Methods and systems for controlling and maintaining the temperature of a drink within a drinking vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink temperature maintenance systems fail to efficiently control and maintain the temperature of beverages in variously shaped drinking vessels, often requiring bulky containers that obstruct viewing and offer limited temperature control flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a receptacle with a multivessel contour and interchangeable stands that can be heated or cooled, allowing for efficient thermal energy transfer with different-shaped drinking vessels, while minimizing condensation and enabling fine-tuning of drink temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a bulky insulated container is used to maintain drink temperature, then temperature control is improved, but the ability to view the drink and aesthetic experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the temperature control function into two separate components: a reusable insulated container and disposable cold packs. This segmentation allows the container to remain transparent for viewing while the cooling function is provided by removable packs, resolving the contradiction between temperature control and viewing clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling mechanism where cold packs are placed inside the container rather than using the container walls themselves for cooling. This intermediary approach allows the container to remain transparent and aesthetically pleasing while still providing effective temperature control through the internal cold packs.
2Temperature
If a specialized insulated vessel is used, then temperature maintenance is improved, but adaptability to different vessel shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal temperature control solution that can accommodate various drinking vessel shapes and sizes. The reusable container is designed with a flexible opening and adjustable internal components that adapt to different vessel geometries, while the disposable cold packs can be customized to fit any container type, achieving both temperature maintenance and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic adaptability where the container opening can be adjusted and the cold packs can be positioned or shaped to match different vessel configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same system to effectively maintain temperature across various drinking vessel types without requiring specialized equipment for each shape.
3Temperature
If existing temperature control devices are used, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity and space requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable cold packs as the cooling mechanism, which simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex reusable cooling systems. These simple, single-use packs are placed inside the container and provide effective temperature control without requiring maintenance, cleaning, or complex mechanical components, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the cooling function from the main container structure and places it in separate removable cold packs. This extraction simplifies the container design to focus on its primary function of holding and displaying the drink, while the cooling capability is provided by independent, easily replaceable packs, reducing overall system 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
The system effectively maintains drink temperature for extended periods, allowing users to enjoy beverages at desired temperatures without compromising the aesthetic experience or vessel quality, while saving space in cooling or heating environments.
Implementation Method 1
The cooled or warmed receptacle, by holding and contacting the drinking vessel, transfers thermal energy to, or receives thermal energy from, the drinking vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling and maintaining the temperature of a drink are discussed. A system may include a receptacle defining a recess for receiving a drinking vessel. The system may have a stand for holding the receptacle upright. The stand may be releasably attached to the receptacle. The receptacle may include a top end portion, a bottom end portion, an inner wall portion, and an outer wall portion. The top end portion may define a top opening of the recess. A system may include a first receptacle defining a first recess for receiving a drinking vessel. The system may include a second receptacle for receiving a drinking vessel, wherein the second receptacle defines a second recess. The system may include a first stand operable to releasably attach to the first receptacle and the second receptacle. Also disclosed are methods for controlling and maintaining the temperature of a drink.