Temperature-controlled cup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature-controlled cups suffer from low heat transfer efficiency and uneven temperature distribution due to ice cubes settling at the bottom, leading to inefficient cooling or heating of beverages.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled cup design featuring an outer container, an inner container, and removably positioned medium holders with storage spaces containing temperature-regulating medium, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and uniformity of temperature distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice cubes are placed directly in the gap between inner and outer containers for cooling, then cooling function is achieved, but heat transfer efficiency is low and temperature distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling medium into segmented ice blocks with irregular shapes and sizes, rather than using a single large ice cube. This segmentation prevents the ice from settling at one location and improves both heat transfer efficiency and temperature distribution uniformity throughout the beverage.
2Ease of operation
If ice cubes are used for cooling, then cooling function is achieved, but ice cubes settle at the bottom causing concentrated temperature exchange at the cup base
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ice blocks with rounded or irregular curved shapes rather than flat-sided cubes. The curved geometry prevents the ice from settling stably at the bottom, keeping it suspended in the liquid and distributing cooling throughout the beverage while maintaining portability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional temperature-controlled cups are designed, then heating and cooling functions are achieved, but medium holders deform due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the medium holder by using silicone rubber, which has high temperature resistance and flexibility. This material can withstand temperature variations without deforming, maintaining the structural integrity and reliability of the holder while enabling both heating and cooling functions.
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 design improves heat transfer efficiency and uniformity of temperature distribution, extending the service life of the medium holders and allowing for portable temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional temperature-controlled cups achieve heating and cooling functions by directly placing ice cubes or hot water in the gap between the inner and outer containers
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a temperature-controlled cup, comprising: an outer container; an inner container, which is removably accommodated within the outer container; at least two medium holders, which are removably accommodated within the outer container and positioned between the outer container and the inner container, each medium holder is provided with a storage space, the at least two medium holders are stacked up and down; and temperature-regulating medium, accommodated within the storage space, each storage space containing the temperature-regulating medium.