Cup Holder Temperature Control Using Single-Sensor Gradient Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders require multiple temperature sensors and are prone to inaccurate heating or cooling due to outside temperature variations, making them complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder with a single temperature measurement device that calculates the container-housing-portion temperature gradient and controls a thermoelectric element based on this gradient, allowing for automatic heating or cooling without user intervention, using a Peltier element and a control system that stores reference temperature gradients for determining heating or cooling actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If two temperature sensors are used to measure container temperature and outside temperature, then automatic heating or cooling control can be achieved, but the number of sensors increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of measuring container temperature and outside temperature into a single temperature sensor by measuring the temperature difference between the container housing portion and the container. This single sensor simultaneously provides both temperature measurements needed for automatic control, eliminating the need for two separate sensors and reducing device complexity while maintaining full automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single temperature sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: it measures both the container temperature and the outside temperature (via the container housing portion temperature). This multi-functional sensor approach achieves the same control objectives as two separate sensors would, reducing component count while maintaining comprehensive temperature monitoring for automatic heating or cooling decisions
2Extent of automation
If two temperature sensors are used to measure container temperature and outside temperature, then automatic heating or cooling control can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement of container temperature and outside temperature into a single sensor system, directly reducing component costs. By using one temperature sensor to measure the temperature difference between the container housing portion and the container, the system eliminates the need to purchase, install, and calibrate two separate sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining automatic control functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If outside temperature is considered in determination criterion, then adaptability to environmental conditions improves, but determination accuracy decreases due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the single temperature sensor measuring the temperature difference between the container housing portion and the container to dynamically adjust heating or cooling control. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about the actual thermal state of the container, enabling accurate determination of when heating or cooling is needed without being misled by outside temperature variations, thus maintaining both adaptability and precision
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 accurate and automatic temperature control of beverages with a simple structure, reducing sensor requirements and minimizing the impact of outside temperature variations, while maintaining a sleek design by embedding the temperature measurement device.
Implementation Method 1
current is applied to a Peltier element disposed on a lower portion of the holder to heat or cool the beverage container inside the cup holder
Data Source
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AI summary
A cup holder (10) is provided, in which a control portion (28) calculates a container-housing-portion temperature gradient ΔT based on a temperature T detected by a thermistor (26) disposed inside a convex portion (30) located on a bottom portion of a container housing portion (14). The control portion (28) automatically carries out heating or cooling relative to the container housing portion (14) based on that the container-housing-portion temperature gradient ΔT is a heating reference temperature gradient α or above, or is a cooling reference temperature gradient β or below. Thus, determinations of the heating or cooling is carried out based on only the container-housing-portion temperature gradient ΔT, so that heating or cooling control can be accurately carried out only by one temperature sensor.