Thermoelectric Cup Display for Recharge-Free Message Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercially available thermally insulated cups with LCD displays require continuous energy supply and frequent recharging, cannot display short messages, and are not hygienically integrated with the cup, making them difficult to handle and clean.

Innovation Solution

A container with a self-powered display using a thermoelectric generator based on the Seebeck effect, which harnesses temperature differences between the inside and outside to generate electrical energy for an electronic paper display, eliminating the need for internal energy storage and allowing for wireless data updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If an LCD display device with internal energy storage is used, then the display can operate independently, but the device requires frequent recharging and cannot operate continuously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay operation durationVSAvoidrecharging frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The thermoelectric generator enables the display device to generate its own operating energy from the temperature difference between the hot beverage in the container and the ambient environment, eliminating the need for external recharging and enabling continuous operation as long as the temperature gradient exists

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical recharging system with a thermoelectric energy conversion system that automatically converts thermal energy from the beverage into electrical energy to power the display, eliminating the need for USB connections and battery recharging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If a detachable LCD display device is used, then the display can be removed for cleaning, but the container becomes difficult to handle and the display is not seamlessly integrated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidcontainer handleability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is integrated into the container structure itself, forming a unified seamless unit that improves handleability while maintaining cleaning accessibility through the overall container design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a wired USB interface is used for data transfer, then images can be transferred to internal memory, but the device requires physical connection and cannot receive wireless messages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidconnection requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is equipped with both wired USB interface and wireless communication capabilities (such as NFC or Bluetooth), enabling it to perform multiple data transfer functions and receive various types of information including short messages, emails, and images through different communication protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If an LCD display requires continuous power supply, then the display can remain active, but the energy storage must be frequently recharged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The thermoelectric generator continuously converts thermal energy from the hot beverage into electrical energy to power the display, enabling continuous operation without depleting an internal energy storage device that would require recharging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 continuous operation and data updates without external power, integrates the display seamlessly with the container, and facilitates easy cleaning by eliminating the need for external charging and USB connections.

Implementation Method 1

A thermoelectric generator that converts thermal energy into electrical energy based on the Seebeck effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2409615B1Container with display

Publication Date: 2015.06.24 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

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AI summary

Container (100) with a thermoelectric generator (110) which is designed to generate electrical energy dependent on the temperature difference when there is a temperature difference between the container inside (106) and the container outside (108) and a display which is located on the container inside (106) and the container outside (108) is applied and is designed to be powered by the energy of the thermoelectric generator (110).