Enhanced Heat Exchanging Liquid Container System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved heat exchanging liquid container system that minimizes thermal bridging, enhances thermal energy exchange, and provides enhanced safety features and maintenance capabilities.
Background and Problem Solved
The original heat exchanging liquid container system had limitations in thermal insulation and energy efficiency due to thermal bridging between the phase change material (PCM) module and the main body. This new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a thermal bridge reduction feature, improving thermal energy exchange, and incorporating safety mechanisms to prevent thermal runaway.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced heat exchanging liquid container system consists of a main body, a PCM module with a thermal bridge reduction feature, and a PCM disposed within the PCM module. The thermal bridge reduction feature reduces thermal bridging between the PCM module and the main body, thereby improving thermal insulation and energy efficiency. Additionally, the system includes a thermal runaway protection mechanism to ensure safe operation. The PCM module is structured to be removable and replaceable, allowing for easy maintenance and upgrade of the system. This design enables the system to consistently dispense a liquid at a desired temperature, while minimizing energy consumption and ensuring safe operation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's thermal bridge reduction feature and thermal runaway protection mechanism provide a non-obvious solution to the original patent's limitations, offering a significant improvement in thermal insulation, energy efficiency, and safety.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the design of the thermal bridge reduction feature, incorporating different types of PCMs, or integrating additional safety mechanisms. Variations could also include adapting the system for use with different types of liquids or in various applications, such as medical or industrial settings.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced heat exchanging liquid container system has significant commercial potential in the beverage industry, particularly for companies focused on temperature-controlled beverage dispensing. The system's improved thermal insulation, energy efficiency, and safety features make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to reduce energy costs and enhance customer experience.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47J41/0044 |
| A | A47 | A47G19/2288 |
| A | A47 | A47J41/0011 |
| C | C09 | C09K5/066 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Thermal insulation and heat exchange systems for liquid containers, focusing on phase change materials (PCM) and thermal management technologies. Expertise requires understanding of thermal engineering, materials science, and container design principles
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A thermal engineering professional with a bachelor's or master's degree, experienced in heat transfer mechanisms, phase change material applications, and thermal container design. Familiar with thermal bridging concepts, material selection, and heat exchange optimization techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the PTD's variations as straightforward extensions of the source patent's core thermal management approach. The thermal bridge reduction and runaway protection mechanisms represent predictable engineering solutions to known thermal performance limitations. These modifications demonstrate standard problem-solving techniques within thermal container design that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking incremental improvements in heat exchange systems.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,112 |
|---|---|
| Title | Heat exchanging liquid container |
| Assignee(s) | The Curators of the University of Missouri |