Insulated Beverage Cooler Base for Longer Can Temperature Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage containers, especially cans, fail to maintain beverages at desired temperatures due to inadequate insulation, leading to rapid temperature changes that affect taste and quality, and the use of ice can cause carbonation loss and flavor alteration.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with an insulated tubular member and a base containing a fluid with a freezing point of 0° C or less, which is removably coupled to the container to maintain a consistent temperature, utilizing engagement wings for secure attachment and an insulating substance with high thermal capacity to reduce heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice is used to cool beverages, then the beverage temperature is reduced, but carbonation is lost and flavor is altered due to dilution and contact with ice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling system that uses a sealed base containing phase-change material or refrigerant, separated from the beverage by an insulated barrier. This mediator transfers cooling effect through the can wall without direct contact between ice and beverage, preserving carbonation and flavor while achieving temperature reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is segmented into a separate base component rather than mixing ice directly with the beverage. The base contains the cooling agent in a sealed compartment, allowing thermal energy transfer through the can bottom while physically isolating the ice from the liquid beverage, thus preventing dilution and carbonation loss.
2Temperature
If glass containers are used to maintain beverage temperature, then insulation performance is improved, but weight, cost, and breakability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation function is segmented into a separate removable base component rather than making the entire container heavy like glass. The base contains the thermal mass and insulation, while the upper can remains lightweight aluminum, achieving temperature maintenance without the weight penalty of full glass construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite construction combining lightweight aluminum can with a specialized insulated base containing phase-change materials or refrigerant. This composite approach provides glass-level thermal performance while maintaining the weight and strength advantages of aluminum, avoiding both the weight of glass and its breakability issues.
3Loss of energy
If insulated sleeves are used on beverage containers, then heat transfer is reduced, but insulation performance is insufficient for extended temperature maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the base component by incorporating phase-change materials or refrigerant with specific thermal properties. This transforms the passive insulation into an active thermal management system that can maintain temperatures for extended periods by utilizing latent heat of phase change, significantly extending duration beyond conventional sleeves.
Solution Approach 2:
The base combines multiple materials with complementary thermal properties: insulating materials to reduce heat transfer, phase-change materials to absorb/release latent heat, and conductive materials to distribute thermal energy. This composite structure achieves superior extended-duration temperature maintenance compared to single-material conventional sleeves.
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 device effectively maintains beverage temperature for an extended period, reducing heat transfer and preserving the quality and carbonation of beverages, while being stackable and adaptable to various container sizes.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating substance or liquid may be provided within the device
Implementation Method 2
The base may include an interior compartment containing a fluid permanently sealed therein. The fluid can have a freezing point of about 0° C. or less.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for a beverage container may include a tubular member that is insulated and has an axis. The tubular member may further include an upper axial end and a lower axial end. Both the upper and lower axial ends can be open. The tubular member may be configured to receive and insulate the beverage container therein. The device may include a base. The base may be removably coupled to the lower axial end of the tubular member to close the lower axial end. The base may include an interior compartment containing a fluid permanently sealed therein. The fluid can have a freezing point of about 0° C. or less.