Nested Thermoelectric Heating Assemblies for Portable Extreme Temperatures

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigeration systems face limitations due to their dependence on vapor compressor cooling, which restricts temperature differential, requires moving parts prone to wear and noise, are bulky and difficult to transport, and struggle to interface with renewable energy sources, lacking fault-tolerant and portable solutions.

Innovation Solution

A nested thermal regulation system utilizing thermoelectric devices with multiple cooling or heating assemblies, each with thermally conductive layers and embedded thermoelectric modules, allowing for ultracold or extreme heat generation without moving parts, and powered by alternative energy sources, enabling easy portability and fault-tolerant operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If vapor compressor cooling is used, then cooling capability is provided, but the system becomes bulky and difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compressor system with thermoelectric modules that use electrical current to generate cooling effects through the Peltier effect, eliminating moving parts and significantly reducing system weight and size while maintaining cooling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nested cooling assemblies where smaller cooling units are placed inside larger ones, allowing multiple cooling zones to be achieved in a compact configuration that reduces overall system size and improves portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Temperature

If vapor compressor cooling is used, then cooling capability is provided, but moving parts are subject to wear and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidwear and breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compressor system with thermoelectric modules that use electrical current to generate cooling effects through the Peltier effect, eliminating moving parts and significantly reducing system weight and size while maintaining cooling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermoelectric modules are solid-state devices with no moving parts that require no maintenance, self-lubrication, or replacement, inherently providing wear-free and breakage-free operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If vapor compressor cooling is used, then cooling capability is provided, but noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compressor system with thermoelectric modules that use electrical current to generate cooling effects through the Peltier effect, eliminating moving parts and significantly reducing system weight and size while maintaining cooling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Temperature

If nested cooling assemblies are used, then ultracold temperatures are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveultracold temperatureVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nested cooling assemblies where smaller cooling units are placed inside larger ones, allowing multiple cooling zones to be achieved in a compact configuration that reduces overall system size and improves portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the cooling system into multiple independent thermoelectric modules that can be individually controlled and combined in nested configurations, allowing flexible temperature zones while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 achieves efficient ultracold or extreme temperature control, is lightweight, and can be powered by renewable energy, addressing the limitations of traditional refrigeration systems by providing a portable, fault-tolerant, and efficient thermal regulation solution.

Implementation Method 1

a second heating apparatus including at least one thermoelectric module embedded in the second housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a first thermal conductive layer forming a first cavity inside the first housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The thermally conductive layers may include a thermally conductive material and, optionally, a phase change material embedded in the thermally conductive material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 4

thermoelectric devices have been used since the 1900s to heat, cool, and generate power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240167737A1Nested heating system

Publication Date: 2024.05.23 SHEETAK INC

AI summary

The present disclosure is related to nested heating systems. The heating system uses nested thermoelectric heating assemblies, and hot temperatures can be increased by adding intermediate nested heating assemblies. Intermediate and/or inner assemblies may be removed from the outer assembly to allow for easy transport.