Cooling package and sensor probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable cooling packages lack reliable indicators for determining when they are fully frozen and ready for use, and when their cooling capacity is depleted, making it difficult to maintain safe food storage temperatures, especially in varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible cooling package equipped with a sensor probe that extends into the interior and is attached to a display on the screw cap, providing temperature readings to indicate when the package is fully frozen and when its cooling capacity is depleted, along with customizable fluid mixes and adjustable package size for specific temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a cooling package is made opaque and stiff for durability, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to visually determine freezing status and cooling capacity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor probe acts as an intermediary between the cooling solution and the user, translating internal temperature information into visible display readings on the cap, enabling information access without compromising package opacity or structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces visual inspection of the cooling solution (mechanical/optical method) with an electronic temperature sensing and display system, substituting direct observation with indirect electronic measurement and visualization
2Ease of manufacture
If the cooling package size is fixed, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to adjust to different cooling needs and storage spaces is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling package incorporates collapsible walls that allow dynamic adjustment of package volume, enabling the same package to adapt to different cooling requirements and storage spaces while maintaining a simple fixed-manufacturing approach for the base structure
3Reliability
If the target temperature is set very low for long-term food storage, then food safety for extended periods is improved, but the risk of freezing beverages and causing container breakage is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor and display system provides continuous feedback on the cooling package temperature, allowing users to monitor and adjust the cooling intensity to achieve safe food storage temperatures without excessively low temperatures that could freeze beverages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of the target temperature parameter, allowing users to select appropriate cooling levels based on specific needs - sufficient for food safety without being excessively low to cause harmful freezing of other items
4Device complexity
If no temperature monitoring system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accurately determine when the package is ready for use and when capacity is depleted is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex visual assessment methods with a simple electronic temperature sensing system that provides accurate numerical readings, achieving precise temperature measurement with minimal added complexity through modern electronic components
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
Ensures accurate monitoring of cooling package readiness and capacity, enhancing food storage safety by preventing bacterial growth and spoilage through real-time temperature monitoring and customizable cooling solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a temperature sensor and the display shows the temperature of the contents of the cooling package at the distal end of the sensor probe
Implementation Method 2
The cooling capacity of the packages rely on both the heat of fusion of the solution contained inside as well as the heat capacity of both the solid and liquid forms of the cooling solutions contained within
Implementation Method 3
Full cooling capacity requires that all of the solution within the package is frozen solid
Implementation Method 4
the most significant cooling capacity comes from the heat of fusion of the solution
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling package that includes a sensor that provides a signal to the user to indicate that the cooling package is ready for use and when the cooling package is depleted is described. The sensor and sensor display are selected on the basis of the freezing point of the contained solution. The freezing point of the solution is adjustable through use of organic or inorganic additives. The sensor can further be used by placement directly in contact with a food product and through measurement of temperature, pH or electrical conductivity a signal to the user through the built in display warns of food spoilage if the temperature, cumulative time above a pre-selected temperature, pH or electrical conductivity exceed a pre-selected limit.