In-seat mini-bar features
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
It has not been feasible to station compact refrigerator-type compartments in aircraft mini-bars, galleys, or other smaller enclosures due to space constraints and the need for efficient cooling solutions.
Innovation Solution
The in-seat mini-bar assembly features a micro-chiller unit with thermo-electric elements mounted on a conductive rear plate, integrated into a housing that fits within an aircraft seating module compartment. This system includes a vent with a duct that channels outside air for uniform airflow and conductive cooling, along with a door and latching mechanism for access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a compact refrigerator-type compartment is installed in an aircraft mini-bar or galley, then cooling capability is provided, but the device size and space requirements increase beyond available compartment dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical compression-based refrigeration system with a thermo-electric cooling system (Peltier effect). This substitution eliminates compressors, condensers, and expansion valves, reducing mechanical complexity and device volume while maintaining cooling capability in the interior cavity
Solution Approach 2:
The mini-bar assembly is nested within the aircraft seating module compartment. The housing fits into the available space, with the interior cavity nested within the housing, and thermal coupling elements nested between the thermo-electric cooler and the interior cavity to maximize space utilization
2Temperature
If traditional refrigeration systems are used, then cooling performance is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical refrigeration components (compressors, condensers, expansion devices) with a solid-state thermo-electric cooling system. The cooling system includes a power supply, thermo-electric cooler, and heat sink, eliminating multiple mechanical components while maintaining cooling performance
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into integrated components. The housing serves as both structural enclosure and thermal insulation barrier. The rear wall acts as both structural support and thermal coupling surface. The heat sink integrates both heat dissipation and air flow management functions
3Volume of moving object
If the mini-bar assembly is designed to fit within limited compartment space, then space utilization improves, but the available volume for storage and cooling capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the interior cavity geometry to maximize storage capacity within the constrained compartment dimensions. The cavity is configured with specific width, depth, and height dimensions that efficiently utilize the available three-dimensional space while accommodating beverage containers
Solution Approach 2:
The interior cavity is nested within the housing with optimized clearance dimensions. Thermal coupling elements are nested between the thermo-electric cooler and the cavity wall, maximizing the use of available space for both cooling functionality and storage capacity
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 solution enables efficient cooling of the interior cavity, allowing for the storage of beverages like soda cans, while being compact and adaptable to fit within aircraft seating module compartments, enhancing passenger comfort and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a container (540) with an interior cavity that is conductively cooled by thermo-electric elements of a micro-chiller unit
Implementation Method 2
a vent configured proximate to a front section of the housing to receive outside air forward of the housing for channeling the outside air to a rear section of the housing using a duct attached to the vent
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink that receives the outside air uniformly via the circular cross-sectional area of the duct across a set of fins configured with the heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
An in-seat mini-bar assembly, apparatus and method of manufacture is provided. The assembly includes a housing that is insertable into a compartment of the seating module and includes a container with an interior cavity that is conductively cooled by thermo-electric elements of a micro-chiller unit mounted on a conductive rear plate that forms an exterior side of the container. A vent is configured proximate to a front section of the housing to receive outside air forward of the housing for channeling the outside air to a rear section of the housing using a duct attached to the vent at the front section. The duct is shaped for a fluidic intake of the outside air by a frontal flange having a wide cross-sectional area that is gradually tapered to a circular cross-sectional area to direct the airflow in a uniform manner.