Reversible Compressor Stroller Seat Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baby strollers do not provide adequate temperature control, leaving infants exposed to harmful extreme environmental conditions due to their still-developing immune systems.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled stroller equipped with a heating/cooling system comprising a reversible compressor, coils, and refrigerant, along with a fan, which can switch between cooling and heating configurations to maintain a comfortable temperature for the child, controlled manually or via a smartphone app using Bluetooth technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional stroller design is used, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the baby is exposed to harmful extreme environmental conditions without temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The stroller is divided into functional zones: a temperature-controlled seat compartment with heating/cooling elements, a separate refrigerated storage compartment for bottles and formula, and a standard frame structure. This segmentation allows temperature control functionality to be added without completely redesigning the entire stroller system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element and cooling element share the same physical space and control system, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions (heating, cooling, or idle) based on environmental conditions and user needs, rather than requiring separate heating and cooling systems.
2Temperature
If heating and cooling systems are added to the stroller, then temperature control capability is improved, but the weight of the stroller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element and cooling element are merged into a single integrated thermal control system that occupies the same physical space. The system uses a single controller, power management circuitry, and sensor suite to manage both heating and cooling operations, reducing overall system weight compared to having separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts thermal parameters (heating power, cooling power, fan speed) based on real-time temperature sensor feedback and environmental conditions, optimizing energy consumption and minimizing the operational impact of the added weight by only activating thermal control when needed.
3Device complexity
If a single heating and cooling element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both heating and cooling functions must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The single thermal element's operational characteristics are dynamically controlled through a microcontroller that adjusts power delivery, fan operation, and element activation based on temperature sensor feedback and environmental conditions. The system can switch between heating mode, cooling mode, or idle state, providing adaptability without requiring multiple static elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system utilizes phase transition of refrigerant (liquid to gas and back) to absorb and release heat, enabling the single heating/cooling element to provide both heating and cooling functions through controlled thermal cycles rather than requiring separate heating and cooling components.
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 stroller effectively regulates the seat temperature, providing comfort to the child by efficiently heating or cooling the seating area, thus protecting the infant from extreme environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant in an at least a partial gas form compressed by the compressor causing a phase change of the refrigerant to an at least partial liquid form
Implementation Method 2
the at least partial liquid refrigerant circulated through the first coil whereby heat is dissipated from the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
the at least partial liquid refrigerant circulated through the single heating and cooling element whereby heat is absorbed by the refrigerant causing the seat to be cooled while the refrigerant changes phases
Implementation Method 4
a first fan proximate the single heating and cooling element. The fan produces an airflow to promote the single heating and cooling element in absorbing heat
Implementation Method 5
the fan produces airflow to dissipate heat from the single heating and cooling element
Data Source
AI summary
A stroller having a frame, a seat on the frame for receiving a child and a heating/cooling system operably coupled to the seat. The heating/cooling system includes a single heating and cooling element proximate the seat. A reversible compressor is operably coupled to the single heating and cooling element. A first coil operably coupled to the compressor. A reversible expansion valve is operably coupled to the first coil. The reversible expansion valve is operably coupled to the single heating and cooling element. A refrigerant circulates through the single heating and cooling element, reversible compressor, first coil and reversible expansion valve. The heating/cooling system provides a first operating configuration for cooling the seat by having the refrigerant within the single heating and cooling element absorb heat, and a second operating configuration for heating the seat by having the refrigerant within the single heating and cooling element dissipate heat.