Stackable Case with Peltier Cooling for Portable Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stackable cases are limited in their ability to store items beyond electric power tools and their accessories, lacking versatility in maintaining the temperature of diverse objects such as beverages and food.
Innovation Solution
A stackable, linkable case with integrated heat insulation material and a Peltier element for temperature control, allowing the storage and maintenance of objects in a cool or warm state, and utilizing rechargeable battery packs as a power source for the Peltier element, enabling portable cooling or heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stackable case is designed to store only electric power tools and accessories, then the case structure can be simple and focused, but the versatility and applicability of the case is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The case is designed with multi-functionality to store both electric power tools and temperature-sensitive items. The case body includes both a tool storage compartment and a refrigerated compartment, allowing it to serve multiple purposes: storing power tools, beverages, food, and other temperature-sensitive items. This universal design resolves the contradiction by enabling the case to adapt to different storage needs without requiring multiple separate cases.
2Temperature
If heat insulation material is added to the case to maintain temperature, then the ability to store temperature-sensitive items is improved, but the case weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The case is segmented into distinct functional zones: a tool storage compartment and a refrigerated compartment. The heat insulation material and Peltier element are concentrated in the refrigerated compartment rather than the entire case. This segmentation allows temperature maintenance capability to be added only where needed, minimizing the overall weight increase while still providing the desired functionality for storing beverages and food.
3Temperature
If a Peltier element is integrated into the case for active cooling, then the temperature control capability is significantly improved, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Peltier element is integrated as an intermediary cooling device between the refrigerated compartment and the case exterior. It works in conjunction with the heat insulation material to actively pump heat from the refrigerated compartment to the exterior, enabling effective cooling without requiring a complex mechanical refrigeration system. This intermediary approach provides active cooling capability while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the lid heat insulation material is fixed between outer and inner panels, then the heat insulation effect is maintained over time, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat insulation material is pre-positioned and fixed between the outer and inner panels of the lid during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures that the heat insulation material remains in the correct position and maintains optimal contact with both panels, preventing displacement during assembly and use. By performing this fixation in advance during manufacturing rather than during final assembly, the patent achieves durable heat insulation while managing manufacturing complexity.
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 solution enhances the versatility of stackable cases by allowing the storage and maintenance of various objects at desired temperatures, improving convenience and portability, especially in scenarios where traditional power sources are unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
The stackable, linkable case includes a heat insulation material
Implementation Method 2
A stackable, linkable case with integrated heat insulation material and a Peltier element for temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable case includes a cooling and/or heating device, such as a Peltier element, so that the stackable case can be used as a cooler and/or warmer for storing beverages, food, etc. A power source device, in which a plurality of battery packs is housed, supplies power to the Peltier element and one or more fans. The power supply device has latches for detachably joining or linking it to the stackable case in a stacked manner.