Thermoelectric Beverage Holder Assembly for Built-In Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage cooling and heating systems for mobile and recreational applications face challenges in providing active temperature control without access to HVAC vents, as they are typically not located in countertops or other mounting substrates.
Innovation Solution
A beverage heating and cooling assembly with a thermoelectric engine and push-and-twist locking mechanism, integrated into a mounting substrate, utilizing a collar and beverage retainer assembly with fasteners to secure the assembly beneath the substrate, allowing for both heating and cooling functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an active heating or cooling system is integrated into the beverage assembly, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both heating and cooling functions into a single thermoelectric engine assembly. The thermoelectric module can operate in reverse to provide either heating or cooling, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems. This merging approach maintains temperature control capability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric engine changes its operational parameters (current direction) to switch between heating and cooling modes. By reversing the electrical current flow through the thermoelectric module, the system can dynamically adjust its thermal function without requiring separate hardware systems for each mode.
2Temperature
If a thermoelectric engine assembly is installed beneath the mounting substrate, then active thermal control is achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage assembly is divided into distinct modular components: the collar assembly, the beverage retainer assembly, and the thermoelectric engine assembly. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently, then installed together as a complete unit beneath the mounting substrate. This segmentation simplifies the installation process by allowing pre-assembly and quality control of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar assembly serves as an intermediary component that connects the beverage retainer assembly to the thermoelectric engine assembly and provides the interface with the mounting substrate. This intermediate structure simplifies installation by providing a unified mounting interface and alignment features that facilitate precise positioning of the entire assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fasteners extend through the housing to engage the mounting substrate, then installation stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar assembly performs multiple functions: it provides structural support, serves as a mounting interface for the fasteners, provides alignment features for the beverage container, and acts as a seal between components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining installation stability while minimizing overall device complexity.
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
Enables effective temperature control of beverages by integrating an active thermal system within the mounting substrate, providing a clean and stable installation that maintains beverages at desired temperatures, suitable for various environments including RVs and marine crafts.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric engine assembly which is positioned within or adjacent to the housing and beneath the mounting substrate
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a beverage heating and cooling assembly is provided which includes a collar and beverage retainer assembly for connection to retain the assembly below a mounting substrate. The beverage retainer assembly may include a housing with an active heating or cooling system, such as a thermoelectric engine, which is positioned within or adjacent to the housing and beneath the mounting substrate or similar planar structure. The assembly allows for a clean installation of an active thermal system for beverages in order to keep the beverages cold or warm as desired.