Countertop Freezer
The countertop freezer with modular lighting and sliding bins, combined with thermoelectric refrigeration, addresses space constraints and condensation/frost issues, enhancing product display and access in retail settings.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024536006
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-10-06
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-09
AI Technical Summary
Current refrigeration systems are large and cumbersome, inefficient for retail and hospitality applications, and do not allow for sufficient floor space, with issues of condensation and frost accumulation affecting product storage and sales.
A countertop freezer with modular lighting, sliding bins, and thermoelectric refrigeration system that captures condensation and frost, allowing for efficient product display and access.
The countertop freezer provides efficient temperature control and product illumination, addressing space constraints and improving product accessibility while managing condensation and frost effectively.
Smart Images

Figure 2025500256000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 291,155, filed December 17, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 413,756, filed October 6, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0002] The present disclosure relates to thermoelectric refrigeration systems, and more particularly, to controlling thermoelectric devices to effectively maintain a desired set point temperature in a thermoelectric refrigeration system. [Background technology]
[0003] Currently, refrigeration systems are large and cumbersome and do not allow for sufficient floor space in retail and hospitality applications. Businesses need a more efficient way to manage the sale of products.
[0004] Current methods for storing and selling refrigerated / frozen products are inefficient and inconvenient. Improved systems and methods for storing and selling refrigerated products are needed. Summary of the Invention
[0005] Countertop freezers and systems and methods for removing moisture from a refrigeration system are provided. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a bin. In some embodiments, the bin includes a removable insert that can fit the type(s) of product to be sold. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a sliding mechanism that allows the bin to slide out when the door is open. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a lighting mechanism on the door that is modular / serviceable and shines light at an angle that can illuminate the product both when the door is closed and when the door is open.
[0006] Some of these embodiments allow the countertop freezer to be at the point of sale, thereby fitting into spaces where previous freezers could not fit.
[0007] In some embodiments, lighting is provided such that products for sale are illuminated while the door is closed and illuminated when the door is open. Providing interior bins that slide out when the door is open can make it easier for users to access and select products.
[0008] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.
[0009] There is a need for thermoelectric refrigeration that provides a natural way to trap condensation or frost that results from frequent door openings. Condensation occurs in refrigerators while frost is found in freezers. When the door is open, warm air is trapped inside the unit and condensation or condensation occurs, resulting in water droplets or frost on the top and sides.
[0010] For freezers that do not have an automatic defrost system, it is desirable to trap the frost in a specific location that can be cleaned without having to warm up the entire unit.
[0011] In the case of a refrigerator, water droplets get into the bottom of the refrigerator. Over time, these droplets form puddles that run off the unit. This situation is undesirable for a customer's application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0012] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0014] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates a potential embodiment of a countertop freezer or refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 13 illustrates an opening at an angle of 65 degrees, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1C illustrates an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B for ease of explanation, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1C illustrates an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B for ease of explanation, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a countertop freezer with the inner bin removed, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates an example of an inner bin removed from a countertop freezer, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 3C illustrates an alternative embodiment of the internal bin shown in FIG. 3B, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates several assembly components for a countertop freezer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 14A-14C are diagrams illustrating embodiments of opening mechanisms, hi some embodiments, the door opens with a scotch yoke type design according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 14A-14C are diagrams illustrating embodiments of opening mechanisms, hi some embodiments, the door opens with a scotch yoke type design according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 14A-14C illustrate close-up views of hinge and scotch yoke type designs according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of several components of a door, in some embodiments, the door includes one or more of a door frame, a fascia, a VIG, an inner panel, a metal door frame, a light emitting diode (LED) housing, a door slider pin, a hinge knuckle, and / or a door sensor magnet, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an exemplary door frame and inner panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 14A-14C illustrate additional components of a door according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a door assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating some features of a bin according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1A-1C illustrate components of a cabinet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 14A-14C illustrate a portion of a hinged base and suction feet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15A] 2A-2C illustrate some features of an inner liner according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15B] 2A-2C illustrate some features of an inner liner according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15C] 2A-2C illustrate some features of an inner liner according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates an outer liner having a reduced edge fillet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 17]14A-14C illustrate a back panel with molded leads for electrical connection from the thermoelectric cooler to the control board and a deep pocket design according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 1A-1D illustrate several embodiments of a gasket having a reduced length, three flange barb, magnet pocket, three chamber design according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 1A-1D illustrate some embodiments of an assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 14A-14C illustrate components of a back cover and a fan filter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 21A] FIG. 2 illustrates a thermal component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 21B] FIG. 2 illustrates a thermal component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 21C] FIG. 2 illustrates a thermal component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 21D] FIG. 2 illustrates a thermal component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating examples of heat flow according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 23A] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating details of a thermoelectric cooler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 23B] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating details of a thermoelectric cooler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 23C-1] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating details of a thermoelectric cooler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 23C-2] 2A-2C are diagrams illustrating details of a thermoelectric cooler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 illustrates some electronic components according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 25]1A-1C illustrate a bottom inner liner according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 illustrates a condensate tray-only for a refrigerator, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] 14A-14C illustrate wall opening features that use warm air from a condenser to evaporate water in a tray, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigeration unit with bins according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a refrigeration unit with frost capture features according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 30] 1A-1D illustrate bins with frost capture features according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The embodiments described below provide the necessary information to enable one skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode for practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawings, one skilled in the art will recognize the concepts of the present disclosure and understand applications of these concepts not specifically addressed herein. It is understood that these concepts and applications are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.
