Portable Beverage Cooling Device Using Compressed Gas Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard koozies are ineffective in maintaining beverages at a cool temperature for an extended period due to their limited insulating qualities.
Innovation Solution
A portable cooling device, 'FreeZee', featuring a cylindrical or helical coil arrangement within an insulating material, where compressed gas from a cylinder is used to create a cooling effect, combined with an outer insulating sleeve and an auxiliary tank for recharging, allowing for sustained cooling of beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a standard fabric or foam sleeve is used for insulation, then the device is simple and portable, but the cooling effectiveness and duration are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compressed gas cylinder connected to a coil system. When activated, the compressed gas flows through the coil, creating a cooling effect that significantly enhances temperature maintenance compared to passive insulation alone. This pneumatic system transforms the device from simple insulation to an active cooling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed gas undergoes phase transition or pressure-driven expansion as it moves from the high-pressure cylinder through the coil system. This phase change or expansion process absorbs heat, creating the cooling effect needed to maintain beverage temperature over extended periods.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a compressed gas cylinder system is added to enhance cooling, then the cooling duration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the compressed gas cylinder, coil system, and insulation layers in a nested configuration. The cylinder is positioned within or adjacent to the insulating sleeve, and the coil system is embedded within the insulation structure. This nesting minimizes overall device volume and complexity while maximizing cooling duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: an insulating sleeve for passive thermal management, a compressed gas cylinder for active cooling, and a coil system for heat exchange. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to extend cooling duration.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If an insulating sleeve is used to maintain temperature, then portability is preserved, but the sustainable cool level over time is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed gas is pre-stored in the cylinder at high pressure, ready to be deployed when needed. This preliminary preparation of the cooling agent ensures that when the device is activated, immediate and sustained cooling effect is achieved, overcoming the limitations of passive insulation alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous cooling action through the compressed gas flowing through the coil system. Unlike passive insulation that gradually loses effectiveness, the active cooling system can maintain sustained cooling over extended periods as long as compressed gas remains in the cylinder, ensuring continuous useful action.
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 device effectively maintains a cool state for bottles or cans inserted inside the coil construction, providing a revolutionary hydration solution by ensuring beverages remain cold for longer periods.
Implementation Method 1
a coil arrangement into which a compressed gas is forced from a cylinder... This coil arrangement provides a cooling effect
Implementation Method 2
said coil being formed in a cylindrical form and enclosed within an insulating material... in combination with an outer insulating sleeve, this arrangement is highly effective in maintaining a cool state
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling or freezing device which includes a helical coil into which a compressed gas is forced; a cylindrical chamber that is disposed adjacent to the helical coil; and an insulating sleeve. The coil is formed in a cylindrical form and enclosed within the insulating sleeve, while the insulating sleeve is constructed and arranged for receiving a bottle or can for cooling. A compressed gas cylinder is disposed within the cylindrical chamber; and an actuation member is coupled with the cylindrical chamber and constructed and arranged to selectively expel the compressed gas from the compressed gas cylinder to the helical coil.