Portable air cooler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic equipment often experiences heat-related issues and premature damage when used in high-temperature environments, as they are designed to operate in ambient temperatures not exceeding 90° F, leading to precautionary shut downs or reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A portable air cooler system that uses phase change materials like ice or dry ice to cool air, which is then directed through a baffle and fans to exhaust cooled air for intake by heat-emitting devices, preventing water entrainment and providing a means to drain excess water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ambient air is used to cool electronic devices in high-temperature environments, then the cooling effectiveness deteriorates when ambient temperature exceeds 90° F, but using phase change materials adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials (ice, dry ice) that undergo phase transitions from solid to liquid or gas, absorbing substantial heat in the process. This phase change mechanism enables the system to cool air to temperatures substantially below ambient temperature, effectively resolving the cooling effectiveness issue in high-temperature environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable container with phase change materials as an intermediary cooling system between the ambient environment and the electronic device. This intermediary system pre-cools the air before it reaches the device, preventing direct exposure to hot ambient air while maintaining device operation.
2Temperature
If phase change materials are used to cool air, then air temperature is reduced substantially below ambient temperature, but water may entrain with cooled air and damage equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a baffle structure that separates the cooled air stream from the melt water in the container. This extraction mechanism removes water droplets from the cooled air before it is directed to the electronic device, preventing water damage while maintaining the cooling effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into separate functional zones: a cooling zone where phase change occurs, a separation zone with baffles that segment the air-water mixture, and an exhaust zone where only cooled air exits. This segmentation prevents water entrainment while preserving cooling effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a portable container with phase change materials is used, then cooling portability is achieved, but the container requires structures to prevent direct air flow from intake to exhaust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the portable container structure: the container walls serve as both the cooling chamber boundaries and the ducting structure that prevents direct air flow. The baffle is integrated within the container to simultaneously separate air from water and direct airflow properly, reducing overall structural 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
Effectively cools electronic devices in extreme temperatures, extending their service life and preventing damage by supplying cooler air, while also being portable and adaptable for use in various climates and emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
Phase changes of materials such as melting of ice, evaporation of water, or sublimation of dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) may be used effectively to cool air to temperatures substantially below ambient temperature
Implementation Method 2
providing a container or chamber for containing materials undergoing phase changes as they lower the temperature and enthalpy of air being conditioned
Implementation Method 3
Sidewalls of the chest include air intake vents and a baffle which forces intake air to pass by or through the chilled articles so that the air is cooled by heat exchange
Data Source
AI summary
A portable air cooler is fashioned as a storage chest for ice cubes, dry ice, or other pre-chilled articles such as reusable freezable blocks. Sidewalls of the chest include air intakes, and a baffle forces intake air to pass by or through the chilled articles to that the air is cooled by heat exchange. Fans in the chest lid exhaust the cooled air, which may be used to cool waste heat from a heat-producing device lain atop the chest. The lid also includes stand-offs to allow airflow under the device being cooled, and guardrails help maintain the device in position over the fans providing cooling air and prevent the device from being casually knocked off the top of the lid of the chest.