Tempered container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-controlled containers, such as refrigerators and freezers, face inefficiencies in heat dissipation and distribution due to the reliance on single thermoelectric elements, which limits effective temperature control and increases energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple thermoelectric elements strategically arranged on different surfaces of the container, coupled with passive metal heat exchangers and a full vacuum thermal insulation system, enhances heat transfer and distribution, allowing for targeted temperature control and reduced energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single thermoelectric element is used for temperature control, then the device structure is simple, but the heat dissipation and temperature distribution efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single thermoelectric element into multiple smaller elements arranged at different positions within the container. This segmentation allows each element to efficiently dissipate heat to nearby surfaces, improving overall heat dissipation efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places thermoelectric elements at specific locations where they can optimally transfer heat to adjacent container surfaces. Each element's position is optimized for its local heat dissipation needs, creating non-uniform but efficient heat distribution throughout the container
2Loss of energy
If multiple thermoelectric elements are used for temperature control, then the temperature control efficiency and heat distribution improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the container walls serve dual functions: as structural boundaries and as heat exchanger surfaces. The walls directly receive heat from thermoelectric elements and distribute it throughout the container, eliminating the need for separate heat dissipation structures and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the thermoelectric elements with the container structure itself, integrating the temperature control function into the existing container design rather than adding separate cooling systems. This merging approach improves temperature control efficiency while minimizing increases in device complexity
3Loss of energy
If thermoelectric elements are arranged on different main surfaces, then the waste heat distribution to the outer skin improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heat dissipation function across multiple container surfaces by placing thermoelectric elements at different locations. This segmentation of heat dissipation pathways improves waste heat distribution efficiency while using the existing container structure, avoiding the need for complex integrated manufacturing
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 improves temperature control efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and enables the creation of different temperature zones within the container, optimizing both cooling and heating capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the use of a Peltier element is known
Implementation Method 2
If the thermal insulation is improved, the need for cooling capacity is reduced
Implementation Method 3
each of the thermoelectric elements is thermally conductively connected to a passively operating primary heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a temperature-controlled container (10) comprising a cooled or heated inner chamber (100) and a thermoelectric element (20), particularly a Peltier element (20), arranged such that said inner chamber (100) is cooled or heated by means of the thermoelectric element (20). In order to control the temperature of the inner chamber (100), a plurality of thermoelectric elements (20) are provided which are arranged to be spaced apart from one another.