Mobile cooling box with ice maker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile cooling boxes with integrated electrically driven cooling units are unable to freeze water or produce ice, and stationary freezer units are not portable, making it cumbersome to have both freezing and cooling capabilities on the go.

Innovation Solution

A mobile cooling box with an integrated ice maker module featuring a freezing compartment, evaporator, and attachment means, allowing for both freezing and cooling of goods while being portable, using a laminated lining and snap-in connection for the ice maker module, and ice trays with caps to prevent leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a mobile cooling box uses an integrated electrically driven cooling unit, then cooling capability is provided, but freezing capability is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling temperatureVSAvoidfreezing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling box is divided into two separate functional zones: a freezing zone with an evaporator for ice making, and a cooling zone for beverage storage. This segmentation allows each zone to operate at different temperatures independently, enabling both freezing and cooling capabilities within the same portable device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a more powerful cooling unit is used to freeze water, then freezing capability is achieved, but the temperature becomes too cold for beverages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreezing capabilityVSAvoidbeverage temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The interior space is segmented into a freezing zone and a cooling zone, separated by a partition wall. The freezing zone contains the evaporator and is designed for ice making at very low temperatures, while the cooling zone maintains a higher temperature suitable for beverages. This spatial segmentation prevents the over-cooling of beverages while still providing freezing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different thermal characteristics are applied to different zones: the freezing zone has direct evaporator contact for maximum cooling power, while the cooling zone has reduced thermal exposure. The partition wall with controlled thermal properties creates local quality differences, allowing each zone to maintain its optimal temperature for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate boxes are used for freezing and cooling, then both functions are available, but portability and convenience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreezing and cooling functionsVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the freezing function and cooling function into a single portable cooling box unit. The evaporator assembly with freezing zone is integrated into the same housing as the cooling zone, allowing users to have both ice making and beverage cooling capabilities in one transportable device, eliminating the need for separate freezers and coolers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If stationary household cooling devices with freezers are used, then freezing capability is provided, but portability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreezing capabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling box is designed as a universal device that can function both as a freezer (when the evaporator is active in the freezing zone) and as a cooler (when the evaporator is inactive or in reduced mode). This multi-functionality allows a single portable unit to replace both stationary freezers and coolers, providing freezing capability without sacrificing portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the transportation of both cooled and frozen goods simultaneously, providing efficient freezing and cooling capabilities in a compact, cost-effective, and user-friendly design.

Implementation Method 1

an evaporator arranged underneath the bottom part of the lining at the freezing zone, which provides sufficient cooling power for freezing goods when being placed in the freezing zone, while at the same time providing sufficient cooling power to keep the remaining inside of the mobile cooling unit cooled at the predefined cooling temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat removal: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS11359848B2Mobile cooling box with ice maker

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 DOMETIC APPLIANCES

AI summary

A mobile cooling box has a box main body with inner side walls and a bottom, and at least one lid for opening the mobile cooling box and providing access to the inside of the mobile cooling box. The inside of the mobile cooling box is laminated with a lining at the inner side walls and at the bottom thereof. The mobile cooling box further has an ice maker module. The ice maker module has a freezing compartment, wherein the ice maker module can be removably placed on a freezing zone on a bottom part of the lining. The mobile cooling box further comprises an evaporator arranged underneath the lining at the freezing zone for providing sufficient cooling power for freezing goods being located in the freezing compartment.