Portable cooler container with active temperature control
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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 maintain liquid temperatures within a user-selected range, using sensors to adjust power delivery and operation based on parameters like liquid level and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If passive heating or cooling mechanisms are used, then the structure remains simple, but the temperature control efficiency and duration are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive thermal mechanisms with an active electronic heating system comprising heating elements, control circuitry, and power management components. This substitution enables precise temperature control through electrical heating rather than relying on passive heat transfer properties of ceramic materials alone
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system incorporates sensors that automatically detect temperature and liquid level, with control circuitry that autonomously adjusts heating element operation based on sensed parameters. This self-regulating mechanism maintains desired temperatures without continuous user intervention
2Temperature
If active heating elements are added, then temperature control is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors and control circuitry that continuously monitor the liquid temperature and adjust heating element operation accordingly. The system reduces or stops heating when the desired temperature is reached, preventing excessive energy consumption while maintaining temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system applies heating energy selectively and proportionally to the actual temperature control needs rather than continuous full-power operation. The control circuitry modulates heating element activation to provide only the necessary energy input to maintain desired temperatures
3Adaptability or versatility
If heating system components are integrated, then functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single coordinated system: heating elements provide thermal control, sensors perform both temperature and liquid level detection, and control circuitry manages both power delivery and operational logic. This multi-functional integration enhances versatility while consolidating components rather than adding separate systems
4Measurement precision
If sensors and control circuitry are added, then temperature precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors and control circuitry within the existing container structure, nesting electronic components within the container walls or base. This nesting approach incorporates sensing and control functionality without requiring separate external components, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing increases in manufacturing 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
Enables efficient and controlled temperature maintenance of liquids in containers, ensuring they remain at desired temperatures for extended periods, enhancing user convenience and food/drinks' quality.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heating elements configured to heat one or more surfaces of the receiving portion of the body
Implementation Method 2
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.