Apparatus and method for storing, cooling, and releasing things

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coolers are poorly suited for spaces with limited dimensions, such as golf bags, due to their rectangular shape and inefficient access mechanisms, which result in bulkiness and accessibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical cooler with thermoelectric cooling elements and an air channel system, featuring a compact footprint and a release mechanism that allows serial access to items, enabling efficient cooling and storage of canned beverages in a vertical arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If conventional rectangular coolers are used, then internal storage volume is maximized, but the cooler becomes bulky and unsuitable for limited spaces like golf bags

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal storage volumeVSAvoidcooler footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional horizontal rectangular cooler design to a vertical cylindrical design. This dimensional change allows the cooler to maximize storage volume along the vertical axis while minimizing the horizontal footprint, making it suitable for insertion into golf bags and other limited spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a cylindrical (curved) outer shell instead of a rectangular box shape. This curved geometry provides a more compact form factor that fits better in confined spaces while maintaining efficient internal volume for storing multiple beverage cans vertically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If conventional lid-opening access is used, then users can access contents, but the entire cooler interior is exposed and lower items become inaccessible in tall narrow designs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to contentsVSAvoidaccess mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the access mechanism into segmented components: a rotatable head with multiple windows that can be independently rotated to align with specific beverage cans. This segmentation allows users to access only the desired item without exposing the entire cooler interior or requiring complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of opening a lid to access items from the top, the patent inverts the access concept by using a rotatable head with windows that selectively reveal and provide access to individual cans at different heights, allowing access without full exposure of the interior cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Temperature

If thermoelectric cooling elements are used, then active cooling is achieved, but the device requires electrical power and additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage temperatureVSAvoidcooling system components

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical vapor-compression cooling systems with solid-state thermoelectric cooling elements. This substitution eliminates the need for compressors, refrigerants, and complex mechanical components, reducing device complexity while maintaining active cooling capability through electrical power input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the cooling mechanism from mechanical phase-change refrigeration to electrical thermoelectric cooling. This parameter change in the cooling method allows for a more compact design with fewer moving parts, suitable for portable applications where electrical power is available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 cylindrical design with thermoelectric cooling and a release mechanism provides efficient temperature maintenance and easy access to items, even in narrow spaces, enhancing portability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

thermoelectric cooling elements... transfer heat using the Peltier effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

air channel... arranged parallel to the apparatus tube and disposed within an air channel housing comprising inlet and outlet vents and, preferably, a fan or other means to direct airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20240353172A1Apparatus and method for storing, cooling, and releasing things

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 WILBER DAVID

AI summary

An apparatus and method for storing, cooling, and releasing items, such as canned beverages, is disclosed. A key object of the invention disclosed is to provide a cooler having a smaller footprint and greater height relative to existing solutions. To this end, an apparatus configured according to the present disclosure utilizes one or more thermoelectric cooling elements to lower the temperature of a container, in combination with an air channel arranged along an axis parallel with the container's height. Further, due to the novel dimensions that the apparatus may exhibit, a means for serially releasing items from the container is disclosed, including a retainer assembly and release mechanism disposed within the device's head and a force mechanism disposed within the container's interior.