SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for temperature control and, more particularly, to a system for solar-powered temperature control of consumer products and methods of using the same.

BACKGROUND

In certain environments, the ambient air, temperature, and/or elements of the environment may potentially jeopardize the integrity of consumer products. Such environments may therefore be a barrier to distribution of such consumer products.

The present disclosure is directed to addressing one or more challenges, such as those referenced above. The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art, or suggestions of the prior art, by inclusion in this section.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, a temperature control system may include a thermoelectric device. The temperature control system may also include one or more solar panels operatively connected to the thermoelectric device. The one or more solar panels may be operable to provide solar power to the thermoelectric device. The temperature control system may also include a controller operatively connected to the thermoelectric device. The temperature control system may also include a first insulating layer surrounding a receptacle and a second insulating layer including a plurality of channels. The second insulating layer may be disposed between the first insulating layer and the thermoelectric device. The controller may be operable to switch the thermoelectric device between an ON state and an OFF state based upon a threshold availability of the solar power. The thermoelectric device may be operable to receive forced air convection through the plurality of channels in the second insulating layer to maintain a temperature inside the receptacle when the thermoelectric device is in the ON state and may reduce air circulation within the receptacle to substantially maintain the temperature inside the receptacle when the thermoelectric device is in the OFF state.

In another aspect, a temperature control system may include a thermoelectric device. The temperature control system may also include one or more solar panels operatively connected to the thermoelectric device. The one or more solar panels may be operable to provide solar power to the thermoelectric device. The temperature control system may also include a controller operatively connected to the thermoelectric device. The controller may be operable to switch the thermoelectric device between an ON state and an OFF state based upon a threshold availability of the solar power. The temperature control system may also include a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer including a plurality of channels. The second insulating layer may be disposed between the first insulating layer and the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device may be operable to receive forced air convection through the plurality of channels in the second insulating layer to maintain a temperature within an area defined by the first insulating layer when the thermoelectric device is in the ON state and may reduce air circulation within the area to substantially maintain the temperature within the area when the thermoelectric device is in the OFF state.

In a further aspect, a temperature control system may include a thermoelectric device. The temperature control system may also include a first insulating layer. The temperature control system may also include a second insulating layer including a plurality of channels. The second insulating layer may be disposed between the first insulating layer and the thermoelectric device. The temperature control system may also include one or more solar panels operatively connected to the thermoelectric device. The one or more solar panels may be operable to provide solar power to the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device may be configured to switch between an ON state and an OFF state based upon a threshold availability of the solar power. The thermoelectric device may be operable to receive forced air convection through the plurality of channels in the second insulating layer to maintain a temperature within a receptacle surrounded by the first insulating layer when the thermoelectric device is in the ON state and may reduce air circulation within the receptacle to substantially maintain the temperature within the receptacle when the thermoelectric device is in the OFF state.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary temperature control system and internal components, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary temperature control system with solar panels, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the temperature control system, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an exterior of the temperature control system, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the exterior of the temperature control system with consumer products, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary method for temperature control of consumer products.

FIG. 7 illustrates an implementation of a computing system that may execute techniques presented herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for temperature control and, more particularly, to systems and methods for solar-powered temperature control.

Consumer products, such as confectionary products (e.g., chocolate products), other food products, other consumer products, and the like, may be particularly susceptible to environments with high temperatures. These high temperatures may therefore be a barrier to distribution or retail sale of such consumer products. Specifically, it may be important to substantially maintain certain consumer products and confectionaries at a temperature and/or environment that is at least below the melting point of such consumer products (e.g., to maintain chocolate at around 30 degrees Celsius). However, doing so may be particularly difficult in certain geographies, climates, markets, or circumstances. Similarly, other non-food consumer products or items may benefit from protection from more extreme climates or environments. Such consumer products or items may include cosmetic and/or skincare products, medications, bio material/tissue, and the like, as well as other foods and edible products, such as fruit, dairy, nuts, nutrition bars, pet foods, and the like. Therefore, providing a flexible, affordable, sustainable, and/or mobile innovation may be desirable.

