Heating cooling system for food storage cabinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for heating and cooling food for transport and service are inefficient, bulky, costly, and pose health risks due to the use of harmful chemicals and uneven heating, while existing solutions for thermoelectric systems are slow to reach desired temperatures and require multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A portable food transport cabinet using a thermoelectric system with Peltier chips, manifold blocks, and radiators, powered by a battery, which allows for efficient heating and cooling with a simple control system, utilizing a single-type temperature adjusting element and non-toxic heat transfer fluids, and can be adapted for use with existing food service equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional refrigeration systems are used for cooling food, then cooling capability is provided, but the systems are bulky, costly, and require harmful chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical refrigeration systems with thermoelectric cooling elements that use electrical current to create temperature differentials through the Peltier effect, eliminating the need for compressors, condensers, and harmful refrigerant chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical compression to electrical-driven thermoelectric effect, allowing for a compact, maintenance-free cooling system that achieves the same thermal management function without the bulk and complexity of traditional systems
2Reliability
If flame-based heating systems are used for heating food, then heating capability is provided, but local hot spots and uneven heating occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating function into multiple independent heating zones with separate heating elements, allowing each zone to be independently controlled to achieve uniform heat distribution across the entire food surface without localized hot spots
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different heating characteristics to different spatial locations within the cabinet, with each heating zone tailored to provide optimal heat distribution for its specific region, ensuring uniform heating throughout
3Reliability
If flame-based heating systems are used for heating food, then heating capability is provided, but fumes and combustion products are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces combustion-based heating with electrical heating elements that generate heat through resistive heating, completely eliminating the production of fumes, odors, and other combustion byproducts while maintaining effective heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful combustion process into a clean electrical heating process, where the same heating function is achieved without the harmful side effects, turning a potentially dangerous system into a safe one
4Device complexity
If thermoelectric systems are used for heating and cooling, then compactness is achieved, but the systems take a long time to reach desired temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermoelectric system into multiple independent modules that can operate simultaneously, increasing the total heat transfer capacity and reducing the time required to reach desired temperatures while maintaining the compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the thermoelectric elements to function in both heating and cooling modes, allowing the same compact components to provide rapid temperature adjustment in either direction by simply reversing the electrical current direction
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple temperature adjusting elements are used, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermoelectric elements that can operate in both heating and cooling modes, allowing a single type of component to provide both temperature adjustment functions by simply reversing the electrical current direction, thereby simplifying the control system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the reversible nature of the thermoelectric effect, where reversing the electrical current direction switches the element between heating and cooling modes, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling components and simplifying the overall control architecture
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 system rapidly reaches and maintains desired temperatures for food safety, improving efficiency and safety by using a compact, portable, and cost-effective solution that reduces health risks associated with traditional heating methods.
Implementation Method 1
A portable food transport cabinet using a thermoelectric system with Peltier chips
Implementation Method 2
manifold blocks, and radiators
Implementation Method 3
manifold blocks, and radiators
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Systems for heating or cooling a food service container to an appropriate temperature for service or transport, and cabinets including such systems. A first manifold allows a seal to be made against a first surface of one or more Peltier chips and defines a flow path for a heat transfer fluid which directly contacts the first surfaces of the Peltier chips. The fluid circulates through tubing from the first manifold to a first radiator. A second opposite manifold defines a flow path for a heat transfer fluid which directly contacts the second surfaces of the Peltier chips. The fluid then circulates through tubing from the second manifold to a second radiator. The first radiator may be disposed inside, and the second radiator outside, the cabinet. Application of current in a first direction to the Peltier chips can heat the cabinet and reversal of the current may cool the cabinet.