Container Temperature Control Device Using Phase-Changing Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control methods for drink containers, such as ice or electrical devices, face issues like ice melting altering liquid composition and the need for continuous power, and insulated cups are often costly.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device with a base and projection containing phase-changing materials or activated carbon, designed to connect with a container, providing temperature control through heat absorption or release without the drawbacks of ice or electrical devices, using a friction fit mechanism and removable seals for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice is used to cool liquid, then temperature control is achieved, but liquid composition is altered due to melting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful element (ice) from the system and replaces it with a phase-changing material enclosed in a separate chamber. This allows temperature control through phase change while preventing direct contact between the cooling medium and the liquid, thus maintaining liquid composition stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (phase-changing material) and an intermediary structure (sealed chamber with thermal coupling) between the temperature control function and the liquid. This intermediary system transfers thermal energy without allowing mass mixing, resolving the contradiction between temperature control and composition stability.
2Temperature
If electrical heating or cooling devices are used, then temperature control is maintained, but continuous power connection is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a self-service temperature control system using phase-changing materials that automatically absorb or release heat based on temperature conditions without requiring external power sources. The phase change process itself provides the temperature control function, eliminating the need for electrical connections or active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of a material (e.g., solid-liquid or liquid-gas transitions) as the core mechanism for temperature control. During phase change, the material absorbs or releases latent heat, providing passive temperature regulation without requiring continuous electrical power input.
3Temperature
If insulated containers are used, then temperature control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the temperature control function into a separate, modular component (the chamber containing phase-changing material) that can be independently manufactured and then integrated with simple thermal coupling to the liquid container. This segmentation allows for cost-effective production compared to manufacturing entirely insulated containers.
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 liquid temperature without altering its composition and without continuous power or high costs, using phase-changing materials or activated carbon to absorb or release heat, ensuring efficient temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature control substance is one of a phase changing material
Implementation Method 2
phase-changing materials or activated carbon to absorb or release heat
Implementation Method 3
the temperature control substance is one of a phase changing material or an activated carbon
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control device for a container includes a base, a projection extending from the base and temperature control substance contained within an inner chamber of the projection. The base has a bottom wall, at least one side wall, and a top wall from which the projection extends. The projection includes a side wall, a bottom wall and a top wall which together define an inner chamber in which the temperature control substance is located. Preferably, the temperature control substance is one of a phase changing material or an activated carbon. The device is configured to connect with a bottom wall opening of a container to provide temperature control to the contents located within the container.