Container for storing and serving frozen confectionery items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for storing and serving frozen confectionery items, such as ice cream, are inadequate as they either keep the items too hard for direct consumption or require frequent dry ice replacement, and there is a need for a solution that maintains suitable temperature for extended periods without dry ice, especially in transportable and reusable containers.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulated container with a product storage assembly comprising a frame, a product container, and phase change material, mounted with a gap from the housing to maintain temperature, allowing for up to 24 hours of storage and serving frozen confectionery items without dry ice, using phase change materials with melting temperatures between −30° C. and −6° C., and optionally with dry ice for prolonged storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If dry ice is used as refrigerant to maintain frozen confectionery items at −78° C., then the items are kept frozen for extended periods, but the items become too hard to be consumed directly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from −78° C. (dry ice) to a range of −18° C. to −6° C. using phase change material, which maintains frozen storage duration while improving consumability. The phase change material melts at a controlled temperature to provide cooling without freezing the confectionery items too hard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of phase change material (from solid to liquid at melting point between −30° C. and −6° C.) to provide sustained cooling. This phase change absorbs heat from the confectionery items, maintaining them at suitable temperatures for both extended storage and direct consumption.
2Temperature
If dry ice is used in containers for storing frozen confectionery items, then cooling is achieved, but the dry ice sublimes and needs frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subliming dry ice with phase change material that melts at controlled temperatures between −30° C. and −6° C. This phase transition provides sustained cooling without the rapid gasification and loss of cooling capacity experienced with dry ice, eliminating frequent replacement needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refrigerant from dry ice (sublimation point −78.5° C.) to phase change material with melting points between −30° C. and −6° C., optimizing the temperature parameter for both cooling effectiveness and reduced replacement frequency while maintaining consumability.
3Volume of stationary object
If the product storage assembly is mounted close to the thermally insulated housing, then space is maximized, but thermal insulation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gap dimension between the product storage assembly and thermally insulated housing, creating thermal separation. This gap acts as an additional thermal resistance layer, reducing heat transfer while the container maintains compact overall dimensions for space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the product storage assembly and housing serves as a thermal intermediary, reducing direct thermal contact and heat transfer. This intermediary space improves insulation efficiency without significantly compromising storage capacity.
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
The solution effectively maintains frozen confectionery items at a suitable temperature for consumption over extended periods, eliminating the need for dry ice and enabling at-seat service during flights or journeys, with the phase change material ensuring temperature stability and the gap design enhancing insulation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first reservoir of phase change material, positioned in contact with the frame or the product container
Implementation Method 2
cooling the reservoir(s) of phase change material to a temperature of less than −6° C.
Implementation Method 3
a thermally insulated housing defining an insulated chamber... the product storage assembly is mounted such that it is separated from the thermally insulated housing by a gap
Data Source
AI summary
A thermally insulated container for storing and serving frozen confectionery items, wherein the container is preferably arranged to be removably mounted within a service cart, such as an inflight service cart.