Wireless Beverage Temperature Regulation Using RF Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for maintaining food and beverages at desired temperatures require constant electric power or controlled flames, making them inconvenient and inefficient for extended use.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transmission system using 'pocket-forming' to generate controlled RF waves that converge in 3D space, allowing a receiver to power a heating or cooling component in cups or plates, maintaining desired temperatures without a constant power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat source is applied to keep food or beverages hot, then the temperature is maintained, but the device requires constant electric power or controlled flame which makes it inconvenient and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical heating systems (electric coils, flames) with a wireless electromagnetic energy transmission system. The transmitter sends RF energy through air to the receiver embedded in the cup, which converts it to heat. This eliminates the need for physical power outlets or flame control, making the system more convenient and portable while maintaining temperature control capability.
2Loss of energy
If insulating elements are used to limit heat loss, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device cannot keep food or beverages hot for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by providing uninterrupted wireless power transmission to the heating element. Unlike passive insulation that merely delays heat loss, this system continuously supplies energy to actively maintain temperature, ensuring extended duration of hot food or beverage without degradation over time.
3Reliability
If a constant electric power source is used, then temperature control is reliable, but the device complexity increases due to need for power outlets and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power connection interface from the heating device itself and relocates it to a separate transmitter unit. The receiver in the cup contains only the energy harvesting and conversion components, eliminating plugs, outlets, and wiring from the portable device. This separation maintains reliable power delivery while dramatically simplifying the end-use device.
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 convenient and efficient temperature regulation of beverages and food by using wireless power transmission to maintain desired temperatures for extended periods without the need for constant power or flames.
Implementation Method 1
The heating component may receive electrical energy from a transmitter through a wireless receiver
Implementation Method 2
a heating component that may induce heat into beverages
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides various methods, apparatus, and systems for wireless regulation of temperature of contents of a receptacle. The apparatus includes a receiver coupled to the receptacle, which receives pockets of energy generated in response to radio frequency waves. These radio frequency waves can be emitted by a pocket-forming transmitter in response to communication from the receptacle. The receiver coupled to the receptacle then provides electrical energy to a temperature regulating component associated with it. This temperature regulating component is configured to alter temperature of contents of the receptacle to desired temperature. Also disclosed is a cup containing liquids, such as beverages, which may be controllably heated to, or maintained at, a desired temperature using wireless power transmission.