Detachable Active Temperature Control Module for Metal Drinkware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceramic mugs fail to maintain beverage temperature during consumption due to poor thermal conductivity and lack of active temperature control, 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 remote operation and easy attachment/detachment without damaging electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a detachable temperature control module is used, then the container can be easily washed and the module is compatible with multiple devices, but the coupling mechanism adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a detachable temperature control module and a container. This segmentation allows the container to be easily washed without electronics, while the module can be attached only when needed, resolving the contradiction between ease of cleaning and functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control module is designed as a universal component that can be coupled with multiple different containers through a standardized coupling mechanism. This multi-functionality allows one module to serve various containers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of cleaning for each container.
2Reliability
If ceramic mugs are used, then the beverage can be contained, but the poor thermal conductivity prevents effective heating
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally conductive intermediary element (such as a metal base or heat transfer plate) is introduced between the heating element in the module and the ceramic container. This intermediary has high thermal conductivity to efficiently transfer heat from the heating element to the beverage, overcoming the poor thermal conductivity of ceramic material while maintaining reliable beverage containment.
3Ease of operation
If electronics are integrated into the container, then temperature control is achieved, but the container cannot be washed without damaging the electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates electronics into a detachable module that can be removed before washing. This segmentation allows the container to be fully washable while the temperature control functionality is preserved in the separate module, eliminating the contradiction between electronics integration and washability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components and heating elements are extracted from the container body and placed in a separate detachable module. This extraction allows the container to be washed without any risk of water damage to electronics, while the module retains full temperature control functionality when attached.
4Reliability
If a fixed temperature control system is used, then temperature maintenance is reliable, but the system cannot be used with existing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control module is designed with a universal coupling mechanism that can attach to various existing container types (different sizes, shapes, and materials). This universality maintains reliable temperature control through consistent thermal contact while enabling compatibility with existing devices without requiring custom integration for each container type.
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 keeping drinks hot or cold, and can be used with existing devices, ensuring easy cleaning and multiple device compatibility.
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
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.