Portable-smart refrigerator methods and systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable refrigerators lack effective components to maintain specified temperature ranges, particularly for medicines and testing instruments, and there is a need for improved thermo-electric cooler pump designs.
Innovation Solution
A portable-smart refrigerator system that includes a PCM chamber assembly with a cooling-coil assembly and a thermo-electric cooler pump comprising a liquid pump with an integrated chiller and heater, designed to maintain precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable refrigerator is designed with basic cooling components, then portability is achieved, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chiller and heater into a single integrated thermo-electric pump unit. This merging allows the system to achieve precise temperature control in both cooling and heating directions while maintaining portability, as the integrated design eliminates the need for separate cooling and heating systems that would increase complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermo-electric pump serves multiple functions: it acts as both a chiller and a heater, and also functions as a liquid pump. This multi-functionality enables precise temperature control across a wide range while keeping the system compact and portable, resolving the contradiction between portability and temperature control precision.
2Device complexity
If conventional cooling systems are used, then simple design is maintained, but temperature range control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control by using a programmable microprocessor that can adjust the thermo-electric pump operation in real-time. The system can dynamically switch between cooling and heating modes, adjust temperature setpoints, and modify pump runtime based on actual temperature sensor feedback, enabling precise control across extended temperature ranges while maintaining relatively simple hardware design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the duty cycle, pump runtime, and temperature setpoints through software control. This allows the same hardware to achieve multiple temperature ranges and control modes without physical reconfiguration, maintaining design simplicity while enhancing temperature range control capability.
3Device complexity
If basic monitoring features are implemented, then system simplicity is maintained, but temperature tracking reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the storage compartment temperature, and the microprocessor adjusts the thermo-electric pump operation based on the difference between actual and target temperature. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable temperature tracking and maintenance within specified ranges, while the simplicity of the sensor-processor-actuator loop keeps the system relatively simple.
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 system effectively maintains specified temperature ranges, ensuring the stability of medicines and testing instruments, and improves the efficiency of thermo-electric cooler pump components.
Implementation Method 1
A portable-smart refrigerator includes... a thermo-electric cooler pump comprising a liquid pump with an integrated chiller and an integrated heater
Implementation Method 2
The phase change material (PCM) chamber assembly that holds the cooling coil
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a portable-smart refrigerator includes a PCM chamber assembly. The portable-smart refrigerator includes a cooling-coil assembly comprising a feeding tube, a top elbow, a bottom tube, a cooling coil. The top elbow is installed between two lengths of tubing/pipe to enable a change of direction and couples the feeding tube with the cooling coil. The cooling coil is coupled with the bottom tube. The phase change material (PCM) chamber assembly that holds the cooling coil. The PCM chamber is placed within an outer cylinder. A bottom portion of the PCM chamber assembly is coupled with the grill assembly. A thermo-electric cooler pump comprising a liquid pump with an integrated chiller and an integrated heater.