, reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal expansion by using a bi-metallic panel composed of two different metals with different thermal expansion coefficients. When cooled, the panel bends due to differential contraction, creating a concave shape that adapts to the container's curvature. This allows the rigid panel to become flexible and conformable without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining two different metals (such as aluminum and stainless steel) into a bi-metallic panel. Each layer has different thermal and mechanical properties, allowing the panel to exhibit both structural integrity and adaptive bending behavior when exposed to temperature changes, thus achieving versatility without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the heat conductive panel is made flexible to adapt to containers, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-metallic panel achieves controlled flexibility through thermal expansion differences rather than inherent material flexibility. The panel remains dimensionally stable and precise at manufacturing, then undergoes predictable, controlled deformation when cooled, adapting to container shapes without compromising manufacturing precision or structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the panel's shape through temperature variation. The panel is manufactured with precise dimensions in its neutral state, then its shape parameter changes dynamically when exposed to cold temperatures, allowing it to conform to containers while maintaining manufacturing precision in its base state.
3Productivity
If the cooling panel is designed to conform tightly to containers, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but the panel cannot be easily removed or cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the panel's shape changeable based on temperature. When cold, the panel dynamically conforms to the container for maximum heat transfer efficiency. When warm, it dynamically returns to its original shape, creating natural clearance that facilitates easy removal and cleaning. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between tight fit and ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel undergoes periodic shape changes between cold (conformed) and warm (relaxed) states. During operation, it is cold and tightly fitted for efficient cooling. During maintenance, it is warmed and returns to its relaxed state, allowing easy removal. This periodic transformation between states enables both high cooling efficiency and ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a bi-metallic panel is used to adapt to container shapes, then adaptability and cooling efficiency improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-metallic panel leverages the natural physical property of thermal expansion to achieve shape adaptability. Rather than requiring complex mechanical structures or active control systems, the panel simply exploits the differential thermal contraction of two bonded metals to bend and conform to container shapes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
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 provides rapid and efficient cooling of beverages, maintaining a snug fit with containers of varying shapes, reducing cooling time and improving maintenance by ensuring effective contact and efficient heat exchange, suitable for both domestic and commercial use.
Implementation Method 1
a heat conductive panel enabling heat transfer between a container provided in the slot and the cold supply
Implementation Method 2
the first material layer defining a cooling surface facing the container receiving slot and an opposed surface, said first layer made of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient of X 1 ; (ii) a second material layer having a contact surface facing positioned against the opposed surface of the first material layer and a second opposed surface, the second material layer having a thermal expansion coefficient of X 2 , different from X 1 , the difference in thermal expansion, causing the conductive panel to bulge at a change in temperature
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
A beverage container cooling unit comprising: • a. a housing comprising a slot for receiving a container (C) therein; • b. a cooling element (2) comprising a cold supply (2c); • c. a heat conductive panel (2H) enabling heat transfer between a container provided in the slot and the cold supply; wherein the heat conductive panel comprises two material layers fixed against one another: • (i) a first material layer (2.1) defining a cooling surface facing the container receiving slot and an opposed surface, said first layer made of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient of X1; • (ii) a second material (2.2) layer having a contact surface facing positioned against the opposed surface of the first material layer and a second opposed surface, the second material layer having a thermal expansion coefficient of X2, different from X1, the difference in thermal expansion, causing the conductive panel to bulge at a change in temperature.