Food dispenser and method for operating a food dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional food dispensing devices face challenges in maintaining consistent cooling without a permanent power source, especially in mobile settings like hospitals, where peak cooling demands vary and energy efficiency is crucial, leading to food waste due to inadequate storage and flexibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A food dispensing device equipped with a phase change material store and a coolant circuit, where the phase change material provides a buffer for peak loads, allowing the device to maintain adequate cooling even without the coolant circuit's operation, and a compact, low-noise coolant compressor designed for average loads, with a phase change material reservoir capable of compensating for peak cooling demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a coolant compressor is used to cool cupboard compartments and refrigerated surfaces, then adequate cooling capacity is achieved, but a mains connection or large energy storage device is required and noise and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material store is pre-filled with phase change material that has been frozen in advance. This preliminary action stores cooling capacity in the material itself, allowing the system to provide adequate cooling without requiring a large energy storage device or continuous mains connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase change material that transitions between solid and liquid states. The material is frozen in advance (solid state) and then melts during operation (liquid state), absorbing heat in the process. This phase transition provides continuous cooling capacity without requiring active compressor operation or large energy storage.
2Ease of operation
If the coolant circuit is opened and closed several times during distribution, then food access is enabled, but warm air flows in and large cooling outputs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material store acts as a thermal buffer that is prepared in advance by freezing. This cushioning effect absorbs the thermal shocks caused by frequent door openings, preventing warm air from significantly heating the food storage areas and eliminating the need for large cooling outputs to compensate for repeated temperature fluctuations.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If phase change material stores are used in household refrigerators, then adequate cooling over limited period is achieved, but weight and volume of the refrigerator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material store serves multiple functions: it acts as both a thermal buffer during frequent access periods and a primary cooling source during transport or extended periods without power. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve extended cooling duration without proportionally increasing weight, as the same component addresses multiple operational scenarios.
4Productivity
If food portions are prepared in advance and stored, then distribution efficiency is improved, but food waste increases due to inflexible distribution and hygiene constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables dynamic distribution where food portions can be flexibly accessed and distributed based on actual demand. The well-insulated storage areas with phase change material buffering allow food to remain at safe temperatures during extended periods, enabling portions to be held until actually needed rather than being discarded on fixed schedules, thus reducing waste while maintaining distribution efficiency.
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
Ensures reliable and efficient cooling with reduced energy consumption and noise, allowing for flexible operation in both mobile and stationary settings, minimizing food waste by maintaining optimal temperatures and accommodating varying cooling needs.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material store (4), which has a phase change material-filled, at least partially metallic, permanently installed storage housing (5) and is in heat exchange with a coolant circuit (6)
Implementation Method 2
the phase change material is a liquid with a freezing point between -15°C and 0°C
Implementation Method 3
a phase change material store (4), which has a phase change material-filled, at least partially metallic, permanently installed storage housing (5) and is in heat exchange with a coolant circuit (6)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a preferably mobile food dispensing device with at least one food receiving area and with a coolant circuit (6). According to the invention, an ice store (4) is provided which has a storage housing (5) filled with a phase change material and is in heat exchange with the cooling circuit (6). The invention also relates to a method for the mobile and stationary operation of such a food dispensing device.