Portable Cooler Container with Active Heating and Cooling Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of actively heated or cooled dishware and drinkware technologies that can maintain food or liquid at desired temperatures during use, relying on passive heat transfer mechanisms which are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Development of actively heated or cooled containers with integrated heating or cooling systems, including heating elements, power storage, wireless power reception, and control circuitry that can sense parameters and adjust heating or cooling based on user input or environmental conditions, ensuring the contents remain at a selected temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If passive heating or cooling mechanisms are used in dishware, then the structure remains simple, but the temperature control precision and duration are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating elements that can be controlled separately, allowing precise temperature control of different zones within the dishware while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static passive heating to dynamic active heating with real-time temperature sensing and adjustable power delivery, enabling precise temperature control through feedback mechanisms while managing complexity through microcontroller-based control
2Temperature
If active heating systems are added to dishware, then temperature control precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (heating, cooling, temperature sensing, wireless communication, and power management) are merged into an integrated system module that can be embedded within the dishware, extending temperature control duration while containing system complexity through consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both heating and cooling operations, as well as serving as a temperature reference sensor, thereby extending temperature maintenance duration while justifying the added complexity through multiple uses
3Temperature
If heating elements and control systems are integrated into dishware, then temperature control precision improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is designed as separable modules that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the final dishware product, improving temperature control precision while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular production
Solution Approach 2:
The control electronics and heating elements are nested within the dishware structure in a space-efficient manner, allowing precise temperature control while simplifying manufacturing by integrating components into existing mold cavities or assembly steps
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 allows for precise temperature control of food and beverages, maintaining them at desired temperatures for extended periods, enhancing convenience and food safety.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source
Implementation Method 2
one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body
Implementation Method 3
the body having a vacuum insulated chamber configured to reduce the rate in which heat energy exits the mug or travel mug
Data Source
AI summary
An actively heated or cooled food container can have a lid movable between an open and a closed position and an insulated body to which the lid can be attached. The insulated body can have a sidewall that defines a perimeter of the container body and a base, the sidewall and base defining one or more chambers that can be sealed by the lid. The food container can have a temperature control system that can include one or more heating or cooling elements in thermal communication with one or both of the sidewall and the base and operable to heat or cool one or both of the sidewall and the base to thereby heat or cool the one or more chambers in the food container.