In exemplary embodiments, and in such climates with warmer temperatures, it may be advantageous to transport, display, and/or store consumer products, such as food products, in a temperature controlled environment so that the consumer products do not melt, spoil, or become damaged. Currently, powered chillers or refrigerators having insulation and access doors guarded by thermal channels may be used. However, in some cases, the use of thermal channels in a temperature control device (e.g., a cooler) may be inefficient, such as when the thermal channels conduct heat to the inside of the temperature control device when the device is powered off (e.g., in an OFF state). In other examples, powered chillers may require electricity which may not always be available, and may not provide a desired level of sustainability and scalability. In addition, and in some cases, retailers/merchants may have little or no access to the grid power needed for such grid-powered coolers, or such access may be considered too costly. Additionally, a user (e.g., associated with the retailer/merchant) may be required to replenish a supply of water or other liquid in the temperature control device at constant intervals to keep the device working.

Therefore, the present systems and methods may provide for the maintaining of a desired temperature of an environment for consumer products using a temperature control system. In examples, the desired temperature may be a temperature, or range of temperatures, at which a given product retains its integrity (e.g., good condition). In an example of a chocolate confection, the desired temperature may be about 30 degrees Celsius. Further, solar-powered temperature control may be used to maximize the efficiency with which the temperature control system maintains the desired temperature when it may switch between ON and OFF states. In examples, such efficiency may be determined by how well the temperature control system maintains the desired temperature as described above. In various embodiments, the use of insulating layers may help to maintain the desired temperature and increase the efficiency of the system.

Although the temperature control systems and methods described herein may be described with respect to embodiments directed to edible products (e.g., food and consumer products), the present systems and method are further applicable to a variety of consumer and non-food products (e.g., any item to be kept at a predetermined temperature range or environment, such as cosmetics, biological organs and tissues, artifacts and items to be preserved, and the like).

In exemplary embodiments, and as described herein, a counter-top-sized temperature control system may operate by means of thermoelectric cooling powered primarily by solar energy. In such exemplary embodiments, when solar power may be unavailable (e g., during the night), one or more insulating layers may substantially maintain a temperature or environment within the system. As used herein, substantially maintaining a temperature or environment may refer to substantially maintaining the temperature or environment within the system to within a predetermined temperature range, predetermined humidity range, and the like. Additionally, grid power may be utilized if desired or available (such as, e.g., when solar power may not be available). And further, the temperature control system may therefore be operable to intelligently switch or operate between solar power and grid power, while prioritizing energy from the sun, using machine-learning and/or artificial intelligence models using captured data from sensors and the like.

Such a “smart system” (e.g., using machine-learning and/or artificial intelligence) may therefore switch the temperature control system (or components thereof) between ON and OFF states in real-time based upon a given availability of solar energy (e.g., a threshold value, such as 40 Watts or the like). In some implementations, the temperature control system also includes insulating layers operable to reduce air flow when the device is powered OFF, thereby maintaining a temperature within the system as much as possible when solar energy is less available. In examples, maintaining a temperature within the system may include maintaining the temperature within the system within, or with respect to, a target range of temperatures. In an example of edible confections, the target range of temperatures may include maintaining the temperature within the system at around 18-20 degrees Celsius below an ambient environment temperature (e.g., an environment outside the system or receptacle of the system), or the like. In one example, a maximum performance of the system may be achieved when maintaining the temperature within the system at 20 degrees Celsius below the ambient environment temperature.

The terminology used below may be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific examples of the present disclosure. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the features, as claimed.