[0016] Improved systems and methods for storing and dispensing refrigerated products are needed. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to countertop freezers. In some embodiments, the countertop freezers include bins. In some embodiments, the bins include removable inserts that can fit the type(s) of product to be dispensed. In some embodiments, the countertop freezers include a sliding mechanism that allows the bins to slide outward when the door is open. In some embodiments, the countertop freezers include a lighting mechanism on the door that is modular / serviceable and shines light at an angle that can illuminate the product both when the door is closed and when the door is open.
[0017] A potential embodiment of a countertop freezer or refrigerator is illustrated in Figure 1A. Figure 1A shows an optional window on the front that can help display products for sale or distribution. Inside the countertop freezer is an optional drawer with slots that can be configurable based on the items to be sold.
[0018] In some embodiments, exterior dimensions are approximately HxWxD ~303x510x331 (MP1: 280x502x280). Depth from front of door (minus handle) to flat back is approximately MP1. In some embodiments, opening angle is ~65 degrees as shown in FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, an auto-close feature is included for when the door is ~10 degrees. In some embodiments, percent bin exposure when open is ~55% of interior volume.
[0019] 2A and 2B illustrate an alternative embodiment to FIGS. 1A and 1B for ease of explanation.
[0020] FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a countertop freezer with the internal bin removed. In some embodiments, the interior volume of the cabinet is 0.52 ft^3 (MP1: 0.41 ft^3). FIG. 3B illustrates an example of the internal bin removed from the countertop freezer. In some embodiments, the interior volume of the bin is 0.27 ft^3. FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the internal bin shown in FIG. 3B.
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates several assembly components for a countertop freezer. These components include a door, an interior bin, a cabinet, a heat removal subsystem, an electronic component, and a back cover. In some embodiments, the electronic component includes a thermoelectric system. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric system includes features disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,012,417, entitled "Thermoelectric refrigeration system control scheme for high efficiency performance," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additionally, the thermoelectric system may include any of the units from U.S. Pat. No. 8,893,513, entitled "Thermoelectric heat exchanger component including protective heat spreading lid and optimal thermal interface resistance," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The thermoelectric system may also include any of the features from U.S. Pat. No. 9,144,180, entitled "Thermoelectric heat pump with a surround and spacer (SAS) structure," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0022] 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of the opening mechanism. In some embodiments, the door opens with a scotch yoke type design. As the door rotates, the bin moves linearly out of the cabinet. In some embodiments, the pin is on the door and the slot is on the bin. In some embodiments, all hinge components are removed from the interior of the cabinet and instead contained underneath. In some embodiments, the angle of the door is limited by a stop feature molded into the door to distribute the stress from a hard pull open. FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up of the hinge and scotch yoke type design. In some embodiments, the bin is removable. In some embodiments, there is a guide in the slot that makes it easier to place the bin in the cabinet and ensure the fit is correct. In some embodiments, there is also a feature that guides the bin into place for lateral placement. In some embodiments, there is also a mechanism to control the distance the bin moves in one or both directions.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of some components of the door. In some embodiments, the door includes one or more of a door frame, fascia, VIG, inner panel, metal door frame, LED housing (and optional cover), door slider pin, hinge knuckle, and door sensor magnet. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a lighting mechanism on the door that is modular / serviceable and shines light at an angle that can illuminate the product both when the door is closed and when the door is open. Making these LED modules (or other lighting technologies) modular / serviceable can extend the life and effectiveness of the countertop freezer.
