Prototype Update

Our proposed concept of how to control how fast a cooled beverage heats up was to design and develop a coaster in which the beverage would reside within and be cooled, thus reducing the rate of heating.  The coaster will be designed to replace the cup holders that are typically found in venues such as arenas, domes, and other sports locations to replace the plain cup holders that are currently implemented. These locations are currently some of the locations that sell the greatest amount of beverages, and this device would generate greater income in ticket revenue to the companies associated with the venues. 

    Some components, as displayed in Figure 1, include the external housing, the conduction cup, the Peltier module, the heat sink, the user interface, and the fan assembly. The housing will continue to be made to look like it would fit in with the existing surroundings. The conduction cup sits on top of the heat sink where heat is transferred from the cup to the Peltier module located below. The Peltier module is a solid-state active cooling pump that drives heat from one side to the other side of the device. 

Figure 1: Prototype – Full Assembly

The heat sink is attached to the to the fan bracket which makes the lower end of the design easy to assemble or disassemble. The heat sink will be able to dissipate heat from the hot side of the Peltier module, then out the lower end with the help of the fan. The user interface allows for the user to turn the device on or off, and monitor temperature. The Fan assembly will also be utilized to help dissipate heat generated by the other components.

    Throughout it's development, our prototype has taken many different forms.  Changes have done in response to any of the design considerations being taken into account.  Shown below is the stages of evolution of our prototype to completion.

Figure 2: Prototype Final Concept

Figure 3: Aluminum Conduction Cup

Figure 4: Fabrication of External Housing

Figure 5: Final Prototype with Insulation and Conduction Cup

Prototype was completed on Monday, May 7th as shown in the previous picture.  Additional PDF files of our drawings can be viewed by clicking any of the links below.