Temperature-regulated Liquid Container with Air Flow Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watering troughs face challenges such as contamination from debris and freezing, leading to increased maintenance and operating costs due to high-wattage heating elements, and safety concerns for livestock.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulation system with a first and second body, incorporating a temperature control module, fan, and positive temperature coefficient heating element, which regulates air temperature above the liquid to prevent freezing, using reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If submersible heating elements are used to heat the entire volume of liquid, then the liquid temperature is maintained above freezing, but the operating cost increases due to high wattage (500-1500 watts) continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the heating element at the bottom of the container rather than submerging it throughout the liquid volume. This localized heating approach warms the liquid from the bottom up, maintaining temperature above freezing while consuming significantly less energy than continuous full-volume heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through a thermostat-controlled heating system that operates intermittently rather than continuously. The heater activates only when the liquid temperature approaches the freezing point, maintaining temperature with minimal energy consumption compared to continuous operation of traditional submersible elements.
2Temperature
If floating bubblers or de-icers are used to heat the surface of water, then the liquid temperature is maintained above freezing, but the operating cost increases due to high wattage continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating heating power at the bottom of the container rather than distributing it across the surface. This localized bottom-up heating approach is more energy-efficient than surface heating methods that require continuous high-wattage operation to maintain temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through thermostat control that activates the heating element only when needed, rather than continuous operation. This intermittent heating maintains liquid temperature above freezing with minimal energy consumption, contrasting with the continuous high-wattage operation of floating bubblers and de-icers.
3Ease of operation
If open-topped containers are used for watering troughs, then convenience of use and portability are improved, but contamination from debris increases requiring regular cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a screen or mesh cover as a mediating element between the open top and the liquid. This cover allows animals to access water conveniently while blocking debris such as dust, hay, leaves, and excrement from contaminating the liquid, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of use and contamination prevention.
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 effectively maintains liquid temperature above freezing with reduced energy use, minimizing contamination risks and maintenance, while ensuring safe drinking conditions for livestock.
Implementation Method 1
positive temperature coefficient heating element
Implementation Method 2
fan
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature regulation system including a first body forming a first interior cavity and a second body forming a second interior cavity. The first body includes a first opening defined in a wall of the first body. The first interior cavity is in fluidic communication with the first opening and the first interior cavity is configured to contain a liquid. The second body includes a second opening defined within a wall of the second body. A first temperature control module can be disposed within the second body and can include a fan. The first temperature control module is in fluidic communication of a fluid comprising air with the first interior cavity via the first and second openings. The fan is configured to direct a flow of air from the second interior cavity to the first interior cavity at a location adjacent the liquid.