[0024] A typical door frame and inner panel is illustrated in Figure 9. A. Pull handle and edge curve, B. Door opener stop, C. Perimeter frame for ease of assembly, D. Blind molded insert for sturdiness, hinge knuckles (4x), E. LED harness holes, F. Magnet pocket, G. LED housing mounting location (3x), H. Blind molded insert for removable, pin slider (4x), I. Rim for metal frame mounting.
[0025] In some embodiments, both parts are white ABS with National Science Foundation (NSF) certification.
[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates additional parts of the door. It shows the pin slider, hinge knuckle, LED housing, and LED cover. A. Slots for wiring, B. Hard mounted (4x) for maintainability, C. Geometry optimizes space and available area for spring(s), D. Polished exterior for low friction with the bin. In some embodiments, parts undergo modification based on the specific spring design. In some embodiments, includes 6Lbs*in@15 degree opening to achieve auto-closing. In some embodiments, the pin slider, hinge knuckle, and LED housing are white ABS with NSF certification (knuckle has option of glass filling), LED cover is clear polycarbonate.
[0027] Figure 11 illustrates a part of a door assembly: A. Assembled down, B. Channel between frame and fascia for sealant, C. Channel between VIG and inner panel for sealant, D. Inner panel clamped by screws and metal frame, E. Foam volume: 0.63L~0.022ft^3 bottle.
[0028] Figure 12 illustrates some features of the bin according to some embodiments: A. Yoke slot molded into the bin side, B. Height and width extension at the top to minimize bin movement while in cabinet and during installation, C. Cut out for thermistor, D. Front should be clear to show product, rest is "frosted" to simulate cold, E. Insert made to keep product stable, F. Notch to give secure "snap" during assembly. In some embodiments, the material is polycarbonate.
[0029] 13 illustrates components of a cabinet according to some embodiments, including one or more of a gasket, an inner liner (with VIP (e.g., with vacuum insulation panel), HXA bracket, accepts HXA), an outer liner (with VIP), a back panel (with VIP), a hinge base, and a suction foot.
[0030] Figure 14 illustrates a portion of the hinged base and suction feet. A. Hinge base designed to mate with hinge knuckle. B. Features for LED cabling, secures into loop. In some embodiments, the material is white acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
[0031] Figures 15A-15C illustrate some features of the inner liner. A. Pointing out the retention feature added in the gasket track. B. Pointing out the bracket that combines the standoff and clamp functions. Figure 15B illustrates a detailed view of the retention feature added in the gasket track. Figure 15C illustrates the seating added for the updated thermal design (thermoelectric cooler, covered in thermal). In some embodiments, a protrusion is added on the clamp to aid in HXA accept positioning.
[0032] In some embodiments, the thermal brake is white ABS with NSF certification; Inner Liner: Al with white NSF powder coating on the inside; HXA Bracket: Plastic (optional vs. Stainless Steel); no color required.
[0033] Figure 16 illustrates an outer liner with A. reduced edge fillet. In some embodiments, the material is cold rolled steel (CRS) with a white powder coating on the outside.
[0034] Figure 17 illustrates a back panel with A. molded leads for electrical connection from the thermoelectric cooler to the control board and B. deep pocket design. In some embodiments, the material is white ABS with a flame retardant rating.
[0035] Figure 18 illustrates several embodiments of a gasket with A. a 3 flange barb of reduced length, B. a magnet pocket, C. a 3 chamber design. In some embodiments, the gasket design may be subject to variation. Other barb geometries may also be used.
[0036] Figure 19 illustrates several embodiments of the assembly: A. flanged leading edge of outer liner laps with thermal brake for flush mounting around exterior surface, B. protrusions placed on thermal brake to aid alignment, C. magnets in gasket seal with metal door strip, D. jogged trailing edge of outer liner presses into rear panel for flush mounting around exterior surface.
[0037] Figure 20 illustrates the components of the back cover and fan filter. It can include: A. Straight fins for simple molding, B. Narrowed profile for flush fitting with the back panel. In some embodiments, the material is black ABS with a flame retardant rating.
