Insulated Beverage Container with Dynamic Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulated containers fail to maintain beverages at a desired temperature range for an extended duration, as they either cool too slowly or require extended waiting times, and methods to speed cooling often dilute the beverage or lack precision.
Innovation Solution
An insulated container with an inner and outer vessel and metallic heat transfer devices that change shape in response to temperature, conducting heat when above a predetermined temperature and breaking contact when below, facilitating rapid cooling and maintaining the desired temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If foam insulated containers are used to slow cooling, then the beverage temperature is maintained for longer, but the cooling rate becomes too slow and the container is disposable increasing waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic heat transfer mechanism where metallic strips change their thermal conductivity state based on temperature. The strips are spaced from the outer wall at normal temperatures but move to contact the outer wall when the beverage exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, automatically adjusting heat transfer rates without external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the heat transfer medium by using metallic strips that transition between spaced and contacting states. This parameter change enables the system to switch between high insulation (strips spaced) and high heat transfer (strips contacting) modes based on temperature conditions.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If vacuum insulated containers are used to maintain temperature, then the beverage temperature is maintained longer, but the cooling rate is insufficient and the consumer must wait extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic heat transfer mechanism where metallic strips change their thermal conductivity state based on temperature. The strips are spaced from the outer wall at normal temperatures but move to contact the outer wall when the beverage exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, automatically adjusting heat transfer rates without external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer system operates autonomously by detecting temperature conditions through thermal expansion of the metallic strips and automatically initiating or ceasing heat transfer contact without external intervention, control systems, or power sources.
3Speed
If ice or cool liquid is used to rapidly cool the beverage, then the cooling rate increases, but the beverage is diluted or cooled below the desired temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces metallic strips as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the beverage and the outer wall. These strips transfer heat conductively when temperature conditions require it, enabling rapid cooling without direct contact between cooling agents and the beverage, thus avoiding dilution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cooling methods (adding ice or cool liquid) with a thermal conduction-based heat transfer system using metallic strips. This substitution achieves rapid cooling through controlled thermal contact rather than mass transfer of cooling agents.
4Ease of operation
If the beverage is poured into a cool container to cool it, then the cooling process is simplified, but the method is imprecise and cannot achieve desired temperature range consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a passive feedback mechanism where the metallic strips respond automatically to temperature changes through thermal expansion. When the beverage temperature exceeds the threshold, the strips expand and contact the outer wall to increase heat transfer. When the temperature drops below the threshold, the strips contract and space from the outer wall, reducing heat transfer.
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 insulated container efficiently cools beverages to a safe temperature and maintains them within a desirable range for consumption, extending the duration they remain suitable for drinking.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heat transfer devices within the cavity and attached to the inner wall, the one or more heat transfer devices spaced from the outer wall and configured to contact the outer wall responsive to exceeding a temperature greater than a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
one or more metallic strips attached to the inner vessel and spaced from the outer vessel, the one or more metallic strips within a cavity between the inner vessel and the outer vessel
Data Source
AI summary
An insulated container for a beverage comprises an inner wall defining an opening and a volume, an outer wall surrounding the inner wall and defining a cavity between the inner wall and the outer wall, and one or more heat transfer devices within the cavity and attached to the inner wall, the one or more heat transfer devices spaced from the outer wall and configured to contact the outer wall responsive to exceeding a temperature greater than a predetermined temperature. Related insulated containers and methods are also disclosed.