Butter Storage with Peltier Heating and Cooling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage devices for butter do not offer the ability to both cool and warm butter, limiting the preservation and serving temperature of butter.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered butter storage device with integrated heating and cooling elements, using Peltier modules and a control system to manage temperature, allowing for the use of standard butter dishes and maintaining optimal serving temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional storage devices are used for butter, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to both cool and warm butter is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both heating and cooling functions into a single butter storage device. The housing integrates a heating element and a cooling element (evaporator) to provide dual temperature control capabilities, allowing the device to both warm and cool butter as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The butter storage device is designed to perform multiple functions: storing butter, cooling butter, and warming butter. The control system enables the device to switch between these functions based on user needs, making it a universal storage solution that adapts to different temperature requirements.
2Temperature
If integrated heating and cooling elements are added, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary that manages the heating and cooling elements. The control system receives user input and automatically activates the appropriate element (heating or cooling) to maintain the desired temperature, simplifying the user interface while enabling precise temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual temperature adjustment mechanisms with an automated control system. Instead of requiring users to manually switch between heating and cooling modes or adjust temperatures, the control system automatically manages the thermal environment based on sensor feedback and user preferences.
3Use of energy by moving object
If Peltier modules are used for temperature control, then energy efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the Peltier effect, which changes the thermal properties of the module based on the direction of electrical current. By reversing the current direction, the same Peltier module can function as either a heater or a cooler, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling components and simplifying manufacturing.
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 precise temperature control for butter storage, extending its shelf life and ensuring butter is at the desired serving temperature, enhancing food preservation and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
using Peltier modules and a control system to manage temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The electrically powered butter storage device is adapted for use in storing butter. The electrically powered butter storage device is designed to cool and warm butter while it is being stored within the electrically powered butter storage device. The electrically powered butter storage device is adapted to use one or more commonly available butter dishes that may or may not have a lid. Each of the one or more butter dishes are placed upon one or more electrically controlled heating and cooling elements which can be used to chill or warm the individual butter dishes as desired. The electrically powered butter storage device comprises a housing, one or more temperature elements, a control system, a fan, and a power connection.