Detachable Mug Temperature Control Module for Easy Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceramic mugs fail to maintain beverage temperature during consumption due to poor thermal conductivity, making them unsuitable for heating or cooling applications.
Innovation Solution
A detachable active temperature control module with heating or cooling elements, control circuitry, power storage, and wireless communication capabilities is designed for integration with drinkware and plateware devices, allowing for temperature control and easy operation while being easily attachable and detachable to prevent damage during washing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional ceramic mugs are used, then the mug structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the beverage temperature cannot be maintained and thermal conductivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The mug is divided into separate functional modules: a removable temperature control module containing heating/cooling elements and electronics, and a container body. This segmentation allows the container to remain simple for manufacturing while adding temperature control functionality through the detachable module.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control module serves multiple functions: heating, cooling, temperature monitoring, and wireless communication. This multi-functionality addresses the temperature maintenance problem while consolidating complexity into a single universal module rather than distributing it throughout the entire mug structure.
2Temperature
If heating elements are integrated into the mug, then temperature control is achieved, but the mug cannot be easily washed and electronics may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements, cooling elements, and electronic components are extracted from the container body and placed in a separate removable temperature control module. This extraction allows the container body to be easily washed without risk of damaging electronics, while the module can be detached for cleaning or charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable module acts as an intermediary between the user and the container body. It provides temperature control functionality when needed and can be detached to allow easy cleaning of the container, mediating between the conflicting requirements of temperature control and washing convenience.
3Ease of operation
If a detachable module is used, then washing is easier and electronics are protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism merges multiple functions: mechanical attachment, electrical connection, and thermal contact. By combining these functions into a single integration interface, the design minimizes the complexity increase while achieving easy detachability for washing and protected electronics.
4Temperature
If ceramic material is used, then the mug has good insulation properties, but thermal conductivity is poor making heating ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control module applies heating or cooling locally at the base of the container where thermal contact is most effective. This local application of thermal energy overcomes the poor thermal conductivity of ceramic material by concentrating power where it can most efficiently transfer to the beverage.
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 module effectively maintains beverage temperature for an extended period, enhancing user experience by ensuring drinks remain hot or cold as desired, and can be used with existing kitchenware without risking damage to electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating or cooling element configured to be placed in thermal communication with the base of the body when the module is coupled to the container to thereby heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature sensor configured to contact a surface of the container when the module is coupled to the container, the at least one temperature sensor configured to sense a parameter indicative of a temperature of contents in the container
Data Source
AI summary
An active temperature control module can be used with drinkware and plateware devices. The drinkware can be a mug made of metal, and optionally coated with a ceramic material. The active thermal control module can optionally be removably coupleable to a surface of the drinkware or plateware device. The module can include at least one heating element that can thermally communicate with a surface of the drinkware or plateware device to thereby effect heat transfer through the base to food stuff (e.g., a solid food, a liquid food) in the drinkware or plateware device. The module can include at least one sensor configured to sense a parameter of the foodstuff, and at least one power storage element configured to provide power to the at least one heating element. The module can include control circuitry configured to control operation of the one or more heating elements, and a transceiver configured to transmit operating information of the module to a remote electronic device and to receive operating instructions from the remote electronic device. Optionally, the module can include a heat transfer pack that can thermally communicate with the at least one heating element, and which can be interposed between the at least one heating element and a surface of the drinkware or plateware device.