Removable Chill Block Cooler Layout for Ice-Free Food Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable coolers face inefficiencies with ice, such as space consumption, melting issues, and limited availability, while Thermoelectric coolers are heavy, expensive, and limited by ambient temperature and electricity access.
Innovation Solution
The iceless chill chamber cooler integrates removable chill blocks with slots in the cooler's side walls, allowing for efficient cooling without ice, reducing condensation, and being reusable, stackable, and adaptable to various cooler sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice is used in portable coolers, then cooling effect is achieved, but space is consumed and melted ice spoils food items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful liquid phase (melted ice) from the cooling system by using an absorbent material that captures and retains the meltwater, preventing it from contacting and spoiling food items while maintaining the cooling function
Solution Approach 2:
An absorbent material acts as an intermediary between the ice and the food items, absorbing the melted ice water and preventing direct contact between the liquid and food, thus eliminating the spoilage issue while preserving cooling
2Temperature
If reusable freezer blocks are placed inside the cooler, then cooling is provided, but valuable storage space is taken up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the structural components of the cooler by integrating chill blocks into the lid and/or base, combining two previously separate functions (cooling and structure) into one unified design that eliminates wasted space
Solution Approach 2:
The cooler lid and base serve multiple functions: they provide structural support and simultaneously house the chill blocks to deliver cooling, making the components universal and eliminating the need for separate cooling devices that would consume storage space
3Temperature
If ice blocks are located above food and drinks, then cooling is provided, but heat conduction from the lid causes faster melting and condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal properties to different locations by placing insulating material between the chill blocks and the lid, creating a localized thermal barrier that protects the ice from heat conduction while maintaining cooling where needed
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating material acts as a thermal intermediary between the lid and the chill blocks, blocking heat transfer from the lid to the ice and preventing premature melting and condensation formation
4Temperature
If Thermoelectric coolers are used, then iceless cooling is achieved, but significant weight is added reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical Peltier system with a passive thermal system using phase-change materials and heat transfer principles, eliminating motors, electronics, and power requirements while achieving effective cooling through natural convection and conduction
5Temperature
If Peltier cooling system is used, then cooling is provided, but cost is four times higher than traditional coolers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive, readily available materials such as standard insulation materials, common absorbent materials, and basic chill blocks that can be easily manufactured or replaced, dramatically reducing production costs compared to expensive Peltier systems
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
This solution maintains lower temperatures for longer periods, reduces water accumulation, increases storage space, and eliminates the need for electricity, making it more portable, cost-effective, and reliable.
Implementation Method 1
heat and thermal conduction from the cooler lid causes the ice block to melt faster
Implementation Method 2
The insulating material may be positioned between the chill blocks and the cooler lid or between the insulating material and the cooler contents
Data Source
AI summary
An iceless chill chamber cooler includes a chill chamber block and an iceless chill chamber. The chill chamber block can include at least one attachment feature. The iceless chill chamber can include a wall having at least one receiving feature. The receiving feature can complement and receive the attachment feature of the chill chamber block. The chill chamber block can be configured to transfer cold to an item positioned inside the iceless chill chamber.