Cylinder pan chiller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems, such as those by KAIRAK, are inefficient and economically unviable due to reliance on outdated technology, direct air cooling which dries out food, and failure to effectively integrate glycol and Freon systems, leading to condensation issues and limited cooling of multiple compartments.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical cooling assembly using concentric cylinders with Freon lines wrapped around an inner cylinder, cooling glycol within, which indirectly transfers heat away from food, eliminating direct air cooling and leveraging glycol to cool multiple compartments efficiently and economically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If direct air cooling is used to cool food, then cooling is achieved, but food dries out and condensation problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces glycol as an intermediary cooling medium between the Freon refrigeration system and the food. The glycol absorbs heat from the food and transfers it to the Freon lines, eliminating direct air cooling contact with food. This prevents food drying and condensation while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from air-based cooling to liquid-based cooling using glycol circulation. The liquid glycol flows through channels surrounding the food, providing efficient heat transfer without the harmful effects of direct air cooling on food quality.
2Temperature
If traditional Freon lines with non-removable foam insulation are used, then refrigeration is achieved, but the system becomes economically unrepairable when lines leak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the insulation system into removable modular sections rather than using fixed foam. The Freon lines are insulated with removable insulation segments that can be accessed and repaired independently without discarding the entire system, enabling economic repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the insulation material from being permanently bonded to the Freon lines. The insulation is applied in removable sections that can be taken off for line replacement or repair, allowing the system to be maintained economically rather than replaced entirely.
3Device complexity
If traditional single compartment refrigeration systems are used, then simple design is achieved, but multiple compartments cannot be cooled efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal glycol circulation system that can serve multiple compartments simultaneously. The single glycol loop can be configured to cool different sections or compartments, providing multi-functionality while maintaining relatively simple system design through the use of a shared cooling medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the Freon lines are positioned within or alongside the glycol circulation channels. This nested arrangement allows the refrigeration system to efficiently cool multiple compartments through concentric or integrated positioning of cooling elements.
4Ease of manufacture
If outdated refrigeration technology is used, then established design practices are maintained, but cooling efficiency and energy economy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by transitioning from direct air cooling to liquid glycol cooling, and from fixed foam insulation to removable modular insulation. These parameter changes improve heat transfer efficiency and energy economy while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through adaptation of established practices.
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 cylindrical cooling assembly significantly enhances cooling efficiency while minimizing energy consumption and preventing food drying, offering a space-efficient, portable solution for commercial food preparation.
Implementation Method 1
The Freon lines contain Freon or other fluid cooled by a single or relatively small number of refrigeration condensing and compressor units. The Freon lines wrap around an inner cylinder area and cool the surrounding glycol or other fluid.
Implementation Method 2
The contents of the inner circular void area, cooling chamber or food storage area are cooled indirectly by heat transfer into the Freon lines and surrounding glycol.
Data Source
AI summary
A glycol pan chiller is configured in a unique cylinder form factor that achieves new efficiencies in power savings and cooling. A new cylindrical cooling assembly comprises three concentrically disposed cylinders attached together at their respective top ends to create an upper lip area 219 or shelf area that provides top end insulation and a useful shelf area. The concentrically disposed cylinders define an outward void for insulation, a middle void for refrigerant tubing and retained refrigerant or cooling fluid such as glycol and an inner void 224 for food storage and food cooling. Food cooled within the inner void is not dried out as heat transfer occurs without blowing air within the inner void.