Device for warming a liquid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid heating devices struggle with optimal stratification of liquids within containers, leading to mixing of different temperature layers, which affects efficiency and uniformity of heating.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an energy unit, heat exchanger, container, and internal distributor that directs liquid flow through an internal distributor and deflection device to minimize temperature mixing by controlling the entry and exit points, ensuring minimal contact with existing liquid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If liquid is directly introduced into the container without an internal distributor, then the heating process is simpler, but the liquid stratification deteriorates and temperature layers mix

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating process complexityVSAvoidliquid stratification
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The internal distributor acts as an intermediary component between the injection device and the container interior. It receives liquid from the injection device and distributes it in a controlled manner, preventing direct disruption of temperature stratification. The distributor's internal geometry and positioning allow liquid to enter the container gradually, maintaining the stability of hot and cold liquid layers while avoiding the complexity of direct injection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the internal distributor is positioned closer to the injection device, then liquid flow control is improved, but the contact area with existing liquid increases causing more mixing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid flow controlVSAvoidtemperature mixing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The internal distributor is designed with specific local geometric features that control liquid flow quality. Its positioning and internal structure create localized flow patterns that maintain control over liquid distribution while minimizing the volume of existing liquid contacted. The distributor's geometry is optimized to allow liquid to pass through with minimal mixing, preserving thermal stratification while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of stationary object

If the container volume is increased to hold more liquid, then the storage capacity is improved, but the stratification stability deteriorates due to larger convection currents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer storage capacityVSAvoidstratification stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The internal distributor segments the liquid flow into multiple smaller streams as it enters the container. This segmentation reduces the kinetic energy and disruptive effect of the incoming liquid on existing stratification layers. By dividing the flow, the distributor maintains stratification stability in larger container volumes, preventing large-scale convection currents while preserving increased storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances the stratification of liquid temperatures within the container, reducing temperature differences and minimizing mixing, thereby improving heating efficiency and uniformity.

Implementation Method 1

the heat exchanger transfers the thermal energy generated by the energy unit to the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

the liquid flows from the injection device into an interior of the internal distributor and from the interior of the internal distributor into the interior of the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4441440B1Device for warming a liquid
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 TRUMA GERATETECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4441440B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4441440B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for warming a liquid. According to the invention, a heat transfer device (2) transfers thermal energy generated by an energy unit (1) to the liquid. The liquid flows into an inner chamber of an inner distributor (5) via an insertion device (4) and from there into the inner chamber of a container (3).