Thermoelectric Transit Case Cooling for Airtight Equipment Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transit cases struggle to maintain desired air temperatures, particularly in managing heat buildup during transportation and outdoor use, as they are airtight and traditional compressor-based air conditioners are bulky, maintenance-intensive, and not suitable for portable applications.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a lightweight and compact thermoelectric air conditioner within or on the transit case, which provides reliable, maintenance-free cooling and heating capabilities without the need for compressors, refrigerants, or filters, while maintaining the case's airtight and protective properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional compressor-based air conditioners are installed in the transit case, then cooling capability is improved, but device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressor-based refrigeration system with a thermoelectric cooling system that uses electrical current to generate cooling effect through the Peltier effect. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while achieving the same cooling function, directly resolving the contradiction between cooling capability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the cooling system by transitioning from mechanical compression to electrical-driven thermoelectric effect. This parameter change enables a compact, lightweight design that maintains effective cooling performance without the weight penalty of traditional compressors.
2Temperature
If traditional compressor-based air conditioners are used, then cooling performance is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical systems (compressors, condensers, expansion valves, refrigerant lines) by using solid-state thermoelectric modules. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity and removes maintenance requirements associated with mechanical moving parts and refrigerant management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes all unnecessary mechanical components and maintenance-intensive elements from the cooling system. By keeping only the essential thermoelectric modules and electrical controls, the system achieves cooling performance with minimal complexity and zero maintenance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the transit case is made airtight for protection, then protection against contaminants is improved, but heat buildup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat removal function from the protective airtight structure by adding an independent thermoelectric cooling system. This allows the case to maintain its airtight protective sealing while the cooling system actively manages internal temperature, resolving the contradiction between protection and heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric cooling system acts as an intermediary between the airtight case interior and exterior thermal environment. It enables the case to maintain both airtight protection and controlled temperature by actively pumping heat from the interior to the exterior through the thermoelectric modules.
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 thermoelectric air conditioner effectively cools the internal environment below ambient temperature, ensuring the safety of sensitive equipment and maintaining the case's portability, durability, and protective features.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric air conditioner is mounted on or in a transit case for cooling the contents (typically sensitive equipment or systems) within the transit case
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for cooling the contents within a portable case, such as a transit case, using a thermoelectric air conditioner. Thermoelectric air conditioners are used with, and mounted on or in, a transit case for maintaining a desired air temperature within the transit case. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric air conditioner can be incorporated, concealed within the housing and/or cover of the transit case. In this embodiment, the thermoelectric air conditioner is protected by the design of the case, the mounting arrangement, the shock-mounted frame, etc. Alternatively, the thermoelectric air conditioner is mounted partially internal and partially external to the transit case. In another embodiment, the thermoelectric air conditioner is mounted external to the transit case.