Portable Cooler With PCM and Thermoelectric Temperature Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable coolers are inadequate for maintaining temperature-sensitive products like vaccines, insulin, and organ transplants due to ice melting and potential leakage, leading to product spoilage and environmental issues from single-use containers.
Innovation Solution
A portable cooler with a vacuum-insulated double wall chamber, phase change materials, and an active temperature control system using thermoelectric elements, along with a cooling fan and sensors for temperature monitoring, and a user interface for address changes and shipping notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice is used to cool the chamber, then the temperature is reduced, but the ice melts and soaks the products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary phase change material layer between the cooling source and the products. This PCM layer absorbs the cooling effect and releases it gradually, preventing direct contact between ice/meltwater and products while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase change materials that transition between solid and liquid states at specific temperatures. The PCM absorbs heat during melting phase change, maintaining a stable temperature environment without direct water contact with products.
2Reliability
If a single-use container is used, then the cooling function is provided, but the container ends up in landfills after single use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a reusable container system where the cooling function is separated from the container structure. The phase change materials can be recovered and reused, while the container itself is designed for multiple uses, eliminating the single-use disposal problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed as a universal, reusable system that can serve multiple cooling cycles. The separation of the container structure from the consumable cooling elements allows the container to be reused while only the PCM needs periodic replacement or recharging.
3Length of moving object
If existing coolers are used for long distance transport, then the products are transported, but the temperature cannot be maintained and products spoil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-cools the phase change materials before transport, storing cold energy in advance. This preliminary cooling action allows the PCM to maintain the temperature environment throughout the entire transport journey without requiring active cooling during transit.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change materials provide continuous passive cooling throughout the transport journey. The PCM continuously absorbs heat as it undergoes phase change, maintaining stable temperatures without interruption or active intervention during long-distance transport.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If vacuum-insulated double wall chamber is used, then temperature is maintained for prolonged period, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vacuum insulation, which combines the vacuum barrier with the container wall structure. This composite approach provides superior thermal insulation without adding significant structural complexity, as the vacuum layer integrates with the existing chamber design.
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
Maintains desired temperatures for extended periods, prevents product spoilage, and allows for reusable containers, reducing environmental impact by eliminating single-use plastics and ensuring efficient transportation of perishable goods.
Implementation Method 1
The cooler can optionally have a vacuum-insulated double wall chamber
Implementation Method 2
The cooler can optionally have a vacuum-insulated double wall chamber
Implementation Method 3
the phase change material in thermal communication (e.g., thermal contact) with the perishable contents
Implementation Method 4
The container comprises a temperature control system comprising one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A portable cooler container is provided. The temperature control system cools a chamber of the container to transport temperature sensitive contents via the container. An electronic display screen on one of the lid and the container body selectively displays an electronic shipping label for the portable cooler container.