Self-heating or self-cooling system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-heating or self-cooling containers are complex, costly to manufacture, and prone to leakage, necessitating a simpler and more reliable system for instant temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A self-heating or self-cooling system comprising an outer and inner container with a piercing member that mixes exothermic or endothermic substances upon activation, featuring a detent and divot mechanism for secure sealing and a snap-lock fitting to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mixing systems are used in self-heating or self-cooling containers, then the reactants can be mixed effectively, but the manufacturing cost increases and leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate compartments (inner container with reactants and outer container with water) that remain isolated until activation. This segmentation prevents premature mixing and leakage while keeping the mixing mechanism simple - merely bringing the compartments together through user action activates the reaction without complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing function is extracted from a complex mechanical system and reduced to a simple geometric arrangement where the inner container's position relative to the outer container enables mixing. The piercing member is a simple protrusion that ruptures the seal when the inner container is inserted, eliminating the need for complex valves, pumps, or mixing mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If complex mixing systems are used in self-heating or self-cooling containers, then the reactants can be mixed effectively, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate compartments (inner container with reactants and outer container with water) that remain isolated until activation. This segmentation prevents premature mixing and leakage while keeping the mixing mechanism simple - merely bringing the compartments together through user action activates the reaction without complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing function is extracted from a complex mechanical system and reduced to a simple geometric arrangement where the inner container's position relative to the outer container enables mixing. The piercing member is a simple protrusion that ruptures the seal when the inner container is inserted, eliminating the need for complex valves, pumps, or mixing mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple container designs are used, then manufacturing is easier and cost is reduced, but leak prevention capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inner container is nested within the outer container, with the inner container holding the reactants and the outer container holding the water. This nested arrangement provides inherent leak prevention because the inner container is completely enclosed within the outer container, and the piercing member creates a controlled mixing interface that prevents unintended leakage while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Reliability
If no movement locking system is implemented, then the container structure is simpler, but leakage and accidental activation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing member is pre-positioned on the inner container, and the seal is pre-configured in the outer container. When the user inserts the inner container into the outer container, the piercing member automatically contacts and ruptures the seal at the predetermined location, enabling mixing without requiring the user to locate or operate additional locking mechanisms. The geometry itself provides the locking and activation function.
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 provides instant heating or cooling with reduced manufacturing complexity and enhanced leak prevention, allowing for easy use and reuse with refillable reactants.
Implementation Method 1
The piercing member can be configured to rupture the sealed wrapper when the inner container is pushed a predetermined distance in the outer container so that the first substance or fluid and the second substance or fluid mix to form a mixture that is exothermic or endothermic
Implementation Method 2
The piercing member can be configured to rupture the sealed wrapper when the inner container is pushed a predetermined distance in the outer container so that the first substance or fluid and the second substance or fluid mix to form a mixture that is exothermic or endothermic
Data Source
AI summary
A self-heating or self-cooling system and method for providing instant cooling or heating to a product or a surrounding area. The system can include an outer container that is configured to slidably receive an inner container. A piercing member extends from a bottom wall of the outer container and is configured to pierce, break or rupture a sealed end of the inner container so that at least two separate liquids can mix to either create an exothermic reaction that produces heat or an endothermic that absorbs heat or has a cooling effect. The inner and outer containers can be lock in a closed position when the inner container is pushed into the outer container. A sealing arrangement is configured between an interior surface of the outer container and an exterior surface of the inner container to prevent leakage of fluid from the interior chamber of the outer container.