Refrigerator-Integrated CO2 Froster for Rapid Glass Chilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing froster systems for chilling or freezing drinking vessels require significant countertop space and are impractical for quick and convenient use in most kitchens, as they necessitate large freezers or separate high-pressure CO2 cylinders, which are often not available.
Innovation Solution
A froster system integrated into a refrigerator's ice/water dispenser area that uses a CO2-dispensing nozzle to efficiently chill, freeze, or ice vessels, minimizing kitchen space usage while providing quick and convenient operation, with options for manual or electronic control and safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a high-pressure CO2 cylinder and separate froster unit are used, then rapid frosting (3-6 seconds) is achieved, but significant countertop space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the CO2 cylinder, control valve, and dispensing nozzle into an integrated assembly that mounts directly within the refrigerator door or body. This merging eliminates the need for separate countertop-mounted froster units and CO2 cylinder storage, achieving rapid frosting while utilizing existing refrigerator space rather than occupying additional countertop area.
Solution Approach 2:
The CO2 system serves multiple functions: it provides rapid frosting of drinking vessels, sanitizes glasses through the cold CO2 exposure, and can be integrated with existing ice/water dispensing mechanisms. This multi-functionality justifies the space investment by combining several useful operations into one integrated system.
2Loss of time
If a separate CO2 glass chiller is used, then quick frosting is achieved, but kitchen space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The CO2 cylinder and dispensing mechanism are nested within the refrigerator structure itself, utilizing the existing refrigerator footprint. The system is installed in locations such as the door interior, behind the facade door, or within the ice/water dispenser area, effectively nesting the froster functionality within the refrigerator's existing spatial envelope rather than requiring separate kitchen counter or table space.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional freezer frosting method is used, then no additional equipment is needed, but hours of freezing time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressurized CO2 gas delivered through a dispensing nozzle to achieve rapid cooling and frosting of drinking vessels. The high-pressure CO2 expands and contacts the glass surface, transferring cold energy quickly and forming frost deposits in seconds, replacing the passive thermal conduction method of traditional freezer storage with an active pneumatic delivery system.
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 system allows for rapid and space-efficient frosting of drinking vessels, sanitizing them in the process, and can be used for various items, maintaining low temperatures without occupying additional countertop space, enhancing beverage appeal and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
liquid CO2 is drawn by a siphon tube from the high-pressure cylinder and is routed to the nozzle. When activated the liquid CO2 is dispensed onto the glass to be frosted
Implementation Method 2
The froster system efficiently chills, freezes, or ices the vessel placed at the nozzle when the CO2 is dispensed
Implementation Method 3
The vessel is also sanitized when frosted
Data Source
AI summary
A froster system is provided that dispenses liquid CO2 from a high-pressure CO2 cylinder through a CO2-dispensing nozzle that is disposed within a refrigerator. The froster system efficiently sanitizes and chills, freezes, or ices the vessel placed at the nozzle. The froster system includes the high-pressure CO2 cylinder in fluid communication with the CO2-dispensing nozzle, cylinder-to-nozzle tubing to connect the CO2 cylinder to the CO2-dispensing nozzle, and a controller to convey the input of the user to actuate the froster system to output liquid CO2.