In the detailed description herein, references to “embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one non-limiting embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment might not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

In general, terminology can be understood at least in part from usage in context. For example, terms such as “and”, “or”, or “and/or,” as used herein can include a variety of meanings that may depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or can be used to describe combinations of features, structures or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms such as “a,” “an,” or “the,” again, can be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term “based on” can be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and can, instead, allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, composition, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, composition, article, or apparatus. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.” As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context dictates otherwise. Relative terms such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately” refer to being nearly the same as a referenced number or value, and should be understood to encompass a variation of ±5% of a specified amount or value.

Certain non-limiting embodiments are described below with reference to block diagrams and operational illustrations of methods, processes, devices, and apparatus. It is understood that each block of the block diagrams or operational illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams or operational illustrations, can be implemented by means of analog or digital hardware and computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer to alter its function as detailed herein, a special purpose computer, ASIC, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams or operational block or blocks. In some alternate implementations, the functions/acts noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession can in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

Referring now to the appended drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary temperature control system 100 and internal components, according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, temperature control system 100 may include a housing 101 enclosing, or at least partially enclosing, components of the temperature control system 100. Temperature control system 100 may also include thermoelectric device 108. Thermoelectric device 108 may be operable to transfer heat from one side of the thermoelectric device 108 to a second side of the thermoelectric device 108, to create a temperature differential (e.g., the Peltier effect). In examples, thermoelectric device 108 may be a thermoelectric cooler (TEC). In such examples, as an electric current passes through thermoelectric device 108, a temperature difference may be created, causing a first side (e.g., a hot side) of thermoelectric device 108 to absorb heat, and a second side (e.g., a cool side) of thermoelectric device 108 to dissipate heat. This process may adjust (e.g., cool) or maintain a temperature of consumer products housed within temperature control system 100.

Temperature control system 100 may also include one or more solar panels 109 operable to collect solar energy/power to power thermoelectric device 108. As illustrated, the one or more solar panels 109 may be affixed to or otherwise located at a side of housing 101. In a particular embodiment, solar panels 109 may be located at a top side of housing 101 so as to collect the solar energy. In other embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 2, solar panels 204 may be located at any side of housing 202, or solar panels 204 may be a component separate from the temperature control system 200 operably connected to temperature control system 200. In various embodiments, the solar panels may be constructed of silicone or any other suitable material for collecting solar energy.

Referring again to FIG. 1, temperature control system 100 may also include a power connector operable to draw power from a grid power source (or other power source, such as a generator) to power thermoelectric device 108 to supplement the solar energy, or to power the thermoelectric device 108 in the absence of solar energy. In embodiments, the use of solar energy may be prioritized—e.g., when both solar and non-solar energy are available, the temperature control system 100 may use solar energy. In examples, the power connector may be a plug configured to receive and/or convert AC/DC power received from the grid power source.

Temperature control system 100 may also include a controller 111. One or more processors of the controller 111 may be configured to switch the thermoelectric device 108 between an ON state and an OFF state in real-time based upon a threshold availability of the solar energy. Further, air fans 114 operatively connected to thermoelectric device 108, may be switched on and off by the controller 111 based on the ON state and the OFF state of thermoelectric device 108. Temperature control system 100 may also include one or more sensors configured to capture data about an exterior or interior environment of temperature control system 100 (e.g., temperature, power from a grid power source, power from one or more solar panels, humidity, light, airflow, and the like). The captured sensor data may be processed by the one or more processors of the controller 111, or by a computing system in electronic communication with the controller 111, to affect the ON state and OFF state of thermoelectric device 108 and/or that of air fans 114.

Further, the controller 111 and/or computing system may track a maximum power point (MPP) of the one or more solar panels 109 in relation to a maximum working point (MWP) of thermoelectric device 108. In order to harness a maximum of the power that may be provided from the sun via solar panels 109, this “smart system,” as described above, may be used to cool thermoelectric device 108 to a lowest possible point whenever possible, and to store energy in phase change material (PCM) (e.g., a gel pack or the like) whenever available. Further, energy consumption by the temperature control system 100 may be reduced, and efficiency of running on a small solar panel (e.g., ˜40 W peak) may be increased, by using insulating layers, as further described.

