Temperature controlled container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature-controlled containers with thermoelectric elements face challenges in maintaining uniform temperature distribution, particularly when the size of the coolant-filled compartment is larger than the heat transfer element, leading to prolonged heat or cool air transfer times and significant temperature variations within the storage space.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a thermoelectric element with a first heat transfer body that includes a heat transfer case wider than the thermoelectric element, filled with a phase change material, and a second heat transfer body with fins for enhanced heat exchange, along with a circulation fan system to manage air flow and promote uniform temperature adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the drinking water accommodation box (coolant container) is made larger to increase storage capacity, then the storage volume is improved, but the heat transfer time is prolonged and temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large coolant container into multiple smaller coolant containers arranged in parallel. This segmentation allows heat or cool air to reach multiple containers simultaneously, reducing the overall heat transfer time while maintaining the total coolant storage volume needed for extended temperature maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a horizontal air circulation path using a fan that blows air from the rear surface toward the front surface, creating multi-directional heat transfer. This dimensional change in air flow pattern enables simultaneous cooling of multiple coolant containers arranged in the horizontal direction, reducing heat transfer time without compromising storage capacity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the coolant container size is increased to maintain temperature longer, then the duration of temperature control is improved, but temperature uniformity within the storage space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the coolant storage into multiple separate containers distributed throughout the storage space, the patent ensures more uniform temperature distribution. Each smaller container can be optimally positioned to serve different regions, maintaining temperature consistency across the entire storage volume while providing sufficient total coolant volume for extended temperature maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fan as an intermediary device that actively circulates air between the coolant containers and the storage space. This mediator enhances heat transfer efficiency and distributes temperature more uniformly across the storage volume, preventing temperature stratification that would occur with a single large coolant container.
3Area of stationary object
If a single large heat transfer element is used to cover the storage space, then the area of heat transfer is improved, but the device complexity and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a single large heat transfer element with multiple smaller heat transfer elements (coolant containers) distributed throughout the storage space. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual component, making them easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain, while collectively providing sufficient heat transfer area through their distributed arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies heat transfer elements locally at specific positions within the storage space rather than using one large element. Each coolant container is strategically placed to address specific thermal needs of different regions, optimizing heat transfer efficiency while keeping individual component sizes manageable and structurally 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
This configuration allows for rapid and uniform heating or cooling of the storage space, minimizing temperature scattering and supporting the heat transfer body to prevent damage, while ensuring efficient heat transfer in both vertical and horizontal directions, thus maintaining desired temperatures effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material accommodated in the enclosed space
Implementation Method 2
a phase change material accommodated in the enclosed space
Implementation Method 3
a thermoelectric element
Implementation Method 4
a second heat transfer body with fins for enhanced heat exchange
Implementation Method 5
along with a circulation fan system to manage air flow and promote uniform temperature adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature controlled container includes a case which has a storage space formed therein; a thermoelectric element; a heat transfer body in communication with the thermoelectric element and facing the storage space. The heat transfer body includes a heat transfer case which has an enclosed space formed therein and is wider than the thermoelectric element, and includes a portion facing the thermoelectric element; a phase change material which is accommodated in the enclosed space; and a heat transfer body which is disposed in the heat transfer case so as to be positioned in the enclosed space. The heat transfer body has a first body portion which is in communication with the portion of the heat transfer case facing the thermoelectric element and a second body portion, and the first body portion in communication with the second body portion.