Instant Freezer With Removable Cells for Cryogenic Liquid Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for freezing consumable substances like alcoholic beverages are not safe, simple, or efficient, and often modify the chemical composition, violating industry regulations and failing to provide a quick freezing solution.
Innovation Solution
A novel instant freezer apparatus with a main frame and removable freezing cells, utilizing liquid carbon dioxide or nitrogen, controlled by a freezing fluid injection system, allowing for rapid freezing without additives and maintaining the chemical composition of the substance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional freezing methods are used, then freezing time is reduced, but chemical composition is modified and additives are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by using liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures (around -196°C) to achieve rapid freezing. This extreme temperature parameter allows freezing to occur so quickly that chemical composition remains unchanged, resolving the contradiction between freezing speed and composition stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of liquid nitrogen to gaseous nitrogen during the freezing process. The liquid nitrogen absorbs heat from the consumable substance, causing rapid freezing without chemical interaction. This phase transition mechanism enables fast freezing while preserving the original chemical composition.
2Speed
If cryogenic freezing is applied, then freezing speed is improved, but safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a removable insert as an intermediary between the liquid nitrogen and the consumable substance. This insert acts as a heat transfer medium that safely conducts cold from the nitrogen to the substance without direct contact, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining rapid freezing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The freezing apparatus is segmented into separate components: a removable insert that contacts the consumable substance and a separate chamber for liquid nitrogen. This segmentation allows safe operation by isolating the extremely cold nitrogen from direct contact with the substance and user, while still achieving cryogenic freezing speeds.
3Ease of operation
If pre-freezing of beverages is implemented, then customer experience is enhanced, but regulatory compliance is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables bartenders to freeze beverages on-demand at the point of service. The removable insert can be quickly placed in the consumable substance and frozen in seconds, allowing immediate preparation of frozen drinks without pre-freezing storage, thus complying with regulations while maintaining service convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus allows for preliminary freezing action to be performed immediately before serving. The removable insert is prepared by placing it in the beverage and freezing it rapidly right before service, ensuring regulatory compliance while still providing the enhanced customer experience of frozen beverages.
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
Enables the safe, efficient, and rapid freezing of consumable substances, ensuring the chemical composition remains unchanged, addressing regulatory concerns and enhancing the freezing process's speed and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus generally comprises a main frame having an ice-cube type receptacle tray, and a freezing fluid injection system which is fluidly connected thereto. The fluid contained by the injection system is typically liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen.
Implementation Method 2
The fluid contained by the injection system is typically liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen
Data Source
AI summary
An instant freezer apparatus able to freeze consumable fluids and food having a freezing point lower than water is disclosed. The apparatus and method of the present invention is directed to a freezer typically able to instantly freeze consumable fluids and food without altering their chemical compositions. The instant freezer apparatus generally comprises a main frame and a removable freezing module. The apparatus may further comprise a freezing fluid injection system such as a liquid carbon dioxide tank or a liquid nitrogen tank fluidly connected to the main frame. At least two freezing cells comprising the fluid to be frozen may be included, the freezing cells being independently removable from the freezing module and other freezing cells. A semi-flexible mat for receiving and supporting varying shapes of freezing cells may be included.