Ice Chest Cold Plate Fitting for Multi-Size Beverage Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice chest systems require multiple SKUs to accommodate different tubing sizes for beverage lines, leading to inefficiencies and a need for more versatile fittings.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a cold plate with beverage lines and a versatile fitting that features frustoconical sections with varying diameters, allowing for secure coupling with different tubing sizes through a transition section that tapers from a larger to a smaller diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SKUs are used to accommodate different tubing sizes, then compatibility with various tubing sizes is improved, but device complexity and inventory management worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single fitting that can accommodate multiple tubing sizes through its frustoconical geometry. The fitting includes a larger-diameter first section and a smaller-diameter second section, allowing it to interface with different tubing diameters using the same component rather than requiring multiple size-specific fittings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the outside diameter of different sections within the same fitting. The frustoconical sections have different diameter parameters (larger at the first section, smaller at the second section), enabling the fitting to adapt to different tubing size parameters without changing the fitting itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SKUs are maintained for different tubing sizes, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing and distribution complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is designed as a universal component that serves multiple tubing size requirements. Instead of manufacturing and distributing multiple size-specific fittings, a single fitting design with frustoconical sections of varying diameters can be produced and used across different applications.
3Device complexity
If a single fitting design is used for all tubing sizes, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different tubing sizes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting employs local quality by having different sections with different diameter characteristics. The first section has a larger outside diameter suitable for larger tubing, while the second section has a smaller outside diameter suitable for smaller tubing. Each section's local geometry is optimized for its specific tubing size requirement within the same component.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting incorporates dynamic adaptability through its frustoconical geometry, allowing it to interface with tubing of varying diameters. The tapered sections enable the fitting to accommodate different tubing sizes by providing appropriate contact surfaces at different locations along the fitting's length.
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
This solution eliminates the need for multiple ice chest SKUs by enabling the cold plate and fittings to accommodate various tubing sizes, enhancing installation flexibility and reducing inventory complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first section having a plurality of first-section frustoconical sections, each of the first-section frustoconical sections having a first-section major outside diameter and a first-section minor outside diameter; a second section having a plurality of second-section frustoconical sections, each of the second-section frustoconical sections having a second-section major outside diameter and a second-section minor outside diameter; and wherein the first-section major outside diameter is greater than the second-section major outside diameter
Data Source
AI summary
An ice chest (10) with beverage lines (18) in a cold plate (12) is provided in which the inlets and outlets of the cold plate beverage lines are coupled to fittings (16) that accommodate coupling to a wide range of beverage tubing sizes. Also provided are the cold plate (12) and fittings (16).