Temperature regulating apparatus and methods of using same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices are not easily transportable and cannot effectively lower the ambient temperature within containers like thermally insulated coolers without altering their form, fit, or function.
Innovation Solution
A portable temperature regulating apparatus comprising a housing with a gas, such as carbon dioxide, that can alter ambient temperature, dispensed through openings in the housing. This apparatus is designed to be removably positioned within containers, such as thermally insulated coolers, without being operatively connected to them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cooling device is integrated into a container, then cooling function is improved, but portability and ease of removal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is designed as a separate, removable module that can be independently placed into or removed from the container. The housing contains all cooling components (gas canister, fan, vent) as a self-contained unit, allowing the cooling function to be segmented from the container structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling apparatus is extracted as a standalone component rather than being permanently integrated into the container. Users can remove the entire housing unit from the container without disassembling or altering the container structure, maintaining both cooling capability and portability.
2Temperature
If a cooling device is added to a container, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cooling components (gas canister, fan, vent, housing) are merged into a single integrated apparatus that functions as one complete cooling unit. This consolidation simplifies the overall system while achieving effective temperature control through the coordinated action of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it contains the cooling gas canister, houses the fan motor, provides structural support, and incorporates the vent opening. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining effective temperature control.
3Temperature
If cooling gas is dispensed continuously, then cooling effect is improved, but gas consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operates periodically rather than continuously, creating pulses of cooled air that are distributed throughout the container. This periodic operation maintains effective cooling while significantly reducing gas consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling gas remains contained under pressure in the canister, maintaining its cooling potential continuously. The useful action is activated periodically through fan operation, ensuring the gas is utilized efficiently only when needed rather than being continuously consumed.
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 provides a portable and easily removable cooling device that can effectively lower the ambient temperature within containers, maintaining the original form, fit, and function of the container, and can be used to keep items cool for extended periods without the need for ice.
Implementation Method 1
a gas contained in the housing that can alter the ambient temperature, such as carbon dioxide. The temperature regulating apparatus dispenses the gas through at least one opening formed in the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature regulating apparatus can comprise a housing, an intake fan, an outlet fan, and one or more canisters containing a pressurized cooling gas, such as carbon dioxide, freon, nitrogen, difluoroethane, trifluoroethane, or tetrafluoroethane, positioned within the housing. The inlet fan draws warm air from outside of the housing into the housing through vent openings formed in the housing. Cooling gas is released from the canisters when a temperature sensing device detects the ambient temperature is above a predetermined desired temperature, and the outlet fan blows cooled air out of the housing through the vent openings, whereby the ambient temperature outside of the housing can be cooled to the predetermined desired temperature.