Phase Change Material Beverage Jacket for Precise Thermal Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for thermally regulating and dispensing beverages, such as using ice baths and jockey boxes, are inefficient and impractical, especially in outdoor settings, as they require frequent ice replacement, are heavy and expensive, and cannot maintain precise temperatures beyond 32°F.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a jacket with an interior temperature control layer made of phase change materials (PCMs) and an exterior fabric layer, which can thermally regulate beverage containers to maintain temperatures between 33°F and 200°F, eliminating the need for ice and allowing for precise temperature control of both hot and cold beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice is used in traditional beverage cooling systems, then beverages can be cooled to 32°F, but the system becomes heavy, expensive, and requires frequent ice replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the cooling medium by using phase change materials with different phase transition temperatures than ice. The PCM composition is adjusted to achieve desired temperature ranges (e.g., 34-38°F for beer), and the phase transition enthalpy is optimized to extend cooling duration without requiring heavy ice quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system uses composite phase change materials comprising multiple components (e.g., salt hydrates mixed with non-aqueous solvents, or multiple PCM layers with different transition temperatures). These composite PCMs provide both cooling capability and extended service time while maintaining manageable weight, eliminating the need for heavy ice baths.
2Temperature
If large amounts of ice are used in beverage cooling, then beverages can be kept cold, but the system becomes expensive and generates environmental problems from melting ice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of carefully selected PCMs that occur at or near the desired beverage serving temperature. As the PCM transitions from solid to liquid phase, it absorbs latent heat efficiently, providing sustained cooling without the excessive melting and water generation associated with ice. The phase change process is designed to occur gradually over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs reusable PCM cartridges or jackets that can be recharged by simply replacing the solidified PCM material, which is inexpensive and non-perishable. This eliminates the continuous consumption and disposal issues of ice, as the PCM can be reused indefinitely after brief re-freezing or recharging cycles.
3Temperature
If ice is used for beverage cooling, then beverages can be cooled, but the system cannot maintain temperatures other than 32°F
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies the composition and phase transition temperature of PCMs to match different beverage serving requirements. By selecting or formulating PCMs with specific transition temperatures (e.g., 34-38°F for beer, lower for iced tea, higher for hot beverages), the system achieves versatile temperature control across multiple beverage types without being constrained to ice's fixed 32°F melting point.
4Temperature
If traditional ice-based cooling systems are used, then beverages can be cooled, but frequent ice replacement is required during long service times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs PCM systems where the phase transition process occurs gradually over extended periods. By utilizing PCMs with high phase transition enthalpy values and optimizing the contact surface area between PCM and beverage container, the system provides sustained cooling throughout long service periods without requiring intermediate ice replacement, unlike traditional ice baths that deplete quickly.
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 solution enables the efficient and precise thermal regulation of beverages, allowing for extended service times without ice, reducing environmental impact, and maintaining desired temperatures for up to 12 hours, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Implementation Method 1
The interior temperature control layer comprises a first phase change material (PCM) having a first phase transition temperature corresponding to a desired service temperature of a beverage contained in the beverage container
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for thermally regulating and dispensing beverages are described herein. More particularly, in one aspect, jackets for thermally regulating a beverage container are described. Such a jacket can comprise an interior temperature control layer defining an interior space for receiving the beverage container, and an exterior fabric layer disposed over the interior temperature control layer. The interior temperature control layer comprises a first phase change material (PCM) having a first phase transition temperature corresponding to a desired service temperature of a beverage contained in the beverage container.