Self-cooling device for beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-cooling beverage containers face issues such as high production costs, ecological damage, contamination risks, and inefficiency due to the use of toxic chemicals and bulky pneumatic circuits, making them unsuitable for commercialization and consumer use.
Innovation Solution
A self-cooling device using a miniaturized scroll compressor, electric motor, network of capillaries with a refrigerant, and temperature gauging devices powered by electrical energy, which efficiently cools beverages without freezing or chilling the container or surroundings, and is designed for reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If chemical reactions (endothermic/exothermic) are used to cool beverages, then cooling effect is achieved, but toxic chemicals contaminate the beverage and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical reaction systems with a mechanical refrigeration system consisting of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The compressor mechanically compresses refrigerant gas, the condenser condenses it, the expansion valve expands it, and the evaporator evaporates it to absorb heat from the beverage, achieving cooling without toxic chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a refrigerant circulation system involving phase changes of refrigerant between liquid and gas states. The refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated in a closed loop, using pneumatic and hydraulic principles to transfer heat from the beverage to the environment without chemical contamination.
2Temperature
If refrigeration effect by compression and expansion of liquefied gas is used, then cooling effect is achieved, but bulky pneumatic circuits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigeration system into distinct functional segments: compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. Each component performs a specific function in the refrigeration cycle, allowing for compact integration while maintaining efficient heat transfer and manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the refrigeration components in a nested or compact arrangement where the evaporator is positioned to contact the beverage container, the condenser is integrated into the device structure, and the compressor is miniaturized. This nesting reduces the overall footprint of the pneumatic circuit while maintaining functionality.
3Temperature
If desiccant absorbing agents and water are used to produce cooling effect, then cooling is achieved, but expensive designs and toxic desiccants are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive and toxic desiccant-based cooling systems with a mechanical refrigeration system using common refrigerants and standard components. The compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator provide a cost-effective and safe alternative to desiccant absorbing agents.
4Temperature
If Peltier effect is used to cool beverages, then cooling is achieved, but extremely low efficiency in using electrical energy is observed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inefficient Peltier effect devices with a mechanical refrigeration system using a compressor and refrigerant cycle. This system achieves superior energy efficiency by utilizing phase changes and heat transfer principles rather than direct electrical-to-thermal conversion, significantly reducing electrical energy loss.
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 provides a cost-effective, portable, and safe method for cooling beverages without contaminating the contents or environment, offering efficient and practical cooling performance with the ability to cool multiple beverages using electrical power.
Implementation Method 1
A first heat exchange takes place when the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from the beverage, through the network of capillaries located on the inner wall of the beverage container.
Implementation Method 2
A second heat exchange takes place when the refrigerant passes from the compressor into the heat sink before the refrigerant is forced through the expansion valve, and the heat exchanges continues until the beverage is cooled.
Implementation Method 3
the refrigerant is forced through an expansion valve, thereby cooling the refrigerant before the refrigerant passes through the network of capillaries
Implementation Method 4
the power source provides electrical energy to start the electric motor to drive a miniaturised scroll compressor, pumping the refrigerant from the reservoir through itself
Data Source
AI summary
A self-cooling device to cool a beverage, the device comprising a miniaturised scroll compressor, a heat sink, an electric motor, an expansion valve allowing passage of a refrigerant into the network of capillaries before entering back into the reservoir, a power source of electrical energy, several temperature gauging devices, a micro-processor, a simple user interface for temperature setting, and an on/off switch.The miniaturised scroll compressor pumps the refrigerant through itself and then through a heat sink (the second heat exchange) and then through an expansion valve through the network of capillaries running inside the walls of the container, whereby a first heat exchange takes place. The refrigerant then returns to the reservoir.