Temperature control system 100 may include a receptacle 102 for holding consumer products, including products that benefit from temperature control, and the like. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a first insulating layer 104 may surround receptacle 102. First insulating layer 104 may comprise a volume of PCM (e.g., with a melting point of 15 or 21 degrees Celsius) or may comprise simple water-based or propylene glycol gel packs. In embodiments, insulating layers, such as those described herein, may comprise any material capable of insulating, such as wool, foam, fiberglass, cellulose, plastic, resin, gel, and the like. In examples, first insulating layer 104 may form or partially form a cavity, the cavity forming receptacle 102. Receptacle 102 may enclose or partially enclose an environment to be maintained by temperature control system 100. Receptacle 102 may be an interior cavity formed of components of temperature control system 100 (e.g., the housing or one or more insulating layers), or may be a vessel configured to fit inside temperature control system 100, housing 101, or insulating layers. In any configuration, receptacle 102 may be operable to hold a plurality of consumer products as described herein. In examples, receptacle 102 may be substantially rectangular, as illustrated in FIG. 1, although any shape that will hold consumer products is contemplated. In particular embodiments, receptacle 102 may comprise a non-porous material, thereby enabling receptacle 102 to be operable to prevent water and air from substantially penetrating receptacle 102 and affecting the integrity of the products held within. In an embodiment, receptacle 102 may comprise shock-tolerant injection-molded plastic.

Temperature control system 100 may also include second insulating layer 106. Second insulating layer 106 may be disposed between the first insulating layer 104 and thermoelectric device 108. Second insulating layer 106 may include a plurality of channels. In various embodiments, when thermoelectric device is in the ON state, the second insulating layer 106 may be penetrated by forced air convection through the channels. Air may be forced through the channels, or into a rotational air flow around the receptacle 102, by air fans 114. As the air is forced through the channels, the air may collect heat from surrounding insulation material (e.g., second insulating layer 106 and first insulating layer 104) and carry it away from the surrounding insulation material to cool surfaces of the insulation material. Further, the forced air convection may create turbulence, thereby increasing a rate at which heat exchange occurs between the forced air and walls of the channels. Still further, the forced air may create recirculation patterns within the channels, thereby enhancing the heat exchange. In various embodiments, the plurality of channels may reduce an overall thermal resistance of second insulating layer 106, allowing for more efficient heat dissipation from a surface of second insulating layer 106 to an ambient environment (e.g., receptacle 102). Additionally, forced air through the channels may enable a cooling effect to be substantially sustained even as the air collects heat from upstream portions of second insulating layer 106. In still other various embodiments, the first insulating layer 104 and the second insulating layer 106 may be separate insulating layers or they may comprise one insulating layer.

In various embodiments, a temperature of the forced air may be reduced (e.g., cooled) using a cold side heat sink 116 of thermoelectric device 108. The air flow, or forced air convection, then may circulate around or about receptacle 102, thereby adjusting (e.g., reducing) the temperature, or maintaining the temperature, of the consumer products held within receptacle 102 and/or the PCM. The air flow 112 may then return to the cold side heat sink 116 to be cooled again. This process including the forced air convection may thereby maintain a temperature inside the receptacle 102 when the thermoelectric device 108 is in an ON state.

Second insulating layer 106 may also be operable to reduce air circulation and/or heat transfer when thermoelectric device 108 is in the OFF state. In various implementations, cold side heat sink 116 may be configured to draw power or heat away from one or more components of temperature control system 100. Second insulating layer 106 may prevent cold side heat sink 116 from increasing the temperature inside receptacle 102 when thermoelectric device 108 is in the OFF state. In some examples, second insulating layer 106, in combination with cold side heat sink 116, may minimize natural air convection that would otherwise occur when the thermoelectric device is in the OFF state, thereby minimizing insulation loss through thermoelectric device 108. As illustrated, temperature control system 100 may also include material layers 118 and 120. Material layers 118 and 120 may serve to bridge a heat exchanger 110 with cold side heat sink 116, thereby increasing a thickness of the first insulating layer 104. In examples, material layers 118 and 120 may include aluminum, and the like.

