Keg Beverage Concession Module with Integrated Cooling and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile vending units for utility vehicles lack compartmentalization for food and beverages, require external ice storage, are not easily reconfigurable, and often drain ice meltwater onto the ground, failing to provide efficient and convenient mobile retail services, especially for chilled beverages like beer and wine.
Innovation Solution
A mobile vending service unit with a keg beverage concession module that includes a self-contained, interchangeable module with a 'back-to-back' server and supply side configuration, featuring a tap compartment, storage compartment, keg storage, and cooling compartment, secured to a utility vehicle using a locking bar system, allowing for easy access and service without removing the entire unit, and incorporating a water drain system to prevent ice meltwater from leaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a mobile vending unit is designed to provide chilled beverages, then beverage cooling capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to required ice storage and cooling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ice storage compartment and cooling mechanism into a single integrated unit within the concession module. The ice storage compartment is positioned adjacent to the beverage storage area, and the cooling mechanism serves both the ice and beverages simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate external ice storage and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling mechanism is nested within the ice storage compartment structure. The cooling mechanism includes a cooling element that is housed inside the ice storage compartment, allowing the ice to act as both a storage medium and a cooling agent for the beverages stored in adjacent compartments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the concession module is made reconfigurable and interchangeable, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The module employs a dynamic locking system with removable locking bars that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The locking bars are designed to be removable from the exterior of the module, allowing operators to quickly install or remove modules without requiring complex tools or procedures, while still providing secure attachment when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The concession module is designed as a self-contained, interchangeable unit with standardized mounting interfaces. The module can be independently removed and replaced without affecting other parts of the vehicle, allowing for easy reconfiguration while maintaining reliable installation through standardized locking mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If external ice storage is used, then cooling capacity is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ice storage compartment is nested within the concession module structure itself, with the cooling mechanism housed inside the ice storage compartment. This integrated design eliminates the need for external ice storage containers or separate cooling units, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adequate ice storage capacity for beverage cooling.
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 provides efficient, reconfigurable, and convenient mobile retail services, including chilled beverages, by maintaining compartmentalization, eliminating the need for external ice storage, and preventing ice meltwater from leaking, thus enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling compartment
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a keg beverage concession module for use in a vending service unit with food and retail service features that couples to a utility vehicle. The keg beverage concession module includes a compartment for housing a keg of beer or wine, CO2 tank, cooler, cup storage, and dispensing system. Other vending service unit modules allow storage and sale of hot and cold food and beverages and other non-comestible goods, including tobacco products and golf items. The vending service unit includes removable concession modules facilitating quick and easy removal and interchangeability. The disclosed vending service unit includes drawers that allow different types of beverage to be stored and sold. The drawers are individually insulated and can be individually heated or chilled for different food temperatures and types. The vending service unit includes a counter surface that can be used to set items upon and upon which to conduct business.