Apparatus and methods for rapid heating and cooling of liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid heating and cooling technologies are inefficient, taking excessive time to reach desired temperatures, often overshooting or undershooting the target, and lacking feedback control, which compromises the integrity and health benefits of substances like breast milk and wine, and are energy-inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a conduit system with a pump and thermal energy transfer mechanism, incorporating a heat exchanger and continuous flow of thermal energy transfer fluid, with temperature sensors and control valves for precise and rapid temperature adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conduction of heat through an insulating vessel wall is used for heating or cooling liquids, then the liquid can be heated or cooled, but the time to reach desired temperature is unreasonably long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal energy transfer mechanism as an intermediary device that directly contacts the liquid to transfer thermal energy, eliminating the need for heat conduction through insulating vessel walls. This mediator enables rapid and efficient temperature adjustment by providing direct thermal coupling between the heating/cooling source and the liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive thermal conduction mechanism (which relies on slow heat diffusion through insulating materials) with an active thermal energy transfer system that uses a controlled fluid circulation mechanism. This substitution transforms the heating/cooling process from a slow passive diffusion process to a rapid active transport process.
2Temperature
If existing heating or cooling products are used without feedback control, then the liquid can be heated or cooled, but the temperature control precision is poor causing over-shooting or under-shooting the intended temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system that continuously monitors the liquid temperature using a temperature sensor and adjusts the thermal energy transfer accordingly. The controller receives temperature feedback and modulates the thermal energy transfer mechanism to maintain the liquid at the desired temperature, preventing over-shooting or under-shooting.
3Temperature
If existing heating or cooling products without feedback control are used, then the liquid can be heated or cooled, but energy is wasted due to lack of controls
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system not only ensures temperature precision but also optimizes energy consumption by stopping or modulating thermal energy transfer when the desired temperature is reached, eliminating continuous energy waste associated with uncontrolled heating or cooling processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically regulates its own operation through the feedback mechanism, adjusting the thermal energy transfer based on real-time temperature conditions without requiring external intervention, thereby preventing energy waste through intelligent self-management.
4Loss of time
If rapid heating or cooling is achieved through direct thermal energy transfer, then the time to reach desired temperature is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy transfer mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both the heating and cooling medium, can be integrated with existing liquid containment systems, and the feedback control system can manage various temperature setpoints. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated heating and cooling apparatus, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Achieves rapid temperature adjustment of liquids to precise set points, reducing energy consumption and preserving the nutritional and sensory qualities of substances like breast milk and wine.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal energy transfer mechanism, where: the pump is configured to transfer the liquid from the container to the thermal energy transfer mechanism via the first conduit; the thermal energy transfer mechanism is configured to cool or heat the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a pump in fluid communication with the first conduit and the second conduit; the pump is configured to transfer the liquid from the container to the thermal energy transfer mechanism via the first conduit; the pump is configured to transfer the liquid from the thermal energy transfer mechanism to the container via the second conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for cooling or heating a liquid in a container. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a first conduit, a second conduit and a pump in fluid communication with the first conduit and the second conduit. The apparatus can also comprise a thermal energy transfer mechanism, where the pump is configured to transfer the liquid from the container to the thermal energy transfer mechanism via the first conduit, the thermal energy transfer mechanism is configured to cool or heat the liquid, and the pump is configured to transfer the liquid from the thermal energy transfer mechanism to the container via the second conduit.