Cooler Insert Chamber Layout for Clean, Even Passive Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coolers using loose ice or gel blocks face issues such as temperature gradients, contamination, limited cooling duration, and portability problems, while thermoelectric coolers require a constant power source and are expensive.
Innovation Solution
A cooler insert with a chamber that holds fluid, preventing it from contacting contents, and features like projections for air circulation and easy access, allowing for secure fitting and efficient temperature regulation without the need for constant power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If loose ice is used in a cooler, then cooling effect is provided, but melt water contacts cooler contents causing contamination and temperature gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler is divided into two functional zones: a first portion containing the cooling agent (ice or gel block) and a second portion containing the cooler contents. This segmentation prevents direct contact between melt water and contents, eliminating contamination while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
A barrier or partition acts as an intermediary between the cooling agent and cooler contents. This intermediary allows thermal energy transfer for cooling while preventing direct contact that would cause contamination and unwanted temperature gradients.
2Ease of operation
If gel blocks are used as loose ice substitute, then some advantages over loose ice are achieved, but gel blocks frost over, accumulate condensation, and create unwanted moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler is divided into a first portion for the cooling agent and a second portion for contents, with a barrier between them. This segmentation prevents condensation and frost from gel blocks from contacting and damaging cooler contents, while retaining the operational advantages of gel blocks.
3Temperature
If thermoelectric cooler is used, then precise temperature control is achieved, but constant power source is required limiting portability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from active thermoelectric cooling (requiring constant power) to passive cooling using phase change materials. By changing the cooling parameter from active electrical control to passive thermal energy storage, portability is significantly improved 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
The insert provides effective temperature management within the cooler, reducing temperature gradients and contamination risks, while allowing for easy recharging and maintenance without removing contents, enhancing portability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the second portion having a cooling surface portion that is configured to extend across at least a portion of a bottom surface of the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
a chamber, the chamber being located between the first front surface and the first back surface and the first top surface and the bottom surface, the chamber being configured so that fluid therein does not contact contents placed within the receptacle while delivering refrigeration to the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
An insert configured to be disposed in a receptacle, the insert comprising a bottom surface, a first top surface, a second top surface, the second top surface being located further from the bottom surface than the first top surface in a first direction, the first direction being orthogonal to the bottom surface, and a chamber, the chamber residing between the first top surface and the bottom surface and the second top surface and the bottom surface, the chamber being configured to hold a liquid, is provided. An associated method is also provided.