Rapid refrigeration device for packaged beverages adaptable to a kitchen appliance and a method of refrigeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen appliances lack a simple and efficient method to rapidly cool packaged beverages without user effort or exposure to splashing, and current cooling devices are limited in functionality and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A device adaptable to kitchen appliances like blenders and food processors, using a cylindrical container with a clamping mechanism to secure beverages, which rotates via the appliance's rotary motor, employing a vortex concept for rapid cooling through a mixture of ice and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional refrigeration units or coolers are used to cool packaged beverages, then the beverages reach the desired low temperature, but the cooling time is too long (up to five hours or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotary motor to rotate the packaged beverage container at high speed, creating a vortex effect that intensifies heat transfer between the beverage and the cooling medium (ice water). This mechanical rotation dramatically accelerates the cooling process from hours to minutes by continuously bringing fresh portions of the beverage into contact with the cold medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of ice (solid to liquid) as the primary cooling mechanism. The ice absorbs heat from the packaged beverage during melting, efficiently reducing the beverage temperature. The system uses a container filled with ice and water to create an optimal thermal environment for rapid heat extraction from the rotating beverage package.
2Productivity
If devices are designed solely and exclusively to cool packaged beverages using ice and water with motors and spray pumps, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases and they require additional kitchen space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts existing multi-functional kitchen appliances (blenders, food processors, kitchen robots) to perform the additional function of rapid beverage cooling. By utilizing the rotary motor and container already present in these appliances, the system avoids the need for dedicated cooling devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity and kitchen space requirements while maintaining high cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the beverage cooling function with the existing structure and motor of common kitchen appliances. The packaged beverage container is placed within the appliance's container, and the appliance's rotary motor is used to rotate the beverage package. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate cooling devices and their associated complexity.
3Ease of operation
If devices operate in conjunction with ice containers requiring a rotary motor, then the cooling function is achieved, but they lack durability and demand greater physical effort from the user while exposing the user to splashes of ice water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the kitchen appliance to perform the cooling operation autonomously without requiring user intervention or physical effort. The user simply places the packaged beverage in the appliance's container and activates the appliance through its control panel. The appliance's motor automatically rotates the beverage package, and the system completes the cooling process without user involvement, eliminating exposure to ice water splashes and reducing physical effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the appliance's existing container and lid as intermediaries to contain the ice water and prevent splashes. The packaged beverage rotates within the container while the lid seals the system, acting as a barrier that protects the user from ice water splashes during the cooling operation. This intermediary structure maintains safety while enabling effective heat transfer.
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
Achieves rapid cooling of beverages in 30-60 seconds for aluminum cans and 1-3 minutes for glass bottles, enhancing appliance functionality and reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
driving the beverage to be cooled using the vortex concept
Implementation Method 2
employing a vortex concept for rapid cooling through a mixture of ice and water
Data Source
AI summary
A device where a user of a kitchen appliance can quickly cool a bottled drink. The device has a cylindrical container, in which a bottled drink is inserted and positioned. The cylindrical container has at least one fastening mechanism that holds and secures the drink. An example of the appliance may be a blender or a food processor that includes a base, a rotary motor, a bowl, a lid and a function control panel. The cylindrical container is coupled to the appliance bowl by a mounting assembly that rotates together with the vertical shaft of the kitchen appliance rotary motor. The bottled drink is coupled to the fastening mechanism. A cooling medium consisting of iced water is poured into the appliance bowl and covered in order to be rotated at speed intervals or short pulses of 300 to 2500 revolutions per minute (RPM) to quickly cool the bottled drink.