Temperature Controlled Rotating Barrel with Thermoelectric Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotating apparatuses, such as tumblers, are limited by temperature control issues, leading to uneven marination and spoilage, as they either overheat or require manual shaking, which is inconvenient and prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled rotating apparatus with a thermoelectric heat pump that maintains temperature stability and continuous mixing, allowing for extended use without refrigeration, ensuring even marination and preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional tumblers are used for extended periods, then the contents can be processed longer, but the contents heat up and spoil due to lack of temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotating mixing function with temperature control functionality into a single integrated tumbler system. The thermoelectric heat pump is incorporated directly into the tumbler structure, allowing simultaneous mixing and temperature regulation during extended operation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the tumbler by introducing active heating and cooling capabilities through the thermoelectric heat pump. This allows the tumbler to maintain optimal temperature parameters during extended use, preventing both overheating and spoilage.
2Temperature
If the tumbler is made large enough to fit in a refrigerator, then refrigeration is possible, but the contents remain stationary and marination becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the refrigeration function with continuous mixing operation. The tumbler can be placed in a refrigerator while the drive motor continues to rotate the barrel, combining temperature control with mixing action without requiring removal or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically continuing to mix contents during refrigeration without requiring manual shaking or removal from the refrigerator. The drive motor maintains rotation independently, ensuring continuous marination while cooled.
3Ease of operation
If manual shaking is used to mix contents during refrigeration, then even marination can be achieved, but it requires physical effort and is prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The tumbler system performs self-mixing through its integrated drive motor that continues to rotate the barrel automatically during refrigeration. This eliminates the need for manual shaking while ensuring consistent mixing action without human intervention or error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous mixing action is maintained throughout the entire refrigeration period. The drive motor operates continuously without interruption, providing uninterrupted marination while the contents are cooled, rather than stopping and requiring manual restart.
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 apparatus effectively maintains temperature control and continuous mixing, preventing spoilage and ensuring even marination, reducing the need for manual intervention and accommodating extended use without refrigeration.
Implementation Method 1
The barrel comprises a thermoelectric heat pump attached thereto and being controllable for at least one of transferring heat out of the interior volume and transferring heat into the interior volume
Implementation Method 2
The barrel comprises a heating element attached thereto and being energizable to transfer heat into the interior volume
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided which comprises a barrel having a substantially cylindrical configuration. The barrel comprises an exterior surface and defines an interior volume. A base unit comprises a drive motor being configured to rotate the barrel by interfacing with the exterior surface of the barrel. The barrel comprises a thermoelectric heat pump attached thereto and being controllable for at least one of transferring heat out of the interior volume and transferring heat into the interior volume.