Compact temperature control unit and associated components, assembly, and methods

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning systems consume large amounts of energy, are complex, and use potent greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming and climate change, while they often fail to provide heating efficiently, leading to the use of fossil fuels for space heating.

Innovation Solution

A compact temperature control unit utilizing thermoelectric cooling elements, heat exchangers, and fans to manage temperature in both conditioned and unconditioned spaces, with a power supply that adjusts polarity and power levels to optimize heat transfer, allowing for both heating and cooling without refrigerants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional vapor compression cycle with refrigerants is used, then cooling function is provided, but energy consumption is high and greenhouse gases are emitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compression system with thermoelectric cooling elements that use electrical current directly to create temperature differences through the Peltier effect, eliminating the need for compressors, refrigerants, and associated mechanical moving parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using electric current and polarity reversal instead of mechanical compression and phase change of refrigerants, allowing the same device to provide both cooling and heating functions by simply changing the direction of current flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If conventional vapor compression cycle with refrigerants is used, then cooling function is provided, but the system is complex and requires special handling for repairs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compression system with thermoelectric cooling elements that use electrical current directly to create temperature differences through the Peltier effect, eliminating the need for compressors, refrigerants, and associated mechanical moving parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the temperature control unit universal by enabling it to perform both cooling and heating functions through the same thermoelectric elements, simply by reversing the polarity of the applied electrical current, thereby eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If conventional air conditioners are used, then cooling is provided, but heating function is not typically provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling functionVSAvoidheating capability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the temperature control unit universal by enabling it to perform both cooling and heating functions through the same thermoelectric elements, simply by reversing the polarity of the applied electrical current, thereby eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution reduces energy consumption, eliminates the use of greenhouse gases, and provides efficient heating and cooling, addressing the inefficiencies and environmental impacts of conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

one or more thermoelectric cooling elements coupled to a conditioned space heat exchanger and an unconditioned space heat exchanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

the thermoelectric cooling element operatively coupled to a conditioned space heat exchanger through a first heat pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat pipe: Heat Pipe

Implementation Method 3

one or more conditioned air fans configured to move air from a conditioned space over the conditioned space heat exchanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20230105915A1Compact temperature control unit and associated components, assembly, and methods

Publication Date: 2023.04.06 BOOTBOX LABS INC

AI summary

A temperature control unit may include one or more thermoelectric cooling elements coupled to a conditioned space heat exchanger and an unconditioned space heat exchanger. The unit may further include one or more conditioned air fans configured to move air from a conditioned space over the conditioned space heat exchanger. The unit may also include one or more unconditioned air fans configured to move air from an unconditioned space over the unconditioned space heat exchanger. The unit may further include a power supply configured to change a polarity and level of power to the one or more thermoelectric cooling elements.