Galley Insert Beverage Maker with Integrated Cooling and Dual Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing beverage options on vehicles like aircraft are limited, with customers demanding alternative chilled drinks, and current methods lack the capability to efficiently produce chilled or frozen beverages on board.
Innovation Solution
A galley insert beverage making system comprising a cooling system, a motor, and a pitcher system with a blending element and a stirring element, where the blending and stirring elements are rotationally driven by the motor, and the cooling system cools the pitcher to sub-zero temperatures, enabling the production of frozen slush drinks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cooling system is integrated into the beverage maker to produce chilled drinks, then the beverage options are expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (cooling, blending, stirring) into a single integrated beverage maker unit that fits within the existing galley compartment. The cooling system, motor assembly with dual elements, and pitcher system are merged into one compact device, resolving the contradiction by achieving versatility through integration rather than adding separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage maker is designed as a multi-functional device capable of producing various chilled and frozen beverages through the coordinated action of the cooling system, blending element, and stirring element. This universal design allows the same device to handle different beverage types (iced coffee, smoothies, frozen drinks) without requiring separate equipment.
2Productivity
If both blending and stirring elements are used to produce frozen slush drinks, then the drink quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two distinct mixing functions (blending and stirring) into a single motor-driven assembly. The motor rotates both the blending element and stirring element in a coordinated manner, allowing the device to produce high-quality frozen slush drinks with proper texture and consistency without requiring two separate motors or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing function is segmented into two distinct elements (blending element with blades for cutting ice, and stirring element for circulating) that work together. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while being driven by a single motor, reducing overall complexity compared to using two independent motor assemblies.
3Area of stationary object
If the beverage maker is designed to fit within existing galley compartments, then the installation space is optimized, but the device dimensions are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The pitcher is nested within the galley compartment, with the body of the beverage maker positioned around it. The cooling system components (evaporator, condenser, compressor) are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller components are positioned within or adjacent to larger ones, maximizing space utilization within the constrained galley compartment dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space within the galley compartment by positioning the motor assembly above the pitcher and arranging the cooling system components in a vertical layout. The body extends vertically to accommodate the motor and cooling components while the pitcher sits in the lower portion, effectively using the third dimension to overcome horizontal space constraints.
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 effectively produces chilled and frozen slush drinks by blending and stirring ingredients while cooling, enhancing customer experience by providing a wider range of beverage options on vehicles and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling system cools the pitcher
Implementation Method 2
cooling system
Implementation Method 3
a blending element configured to be rotationally driven by the motor
Implementation Method 4
a stirring element configured to be rotationally driven by the motor
Implementation Method 5
a motor
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A galley insert beverage making system (1) for producing chilled drinks comprising: a body (8) configured to be inserted into a vehicle galley compartment (4b). The body (8) comprises: a cooling system (50); and a motor (32). The galley insert beverage making system (1) also comprises a pitcher system (10). The pitcher system (10) comprises: a pitcher (20); a blending element (60) configured to be rotationally driven by the motor (32); and a stirring element (62) configured to be rotationally driven by the motor (32). The body (8) defines a cavity (12) configured to receive the pitcher (20), and the system (1) is configured such that the cooling system (50) cools the pitcher (20).