Patent Application
20070119186
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
This invention relates generally to the field of thermoelectric coolers and more specifically to a Universal Thermoelectric Module Apparatus. There are different types of consumer portable coolers on the market today, utilizing a variety of cooling technology. Some use passive cooling, such as ice coolers, some use active cooling such as compressor-based coolers or heat pumps type coolers. A common low-cost heat pump cooler today often uses thermoelectric technology as the cooling engine.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,937 to Fritsch discloses a consumer portable cooler utilizing a thermoelectric heat pump, also commonly known in this industry as a thermoelectric module. A thermoelectric module is a heat pump transferring heat from the inside of the cooler to the surrounding environment. A thermoelectric module generally consists of a cold side exposed to the inside of the cooler and a hot side exposed to the surrounding environment. A thermoelectric chip sandwiched between the cold side and the hot side provides the active mean of transferring heat from the cold side to the hot side.
There are many different commercial embodiments of thermoelectric coolers on the market today. Each have their own set of specifications and characteristics. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,937 to Fritsch, the invention discloses a thermoelectric cooler with a unique ventilation system. Such ventilation system is custom-made for this cooler and is an integral part of the cooler. Another prior art as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,789 to Lundblade also discloses a thermoelectric cooler with an integral thermoelectric module. In the inventions above, the thermoelectric module is an integral part of the cooler, the thermoelectric module is specifically designed to fit only this one cooler, repair or maintenance of the thermoelectric module requires extensive handling and disassembling.
Other inventions such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,508 to Kahl or U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,901 B1 to Coffee describe a thermoelectric cooler using a thermoelectric module where the thermoelectric module assembly is an integral one-piece engine that can be installed rapidly without complicated assembly. Such inventions improves the cooler's assembly process, however, each cooler design still utilizes a custom-designed thermoelectric module. Furthermore, such designs require the use of a mounting hardware between the thermoelectric module and the cooler increasing assembly labor and compromising good thermal insulation properties.
The primary object of the invention is to provide a one-piece thermoelectric heat pump assembly.
Another object of the invention is to provide a ready to use one-piece thermoelectric heat pump assembly.
Another object of the invention is to provide a one-piece thermoelectric heat pump assembly with a one-step installation process.
A further object of the invention is to provide a one-piece thermoelectric heat pump assembly easy to replace.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cross-compatible one-piece thermoelectric heat pump assembly.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed Universal Thermoelectric Module Apparatus comprising: a thermoelectric heat pump assembly, an air circulation system, a structural plate, and an insulated interface.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to. be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. Turning first to
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In conclusion, and in accordance with the claims of the present invention, this specification discloses a Universal Thermoelectric Module Apparatus that is a one-piece thermoelectric heat pump assembly and than can be installed or removed without the use of tools or fasteners with an insulated vessel where the insulated vessels physical characteristics and application can change, the same invention can fit in a wide varieties of applications.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
