Portable cold storage box
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mini fridges that utilize the Peltier effect for thermoelectric cooling require a power source, limiting their use for travelers and field workers who need a portable, power-free cold storage solution.
Innovation Solution
A portable cold storage box composed of six identical square pieces that can be assembled into a cuboid or cubic box with through-holes, step-shaped protrusions, and tooth-shaped sides, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and stacking, and containing a refrigerant for cooling without an external power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a mini fridge using Peltier effect is used, then cooling function is achieved, but power source dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of refrigerant (liquid to gas and back) to achieve cooling without power. The refrigerant evaporates at low temperature to absorb heat from the storage space, then condenses at higher temperature to release heat externally, creating a passive refrigeration cycle that eliminates power source dependency while maintaining cooling function
2Volume of moving object
If the cold storage box is disassembled for storage, then space efficiency improves, but pieces scatter and are hard to reassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design elements including step-shaped protrusions on one surface and corresponding recesses on the opposite surface of each cold storage piece. These asymmetric features create a unique fitting orientation that guides proper reassembly, preventing pieces from scattering in random orientations and ensuring easy reconstruction of the box structure
3Ease of operation
If tooth-shaped engagement structures are added, then assembly ease improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cold storage box into multiple separable pieces with standardized tooth-shaped engagement structures. These teeth and corresponding grooves create simple interlocking joints that facilitate easy assembly and disassembly. The segmentation allows the box to be broken down into manageable components while the standardized connection features maintain structural integrity without requiring complex fastening mechanisms
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 storage of beverages and food at a consistent temperature during outings while allowing for compact storage and transportation without scattering, addressing the power dependency of existing mini fridges.
Implementation Method 1
A refrigerant may be stored inside the square cold storage pieces in a sealed manner
Implementation Method 2
A refrigerant may be stored inside the square cold storage pieces in a sealed manner
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a portable cold storage box having at least six identical square cold storage pieces capable of being put together to form a cuboid or cubic box. A through-hole is provided in the middle of each square cold storage piece. The periphery of each through-hole has one surface formed with a recess and an opposite surface formed with a step-shaped protrusion which can be snapped in a corresponding recess. Engageable tooth-shaped teeth are formed on opposite sides of the square cold storage pieces. A refrigerant is stored inside the square cold storage pieces in a sealed manner. The portable cold storage box of the present disclosure is advantageous in that it does not require a power source. It is easy to assemble, and after disassembling, the disassembled pieces can be quickly stacked up without being scattered around.