Thermoelectric Temperature Control Valve for Compact Cold Drip Brewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cold drip coffee techniques require the production and melting of ice cubes, leading to unnecessary power losses and a less flavorful coffee due to temperature fluctuations, and the large size of coffee pots makes them inconvenient to move.

Innovation Solution

A temperature control valve with a metal valve assembly and a thermoelectric chip unit that can heat or cool the fluid, integrated with a compact design to prevent heat exchange with the outside, allowing for precise temperature adjustment and reduced volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If ice cubes are produced and melted to extract coffee, then cold drip coffee can be prepared, but power is wasted and temperature of the ice water rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of ice waterVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of ice cube production and melting with a thermoelectric cooling system. The thermoelectric chip unit directly cools the metal valve assembly to produce cold water on demand, eliminating the need for ice cubes and the energy wasted in producing and melting them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the water directly using the thermoelectric effect. By applying voltage to the thermoelectric chip unit, the temperature of the metal valve assembly is controlled to produce cold water at the desired temperature, rather than relying on ice melting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If ice cubes are used for extraction, then cold drip coffee can be prepared, but the volume of the coffee pot becomes great and inconvenient to move

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature of extraction waterVSAvoidvolume of coffee pot

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the ice storage function from the system entirely. Instead of including a large compartment for storing ice cubes, the design uses a compact thermoelectric cooling system that produces cold water on demand, significantly reducing the required volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the bulk storage approach (ice cubes in a large pot) with a compact thermoelectric cooling system integrated into the valve assembly, enabling temperature control without requiring large volume for ice storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the metal valve assembly is exposed, then it can be operated easily, but it exchanges heat with outside and wastes energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operating the valveVSAvoidheat exchange with outside

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the system. The metal valve assembly is covered with an insulating material at the portions that contact the external environment, while leaving the operating end exposed. This maintains ease of operation while preventing unwanted heat exchange with the outside.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an insulating material as an intermediary between the metal valve assembly and the external environment. This insulating layer acts as a thermal barrier, preventing heat exchange with the outside while allowing the valve to be operated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 valve efficiently maintains desired temperatures, enhancing coffee flavor and convenience by eliminating the need for ice cubes and reducing the device's size, making it easier to handle and use.

Implementation Method 1

the thermoelectric chip unit can heat or cool the metal valve assembly and adjust a temperature of a fluid flowing into the metal valve assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

the temperature control valve has a main body which partly covers the metal valve assembly therein to prevent the metal valve assembly which serves as a heat-conducting body from exchanging heat with outside and wasting energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS9951884B2Temperature control valve

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 HUO JHIH CO LTD

AI summary

A temperature control valve includes a main body, a metal valve assembly and a thermoelectric chip unit. The main body has a first inlet and a first outlet. The metal valve assembly is movably disposed in the main body and includes inlet and outlet ends, the metal valve assembly has a closed end engaged with the main body and an operating end operable from outside of the main body to operate the metal valve assembly, and the operating end is operated to control the first inlet, the first outlet, the inlet end and the outlet end to communicate or non-communicate with one another. The thermoelectric chip unit has a first end abutting against the closed end and a second end and is disposed on the main body, one of the first and second ends is a cold end, and the other is a hot end.