Systems and methods for a refrigeration device having a lid assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Restaurants and hospitality establishments face logistical challenges in storing and retrieving chilled beverage ingredients and specialty ice, leading to inefficiencies and compromised aesthetics due to lack of a dedicated refrigerated storage solution.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration device with multiple compartments, a temperature control system, and a lid assembly that allows for adjustable thermal communication between compartments, enabling efficient storage and retrieval of beverage ingredients and ice while maintaining a controlled temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single large ice format is used to enhance flavor profile and reduce dilution, then beverage quality is improved, but storage and retrieval efficiency deteriorates due to lack of partitioned storage
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration device is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment for ice, second compartment for beverage ingredients) with a partition wall between them. This segmentation allows different types of ice geometries to be stored in separate sections, enabling efficient retrieval of specific ice types without sorting through mixed storage, while maintaining the quality of specialty ice formats.
2Reliability
If specialty ice is stored in auxiliary coolers to maintain appearance and prevent cracking, then aesthetic quality is improved, but accessibility and retrieval efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage of specialty ice and beverage ingredients into a single refrigeration device with integrated compartments. The first compartment stores various ice geometries (cubes, spheres, globes) while the second compartment stores beverage ingredients, both within the same unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate auxiliary coolers, allowing bartenders to access both ice and ingredients conveniently from one location while maintaining ice quality through controlled thermal communication.
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature regulator acts as an intermediary between the first compartment (ice) and second compartment (beverage ingredients). This mediator controls thermal communication between compartments, allowing heat transfer when needed for tempering ice while preventing excessive heat transfer that could cause cracking. The temperature regulator enables precise control of the tempering process without compromising ice appearance or requiring separate storage locations.
3Reliability
If ice is tempered prior to use to prevent cracking, then aesthetic quality is improved, but time and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tempering of ice by controlling thermal communication between compartments before the ice is needed. The temperature regulator can gradually warm ice from the first compartment through the controlled thermal pathway, preparing it for use without sudden temperature shocks that would cause cracking. This preliminary action ensures ice is ready for immediate use with proper appearance, eliminating the need for last-minute tempering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature regulator dynamically adjusts thermal parameters (heat transfer rate, temperature differential) between compartments to optimize the tempering process. By controlling the rate and amount of heat transfer, the system can quickly temper ice when needed while minimizing energy consumption. The parameter changes allow flexible adjustment of tempering intensity and duration based on operational requirements.
4Productivity
If multiple compartments are used to partition ice types and store ingredients, then storage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration device is divided into two main compartments (first compartment for ice, second compartment for beverage ingredients) separated by a partition wall. This segmentation provides organized storage for different items, improving retrieval efficiency and preventing cross-contamination of odors. The straightforward two-compartment design achieves storage efficiency without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature regulator serves multiple functions: it controls thermal communication between compartments for tempering ice, maintains appropriate temperature differentials for storage, and can be adjusted based on operational needs. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate heating elements, cooling systems, or control mechanisms in each compartment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving efficient storage and temperature management.
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 device improves storage efficiency and temperature control, reducing time and energy inefficiencies and enhancing the aesthetic quality of beverages by allowing for precise temperature management and easy access to various ice geometries.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge coupled to the first panel and configured to enable the lid assembly to move between a fully opened position and a partially closed position
Implementation Method 2
a track configured to enable the second panel to slide relative to the first panel to move the lid assembly between a partially open position and the fully closed position
Implementation Method 3
a temperature regulator configured to adjust a thermal communication between the first compartment and the second compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration device capable of chilling beverage ingredients and accessories is disclosed. The refrigeration device may include a first compartment that defines a first open top area, a second compartment that defines a second open top area, and a wall disposed between the first and second compartments. The refrigeration device may further include a controller configured to control the temperature in at least one of the first and second compartments, a temperature regulator configured to adjust a thermal communication between the first and second compartments, and a lid assembly movable between an opened and a closed position.