Systems and methods for controlling and maintaining the temperature of a drink within a drinking vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinking vessel temperature control systems often fail to maintain the desired temperature of a drink, require bulky containers that diminish the drinking experience, and cause condensation that drips onto the user or surrounding surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a receptacle and stand that allows for temperature control by transferring thermal energy between the receptacle and the drinking vessel, with a detachable design for modularity and a condensation path to redirect moisture away from the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a drink is placed in a regular drinking vessel, then the vessel is simple and allows easy access to the drink, but the temperature of the drink cannot be maintained and rises or falls to ambient temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the temperature control function into separate components: a cooling unit (ice bucket or refrigerated container) and a heating unit (hot water container), both separate from the drinking vessel itself. This allows the vessel to remain simple while temperature control is achieved through external units that can be attached or positioned near the vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances (ice, cold water, hot water) contained in separate units that indirectly affect the drink temperature through thermal conduction and convection. These intermediaries transfer thermal energy to or from the drinking vessel without requiring the vessel itself to be complex or insulated.
2Temperature
If devices are inserted into the drink contents to maintain temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but the drinking experience is interfered with and the drink is contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control elements (ice, hot water) are extracted from direct contact with the drink and placed in separate containers (ice bucket, hot water container). These extracted thermal sources are positioned adjacent to the drinking vessel, allowing heat transfer through the vessel walls without contaminating the drink or interfering with the drinking experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The drinking vessel acts as a flexible barrier that allows thermal energy to pass through its walls while preventing direct contact between the drink and the temperature control substances. The thin vessel walls facilitate heat conduction while maintaining separation between the drink and the ice or hot water units.
3Temperature
If beverage jackets or insulated vessels are used to maintain temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but the vessels become bulky and interfere with the drinking experience
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of insulating the entire drinking vessel, the system segments the temperature control function into separate compact units (ice bucket, hot water container) that can be positioned near the vessel. This allows the drinking vessel itself to remain small and uninsulated, maintaining its original size and form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies temperature control partially through adjacent units rather than fully insulating the vessel. The ice bucket or hot water container provides sufficient thermal influence on the drink through proximity and thermal conduction, eliminating the need for bulky insulation on the drinking vessel itself.
4Temperature
If cooled containers are used to maintain drink temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but condensation forms and drips onto the user or surrounding surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful condensation effect into a beneficial cooling mechanism. The ice bucket or refrigerated container is designed to allow controlled condensation and melting, where the resulting cold water or melted ice serves as a cooling medium that transfers thermal energy to the drinking vessel through conduction and convection, reducing the need for the container itself to be heavily cooled.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces water as an intermediary substance between the ice/cold source and the drinking vessel. The water in the ice bucket or refrigerated container acts as a thermal mediator, absorbing heat from the melting ice and transferring it to the drinking vessel through conduction, while also providing convective cooling. This intermediary water layer prevents direct condensation on the drinking vessel by providing a controlled thermal environment.
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 efficient temperature control of various drinking vessels, reduces condensation, and allows users to enjoy their drinks in their preferred vessels without bulkiness or interference, while providing modularity and versatility in use.
Implementation Method 1
A system comprising a receptacle and stand that allows for temperature control by transferring thermal energy between the receptacle and the drinking vessel
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems for regulating a temperature of a drink, the system comprising: a receptacle system defining a recess for receiving a drinking vessel, including: an outer receptacle (1404), and an inner receptacle (1406) that is removably couplable to the outer receptacle, wherein a cavity is defined between the outer receptacle and the inner receptacle, the receptacle system comprising a top end portion, a bottom end portion, an inner wall portion, and an outer wall portion, the top end portion defines a top opening of the recess.