In various embodiments, heat exchanger 110 may be configured to dissipate energy (e.g., heat) from a hot side of thermoelectric device 108 while the cold side of the thermoelectric device is cooling the liquid (i.e., adjusting the temperature of the liquid). The cooled liquid may then flow through tubes comprised within or around first insulating layer 104 into the inside of temperature control system 100. Once inside the temperature control system 100, the cooled liquid may pass through a second heat exchanger, thereby cooling air in the first insulating layer 104 (e.g., through forced air convection by way of air flow 112 from air fans 114). In examples, only two tubes enter the temperature control system 100. The tubes may also be routed to enter the receptacle 102 at a hinge area of temperature control system 100, resulting in an unbroken insulation tub. A pump operatively connect to heat exchanger 110 may move the liquid through heat exchanger 110 and may pump the liquid outside the temperature control system 100, where the thermoelectric device 108 may cool the liquid before it reenters temperature control system 100.

The pump may be further configured to pump the liquid into a reservoir outside of the temperature control system 100 when the heat exchanger 110 is not in use, leaving the tubes devoid of the liquid. In examples, heat exchanger 110 may be a heat sink located at an exterior side of temperature control system 100 and may be supported by air fans 114. Heat exchanger 110 may also utilize heat pipes or gas condensers to increase a dissipation area on the outside of temperature control system 100, thereby helping to reduce operational noise of the system and increase efficiency of the system. In examples, heat exchanger 110 may include aluminum, ceramic, and the like.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of a temperature control system 300. As described with respect to FIG. 1, temperature control system 300 may include receptacle 302. Similarly, receptacle 302 may be substantially surrounded by insulating layer 304. Thermoelectric device 320 may be operable to receive forced air convection through insulating layer 304. In examples, the forced air convection may be produced by fan 306. Alternatively, and similarly as described above with respect to FIG. 1, chilled liquid tube 328 may be disposed within the insulating layer 304. The chilled liquid tube 328 may be configured to be filled with a liquid (e.g., water). Thermoelectric device 320 may be operable to cool the liquid. Additionally, heat exchanger 324 may be operable to allow the liquid to flow through the thermoelectric device 320 and the chilled liquid tube 328 using pump 316 via pump inlet 314. In examples, heat exchanger 324 may be further operable to allow the liquid to flow through liquid return tube 326 into a reservoir 312 disposed on an exterior side of the temperature control system 300 when the thermoelectric device 320 is in the OFF state, leaving the chilled liquid tube 328 devoid of the liquid. Further, as illustrated, a hot side heat sink 322 may be located at a hot side of the thermoelectric device 320 and a cold side heat sink 318 may be located at a cold side of the thermoelectric device 320. Heat sink 322 and heat sink 318 may be configured to cool the liquid. As illustrated, temperature control system 300 may also include heat sink 308. Heat sink 308 may serve to bridge an inner heat exchanger block 310 with insulating layer 304.

Additionally, and in various embodiments, the temperature control system may include an external device port, such as a USB port or the like, configured to deliver power from the temperature control system to a peripheral computing device (e.g., mobile phone and like like). The external device port may minimize the risk of temperature control system being unplugged to access a power source. In further examples, the external device port may be used to deliver power to the peripheral computing device using solar power from a solar panel of the temperature control system (e.g., if enough solar power is available).