[0038] Figures 21A-21D illustrate the thermal components. Figure 21A illustrates the HXA reject subsystem. A. Straight reject fins (in some embodiments, 135mm long), B. In-line tubes, C. Bendable fin design. Figure 21B illustrates the HXA accept subsystem. D. Pedestal added for updated thermal design (thermoelectric cooler, covered with thermal), E. Updated copper block size to accommodate thermoelectric cooler, F. Charge tube to be foamed. Figure 21C illustrates the thermoelectric cooler. Figure 21D illustrates an example fan.
[0039] An example of heat flow is illustrated in Figure 22. Airflow enters through the fan, is directed horizontally to the electronics, and is directed vertically, exiting through the HXA reject.
[0040] 23A-23C illustrate details of a thermoelectric cooler. A. PCP88 near cartridge, B. sealant cavity, C. electrical connection, cart, D. electrical connection, printed circuit board (PCB), E. brass tabs, for EB1, insert adhesive and then solder wires between them. In some embodiments, the mold is inserted later.
[0041] FIG. 23B illustrates an embodiment of how the thermoelectric module can make electrical contact with the rest of the system. Sealing the environment is important to maintain good functioning of the thermoelectric module. Especially in applications with large temperature differences, moisture and corrosion are detrimental to operation. A sealable, low-cost electrical connection to the thermoelectric module / PCB is desirable.
[0042] In the example shown, there are male pins molded into the enclosure. These can be connected to other parts of the electrical system. This molding can make a better / easier seal. In this illustration, the thermoelectric module / PCB has corresponding female connectors (potentially multiple depending on the electrical connections that need to be made). During assembly, these female connectors can mate over male connectors that are molded into the system. This reduces the precision needed to get the right connections and allows for more forgiving assembly. This can result in lower cost connections.
[0043] Additionally, the sealant cavity shown as B is easier to maintain a good seal because the electrical connections are made by molding. This can be further enhanced by providing specific surfaces or surface shapes. This is easier and less costly than sealing a similar cavity where the electrical connections run through the cavity.
[0044] In some other embodiments, the thermoelectric module / PCB connection can be any other type of connector. Using electrical contacts molded into the frame can improve sealing and / or be made at low cost.
[0045] Some of the electronic components are illustrated in Figure 24. In some embodiments, an AC power supply is included. The board houses an on-board thermoelectric cooler. Additional components are used for the LEDs.
[0046] The embodiments described below provide the necessary information to enable one skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode for practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawings, one skilled in the art will recognize the concepts of the present disclosure and understand applications of these concepts not specifically addressed herein. It is understood that these concepts and applications are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.
[0047] Figure 25: Bottom inner liner.
[0048] Figure 26: Condensate tray for refrigerator only.
[0049] Figure 27: Wall opening feature that uses warm air from the condenser to evaporate water in the tray.
[0050] Figure 28: Refrigeration unit with bins.
[0051] FIG. 29: Cross section of a refrigeration unit with frost capture features.
[0052] FIG. 30: Bin with frost capture features.
[0053] Embodiment 1: A refrigeration system including one or more of: (1) an internal fan; and (2) a bin.
[0054] In some embodiments, a fan mounted and positioned on the top surface of the inner liner to allow for air circulation.
[0055] In some embodiments, a bin with frost capture features includes: (1) an arrangement of precisely positioned holes through the bin; and (2) an arrangement of protrusions on the back surface of the bin to form fins.
[0056] The configuration of the holes and fins, their placement, and the fan speed allow cool, moist air to flow and be drawn over the surfaces of the fins, causing frost to accumulate thereon.
[0057] Embodiment 2: The refrigeration system of embodiment 1 with an integrated condensation subsystem including: (1) an inner liner, (2) a condensate tray, (3) a condensate tube, (4) a wall opening feature, and (5) a fan.
[0058] In some embodiments, an inner liner having a bottom is fitted to the upper inner liner assembly and is positioned to collect condensation from the walls and redirect the water to the condensate tube.
[0059] In some embodiments, a condensate tray is connected to the rear panel and positioned to capture condensation from the condensate tubes.
[0060] In some embodiments, a condensate tube is fitted to the bottom inner liner and positioned to direct water into the condensate tray.
[0061] In some embodiments, the wall opening feature is positioned vertically above the condensate tray and aligned below the external fan. The alignment of the wall opening feature allows air to move from the fan to the condensate tray to evaporate the fluid.
[0062] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and all such improvements and modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein.
[0063] The following references are incorporated herein by reference:
[0064] 1 U.S. Patent No. 10,741,741 "Multi header for thermoelectric device."
