Heated/Cooled Cupholder - Operation

HEATED/COOLED CUPHOLDER

When the ignition is in the Run position, battery voltage is supplied through a fuse to the heated and cooled cupholder assembly circuit board. The two heated and cooled cupholders can heat up to 60° C (140° F) or cool to near 1.6° C (35° F). When a cupholder is on, either the red or blue Light Emitting Diode (LED) in the cupholder switch illuminates to indicate which function is operating. The blue LED illuminates when a cupholder is set to cool, and red illuminates when set to heat.

A Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) ceramic element provides the temperature change in each of the cupholders. Direct Current (DC) either heats or cools the PTC ceramic element, depending on which way current is applied through the element. Each PTC ceramic element is attached to an aluminum cylinder that forms the side of a cupholder. The PTC material used in each heated and cooled cupholder has the unique property of very low resistance to electric current. This allows them to change temperature rapidly and to transfer heat quickly. The PTC ceramic elements are self-regulating. As a PTC ceramic element reaches the desired temperature, the resistance increases dramatically, preventing an excessive temperature. The desired temperature is determined by the chemical makeup of the ceramic material. The aluminum cylinders distribute and transfer the heat from the relatively small PTC elements to the beverage containers. In addition, a heat sink is used to increase heat transfer area.

A special mug is included with the heated and cooled cupholder to increase its effectiveness. The lower section of the mug is aluminum and fits closely within the cupholder to maximize the heat transfer potential. The upper section of the mug is insulated to keep the contents at the desired temperature.

The heated and cooled cupholder assembly cannot be adjusted or repaired and must be replaced if inoperative or damaged.