Portable cooler container with active temperature control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of actively heated or cooled dishwasher safe dishware and drinkware that can maintain the temperature of contents during use, relying on passive heat transfer mechanisms which are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The development of actively heated or cooled mugs and containers equipped with heating or cooling systems, including heating elements, power storage, wireless power reception, control circuitry, and sensors that can maintain the temperature of liquids based on user settings or environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If passive heating or cooling mechanisms are used (relying on heat transfer properties of ceramic material), then the dishware can be dishwasher safe and structurally simple, but the temperature maintenance capability is insufficient and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive thermal conduction mechanisms with an active electronic heating system. A heating element (electrical component) is embedded in the dishware base, controlled by a circuit board that receives power wirelessly via an antenna. This substitution of mechanical/thermal passive systems with electrical active systems enables precise temperature control while maintaining dishwasher safety through proper sealing and component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The dishware incorporates self-heating capability through integrated power storage elements (battery) and control circuitry. The system can autonomously maintain temperature without external intervention, with sensors detecting temperature conditions and the control board automatically adjusting heating element operation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external heating devices or constant user attention.
2Measurement precision
If actively heated or cooled systems are added to dishware, then temperature control precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into distinct functional modules: power reception antenna, power storage battery, control circuit board, heating element, and temperature sensors. This modular segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the final dishware product. The control board acts as a central hub coordinating these segments, enabling precise temperature control while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through standardized sub-components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it manages power distribution from the battery to the heating element, reads temperature data from sensors, processes user input from buttons or displays, and controls the heating intensity. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing by consolidating control logic into a single universal controller rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If heating elements and control systems are integrated into dishware, then temperature maintenance duration is extended, but the weight and volume of the container increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs variable power output from the heating element based on real-time temperature feedback. The control board adjusts the heating intensity dynamically - using high power when rapid heating is needed and low power for maintenance - rather than operating at constant maximum capacity. This parameter change approach extends temperature maintenance duration by optimizing energy utilization, thereby reducing the required battery capacity and overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously: the control board periodically checks temperature sensor data, compares it to the target temperature, and activates or deactivates the heating element accordingly. This on-demand periodic operation extends the duration of temperature maintenance by preventing energy waste during periods when heating is not needed, thus reducing the total energy capacity required and the associated weight.
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
These systems allow for precise temperature control of liquids, maintaining them at desired settings for extended periods, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
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 mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container is provided. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can include a body that receives a liquid therein and a heating or cooling system at least partially disposed in the body. The heating or cooling system can include one or more heating or cooling elements that heat a surface of the receiving portion of the body and one or more energy storage devices. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can include a wireless power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a power source and control circuitry configured to charge one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container also can have one or more sensors that sense a parameter of the liquid or sense a parameter of the heating or cooling system and communicates the sensed information to the control circuitry. The control circuitry can turn on, turn off, and/or operate the heating or cooling element to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the body to maintain the liquid in a heated or cooled state generally at a user selected temperature setting based at least in part on the sensed parameter information. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can also be paired with a remote device or mobile electronic device to send or receive communications or commands.