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an exterior of a temperature control system 400. As illustrated, the temperature control system 400 may include a door 404 in one side of the temperature control system 400 (such as but not limited to the top or front of the system) that provides for access to a receptacle 402. In examples, receptacle 402 may contain consumer products or other items desired to be kept at or below a certain temperature or within a certain temperature range. Door 404 may be made of glass, or another substantially transparent material, so as to allow a consumer, merchant, or other person to see through the door 404 to the contents of receptacle 402. In one embodiment, the temperature control system 400 may have insulated glass or plastic windows in other locations (in addition to or alternatively to door 404), to enable viewing of the products within receptacle 402. For example, in one embodiment, the temperature control system 400 may be oriented with a glass door that swings outward, with respect to the receptacle 402 and/or temperature control system 400, thereby enabling viewing of and access to the consumer products therein. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, consumer products 502 may be contained within temperature control system 500. In other various embodiments, temperature control system 400 may be oriented with a windowless door that swings outward, with respect to the receptacle 402 and/or temperature control system 400.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary method 600 for temperature control of consumer products using a temperature control system, such as the temperature control system described with respect to FIGS. 1-5 above. At step 610, solar energy may be collected by one or more solar panels of the temperature control system (e.g., such as solar panels 109, as depicted in FIG. 1) up to a threshold availability of the solar energy and converted to power. In examples, a thermoelectric device (e.g., such as thermoelectric device 108, as depicted in FIG. 1) of the temperature control system may be configured to be powered by the solar power. At step 620, a maximum power point (MPP) of the one or more solar panels may be determined, by one or more processors of a controller and/or computing device in electronic communication with the temperature control system, based on the solar energy collected. In examples, one or more sensors, such as those described above, may capture and provide data related to the environment surrounding or within the temperature control system to determine the MPP. The MPP may vary with changing conditions such as sunlight intensity, shading, temperature, and the like. At step 630, a maximum working point (MWP) of the thermoelectric device may be determined by the one or more processors based on the maximum power point (MPP) of the one or more solar panels.

At step 640, the thermoelectric device may be powered, by the solar energy/power, up to the maximum working point (MWP) of the thermoelectric device to maintain an ON state of the thermoelectric device. In various implementations, method 600 may further include switching the thermoelectric device from the ON state to an OFF state based on a threshold availability of the solar energy. In various embodiments, one or more machine-learning and/or artificial intelligence models may determine the threshold availability of the solar energy based on input such as sensor data, the MPP, the MWP, and the like, and may provide output to the controller in real-time, such that the controller switches the thermoelectric device from the ON state to the OFF state in real-time. In examples, the switching may include switching one or more fans (e.g., such as air fans 114, as depicted in FIG. 1) on or off according to the ON state and the OFF state of the thermoelectric device. The one or more fans may be operatively connected to the thermoelectric device.

FIG. 7 illustrates an implementation of a computer system that may execute techniques presented herein. The computer system 700 can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computer system 700 to perform any one or more of the methods or computer based functions disclosed herein. The computer system 700 may operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining”, analyzing” or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

In a similar manner, the term “processor” may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A “computer,” a “computing machine,” a “computing platform,” a “computing device,” or a “server” may include one or more processors.

In a networked deployment, the computer system 700 may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computer system 700 can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wireless telephone, a land-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. In a particular implementation, the computer system 700 can be implemented using electronic devices that provide voice, video, or data communication. Further, while a single computer system 700 is illustrated, the term “system” shall also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the computer system 700 may include a processor 702, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. The processor 702 may be a component in a variety of systems. For example, the processor 702 may be part of a standard personal computer or a workstation. The processor 702 may be one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analyzing and processing data. The processor 702 may implement a software program, such as code generated manually (i.e., programmed).