[0065] 2 U.S. Patent No. 10,718,551, "Hybrid vapor compression / thermoelectric heat transport system."
[0066] 3 U.S. Patent No. 10,520,230, “Enhanced heat transport systems for cooling chambers and surfaces.”
[0067] 4 U.S. Patent No. 10,473,345 "Cooled fan for micro-climate control."
[0068] 5 U.S. Patent No. 10,458,683, “Systems and methods for mitigating heat rejection limitations of a thermoelectric module.”
[0069] 6 U.S. Design Patent No. D833,588 “Thermoelectric heat pump”.
[0070] 7 U.S. Design Patent No. D825,723, “Thermoelectric heat pump.”
[0071] 8 U.S. Patent No. 10,012,417, “Thermoelectric refrigeration system control scheme for high efficiency performance.”
[0072] 9 U.S. Design Patent No. D816,198, “Thermoelectric heat pump.”
[0073] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and all such improvements and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the following claims.
Claims
1. 1. A countertop freezer comprising: a bin for holding the product; a door for accessing said bin; a sliding mechanism for sliding the bin outward when the door is opened; and a thermal assembly including a thermoelectric heat pump operable to actively cool an interior of the countertop freezer.
2. 10. The countertop freezer of claim 1, wherein the bin includes a removable insert that can be adapted to the type(s) of product to be sold.
3. 3. The countertop freezer of claim 1, further comprising a lighting mechanism configured to shine light at an angle that illuminates the product both when the door is closed and when the door is open.
4. The countertop freezer of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lighting mechanism is on the door.
5. A countertop freezer according to any preceding claim, wherein the lighting mechanism is modular and / or serviceable.
6. The countertop freezer of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the door includes an auto-closing feature.
7. A countertop freezer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the door opens with a Scotch yoke type design.
8. 8. The countertop freezer of claim 7, wherein a hinge pin is on said door and a hinge slot is on said bin.
9. A countertop freezer according to any of claims 7 to 8, wherein all hinge components are contained beneath the countertop freezer.
10. The countertop freezer of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the door angle is limited by a stop feature molded into the door to distribute stress from hard opening pulls.
11. 11. The countertop freezer of any of claims 1-10, further comprising one or more guides in the slots that make it easier to insert the bin into the cabinet and ensure a correct fit.
12. A countertop freezer according to any preceding claim, further comprising a mechanism for controlling the distance the bin moves in one or both directions.
13. The countertop freezer of any preceding claim, further comprising a magnet contained within a gasket seal for the door.
14. A countertop freezer according to any preceding claim, wherein the thermal assembly includes a sealable electrical connection.
15. 15. The countertop freezer of claim 14, wherein the sealable electrical connections include pins molded into the enclosure that can connect to other components of an electrical system to form a better / easier seal.
16. A countertop freezer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bin includes an arrangement of holes to facilitate air flow.
17. A countertop freezer according to any preceding claim, further comprising a fan mounted and / or positioned to promote air circulation over the frost catcher feature.
18. 20. The countertop freezer of claim 17, further comprising an arrangement of projections.
19. 1. A refrigeration system comprising: a bin including an arrangement of holes to promote air flow; a moisture collector feature including an arrangement of protrusions; and a fan mounted and / or positioned to facilitate air circulation over the moisture collector feature.
20. 20. The refrigeration system of claim 19 further comprising an arrangement of protrusions.
21. 21. A refrigeration system as described in any one of claims 19 to 20, wherein the configuration of holes and protrusions, their arrangement, and fan speed allow moist air to flow and be drawn over the surfaces of the protrusions and accumulate moisture on the protrusions.
22. An inner liner, A condensate tray; A condensate tube; The refrigeration system of any of claims 19 to 21, further comprising a wall opening feature.
23. A refrigeration system according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the inner liner is positioned to collect condensation from the wall and redirect it into the condensate tube.
24. 24. A refrigeration system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the condensate tray is connected to a rear panel and positioned to capture condensation from the condensate tubes.
25. 25. A refrigeration system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the condensate tube is fitted to a bottom inner liner and positioned to direct water towards the condensate tray.
26. 26. The refrigeration system of any of claims 19-25, wherein a wall opening feature is disposed vertically above the condensate tray and aligned below a fan.
27. 27. The refrigeration system of claim 26, wherein alignment of the wall opening features allows air to move from the fan to the condensate tray to evaporate fluid.