Brewing and cooling a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current domestic ice cream makers produce large batches of ice cream, requiring pre-freezing of containers and resulting in significant delays between starting and completing the ice cream-making process, as well as manual handling for serving.
Innovation Solution
A compact system capable of producing at least 5 fluid ounces of frozen confection in 5 minutes or less, which can dispense single servings directly into containers, using a pod-based system with a refrigeration system, thermoelectric units, and scraper paddles for rapid cooling and mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current domestic ice cream makers are used to produce large batches of ice cream, then the batch size is improved (1.0-2.0 liters), but the production time is excessive (20-60 minutes) and requires pre-freezing of containers (4-8 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ice cream production process into single-serving portions using individual cups with integrated lids that serve as both container and mixing mechanism. This segmentation eliminates the need for large batch production and pre-freezing of large containers, allowing each serving to be independently and rapidly prepared.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-cools the cup lids in a freezer compartment before use. When needed, the pre-cooled lid is placed on the cup, and the freezing action begins immediately through the mechanical mixing process, eliminating the need for prolonged pre-freezing of the entire container as in traditional ice cream makers.
2Temperature
If current ice cream makers require pre-freezing of containers for 4-8 hours, then the freezing capability is ensured, but the delay between starting and completing the process is substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The cup lid system is self-cooling through mechanical action. When the lid is placed on the cup and the user performs the mixing motion, the mechanical energy directly cools and freezes the contents through friction and compression, eliminating the need for external pre-freezing infrastructure and reducing preparation time from hours to minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional thermal refrigeration system with a mechanical freezing mechanism. The up-and-down motion of the lid against the cup contents generates friction and compression that directly freeze the ice cream mixture, substituting mechanical work for thermal cooling and dramatically reducing the time required.
3Ease of operation
If manual removal and scooping of ice cream is required, then the serving process is simple, but the manual handling time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cup lid system automatically dispenses the frozen confection. After the freezing and mixing process is complete, the user simply lifts the lid which automatically releases the ice cream into the cup, eliminating the need for manual scooping and serving while maintaining ease of operation.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact system is designed to fit on kitchen countertops with standard power (120V, 1800W max), then the device size is reduced, but the cooling capacity for rapid freezing may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the need for high-power refrigeration systems with a mechanical freezing mechanism. The hand-operated or motorized lid movement generates sufficient friction and compression to freeze single-serving portions rapidly, eliminating the need for large, high-power cooling systems while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for kitchen countertops.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid production of single servings of frozen confections, beverages, or hot beverages with minimal lag time and manual handling, fitting on kitchen countertops and using standard kitchen power and space.
Implementation Method 1
heating water within the machine using a refrigeration system of the machine
Implementation Method 2
cooling the beverage
Implementation Method 3
using a pod-based system with a refrigeration system, thermoelectric units
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for brewing and cooling a beverage includes a housing, a refrigeration system, a first nest, a second nest, a fluid system, and a dispensing port. The first and second nests are arranged in the housing and include first and second recesses, respectively. The second nest has walls defining the second recess. The refrigeration system is located within the machine and is confirmed to cool the walls of the second nest. The fluid system is configured to transfer water to the first recess of the first nest. The dispensing port is fluidly connected with the recess of the first nest.