Portable Beverage Temperature Regulator With Vacuum Insulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional beverage containers are poorly insulated, leading to rapid temperature changes when exposed to different ambient conditions, resulting in less enjoyable consumption and potential waste, with existing solutions like insulated sleeves and thermoses being ineffective or impractical.

Innovation Solution

A portable temperature regulator with a vacuum-sealed insulating medium, thermoelectric heat transfer devices, and a resilient member to secure containers of varying sizes, coupled with a controller and sensors to actively maintain desired temperatures using renewable energy sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If passive insulation devices (insulated sleeves, thermoses) are used, then portability is improved, but temperature regulation effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidtemperature regulation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive mechanical insulation with active electronic temperature control using Peltier devices. The system uses electronic sensors and controllers to actively regulate temperature, substituting the passive thermal insulation mechanism with an active thermoelectric cooling/heating system that can dynamically respond to temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the insulation system by using vacuum insulation technology. The vacuum-sealed chamber eliminates gas molecules that conduct heat, dramatically reducing thermal conductivity compared to conventional foam or air-filled insulation, thereby achieving both portability and effective temperature regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If active temperature control devices (microwaves, refrigerators) are used, then temperature regulation effectiveness is improved, but portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature regulation effectivenessVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the temperature control function into a compact, portable unit that can be carried and used anywhere. Instead of relying on large stationary refrigeration systems, the invention divides the cooling/heating function into a self-contained device with integrated power supply, control electronics, and thermoelectric elements that can be easily transported.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical compression system of traditional refrigerators with solid-state Peltier devices. This substitution eliminates moving parts, reduces size and weight dramatically, while maintaining active temperature control capability, making the system portable yet effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If conventional beverage containers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of container designVSAvoidtemperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite construction combining vacuum-sealed insulation layers with active thermoelectric cooling elements and control electronics. The outer shell provides structural protection while the vacuum layer provides thermal isolation, and the Peltier devices provide active temperature control, creating a composite system that maintains temperature stability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates temperature sensors and control circuits that continuously monitor the beverage temperature and adjust the Peltier device operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism automatically compensates for temperature changes, maintaining stable temperatures without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 maintains the temperature of beverages and other materials within a desired range, ensuring consistent quality and reducing waste by actively regulating temperature through efficient heat transfer and energy management.

Implementation Method 1

an insulating medium disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the insulating medium is a vacuum-sealed chamber having air substantially removed therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum insulation: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

a heat transfer device having a radially inward-facing surface coupled to the inner wall, and a radially outward-facing surface, the heat transfer device being configured to transfer heat from the inner wall to the radially-outward facing surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9581384B1Portable temperature regulation devices using heat transfer devices

Publication Date: 2017.02.28 MAGNI POWER CO

AI summary

A temperature regulator may include a housing extending longitudinally from a first, open end to a second, closed end. The housing may include an outer wall, an inner wall disposed radially inward from the outer wall, and an insulating medium disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein the insulating medium is a vacuum-sealed chamber having air substantially removed therefrom.