Thermal Energy Exchange Systems for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of heat exchanging liquid containers to address temperature control challenges in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cryogenic preservation, perishable food products, sensitive electronic components, and electronic devices.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's heat exchanging liquid container system was primarily designed for beverage temperature control. However, this limited application scope overlooked the vast potential of the technology in other industries where precise temperature control is crucial. The inventive concept addresses this limitation by applying the core technology to new, high-impact applications.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a thermally insulated container and a phase change material module structured to maintain a consistent temperature in various applications. In pharmaceutical delivery, the system ensures consistent temperatures during transportation, preserving the efficacy of temperature-sensitive medications. In cryogenic preservation, the system maintains biological samples at extremely low temperatures, enabling reliable long-term storage. For perishable food products, the system provides a refrigerated environment during shipping, reducing spoilage and ensuring food safety. In sensitive electronic component storage, the system maintains a consistent temperature, protecting components from thermal stress. Finally, the system can be used to cool electronic devices during operation, enhancing their performance and longevity.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of the original patent's heat exchanging liquid container technology to diverse industries, addressing specific temperature control challenges in each field. The inventive step is the recognition of the core technology's broader applicability and its adaptation to new use cases.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modifying the phase change material composition, adjusting the container's thermal insulation properties, or incorporating additional temperature control mechanisms. Variations could involve integrating the system with existing logistics infrastructure, developing compact, portable versions for specific industries, or creating hybrid systems combining the heat exchanging liquid container with other temperature control technologies.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food processing, electronics, and logistics. The market demand for reliable, efficient temperature control solutions is substantial, and the inventive concept is well-positioned to capitalize on this demand.
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 engineering and container design, specifically focused on temperature-controlled containment systems for liquid and solid materials across multiple industries including pharmaceuticals, food preservation, and electronics cooling
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A thermal engineering professional with expertise in phase change materials, heat transfer mechanisms, container design, and thermal insulation technologies, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering or materials science
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core heat exchange technology disclosed in the source patent represents a fundamental thermal management approach that can be readily adapted across diverse industrial applications by modifying material compositions, thermal parameters, and container geometries. The fundamental principles of phase change material thermal regulation are universally applicable, making the PTD's industry-specific variations predictable extensions of the original patent's core technological concept. The systematic approach of using a phase change material module within a thermally insulated container represents a generalizable solution to temperature control challenges.
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 |