The computer system 700 may include a memory 704 that can communicate via a bus 708. The memory 704 may be a main memory, a static memory, or a dynamic memory. The memory 704 may include, but is not limited to computer readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. In one implementation, the memory 704 includes a cache or random-access memory for the processor 702. In alternative implementations, the memory 704 is separate from the processor 702, such as a cache memory of a processor, the system memory, or other memory. The memory 704 may be an external storage device or database for storing data. Examples include a hard drive, compact disc (“CD”), digital video disc (“DVD”), memory card, memory stick, floppy disc, universal serial bus (“USB”) memory device, or any other device operative to store data. The memory 704 is operable to store instructions executable by the processor 702. The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures or described herein may be performed by the programmed processor 702 executing the instructions stored in the memory 704. The functions, acts or tasks are independent of the particular type of instructions set, storage media, processor or processing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firm-ware, micro-code and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing and the like.

As shown, the computer system 700 may further include a display unit 710, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid-state display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, a printer or other now known or later developed display device for outputting determined information. The display unit 710 may act as an interface for the user to see the functioning of the processor 702, or specifically as an interface with the software stored in the memory 704 or in a disk drive unit 706.

Additionally or alternatively, the computer system 700 may include an input device 712 configured to allow a user to interact with any of the components of the computer system 700. The input device 712 may be a number pad, a keyboard, or a cursor control device, such as a mouse, or a joystick, touch screen display, remote control, or any other device operative to interact with the computer system 700.

The computer system 700 may also or alternatively include the disk or optical drive unit 706. The disk drive unit 706 may include a computer-readable medium 722 in which one or more sets of instructions 724, e.g., software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions 724 may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. The instructions 724 may reside completely or partially within the memory 704 and/or within the processor 702 during execution by the computer system 700. The memory 704 and the processor 702 also may include computer-readable media as discussed above.

In some systems, a computer-readable medium 722 includes instructions 724 or receives and executes instructions 724 responsive to a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network 750 can communicate voice, video, audio, images, or any other data over the network 750. Further, the instructions 724 may be transmitted or received over the network 750 via a communication port or interface 720, and/or using a bus 708. The communication port or interface 720 may be a part of the processor 702 or may be a separate component. The communication port or interface 720 may be created in software or may be a physical connection in hardware. The communication port or interface 720 may be configured to connect with a network 750, external media, the display unit 710, or any other components in the computer system 700, or combinations thereof. The connection with the network 750 may be a physical connection, such as a wired Ethernet connection or may be established wirelessly as discussed below. Likewise, the additional connections with other components of the computer system 700 may be physical connections or may be established wirelessly. The network 750 may alternatively be directly connected to the bus 708.

While the computer-readable medium 722 is shown to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” may include a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” may also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. The computer-readable medium 722 may be non-transitory, and may be tangible.

The computer-readable medium 722 can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. The computer-readable medium 722 can be a random-access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally or alternatively, the computer-readable medium 722 can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

In an alternative implementation, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various implementations can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more implementations described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

The computer system 700 may be connected to one or more networks 750. The network 750 may define one or more networks including wired or wireless networks. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax network. Further, such networks may include a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols. The network 750 may include wide area networks (WAN), such as the Internet, local area networks (LAN), campus area networks, metropolitan area networks, a direct connection such as through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, or any other networks that may allow for data communication. The network 750 may be configured to couple one computing device to another computing device to enable communication of data between the devices. The network 750 may generally be enabled to employ any form of machine-readable media for communicating information from one device to another. The network 750 may include communication methods by which information may travel between computing devices. The network 750 may be divided into sub-networks. The sub-networks may allow access to all of the other components connected thereto or the sub-networks may restrict access between the components. The network 750 may be regarded as a public or private network connection and may include, for example, a virtual private network or an encryption or other security mechanism employed over the public Internet, or the like.

In accordance with various implementations of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by software programs executable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limited implementation, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functionality as described herein.

Although the present specification describes components and functions that may be implemented in particular implementations with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed herein are considered equivalents thereof.

It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the disclosed embodiments may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to any particular programming language or operating system.

It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Thus, while certain embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention. For example, functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other implementations, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description. While various implementations of the disclosure have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more implementations are possible within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS

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