Refreezable Ice Barrel With Pre-Chilled Cooling Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice barrels require frequent refills of ice to maintain beverages at a chilled temperature, leading to inefficiency and water wastage, especially when positioned in locations where water removal and refilling are difficult, posing challenges for water conservation and mobility.
Innovation Solution
A refreezable barrel with a cooler body containing a refreezable cooling element and an optional ice maker, designed to reduce the amount of ice needed by pre-chilling the barrel, thereby extending the melting period of ice and minimizing the need for frequent refills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional ice barrels are used to chill beverages, then beverages can be maintained at a chilled temperature, but the ice melts frequently requiring frequent refills and water removal
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling element is pre-chilled to freezing temperatures before being placed in the beverage container. This preliminary cooling action lowers the overall temperature of the container and beverages, causing subsequent ice to melt more slowly and extend its effective duration.
2Ease of operation
If ice barrels are positioned at checkout counters or outdoor locations, then beverages are accessible to customers, but water removal and refilling becomes difficult and strenuous
Solution Approach 1:
The water removal function is extracted from the main beverage service location. The drain valve allows water to be removed through the container wall without moving the entire barrel, separating the water removal operation from the beverage dispensing location.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with a drain valve that enables easy water removal by the user without requiring external equipment or assistance. The system serves itself by providing an integrated solution for water ejection that matches the portability needs of outdoor and checkout counter locations.
3Temperature
If frequent ice refills are performed, then beverages remain chilled, but large amounts of water are wasted and significant time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling element is pre-chilled to freezing temperatures before being placed in the beverage container. This preliminary cooling action lowers the overall temperature of the container and beverages, causing subsequent ice to melt more slowly and extend its effective duration, thereby reducing water waste from frequent refills.
4Ease of operation
If ice barrels are moved for water removal, then water can be drained, but the weight of water and beverages makes movement strenuous
Solution Approach 1:
The water removal function is extracted from the main beverage service location. The drain valve allows water to be removed through the container wall without moving the entire barrel, separating the water removal operation from the beverage dispensing location and eliminating the need to move the heavy barrel.
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 refreezable barrel effectively reduces the amount of ice required to keep beverages chilled over an extended period, conserving water and simplifying maintenance by integrating a cooling element and optional ice production, providing a more environmentally friendly solution.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling element disposed within the cooler body and refreezable to mitigate temperature rise within the cooler body
Implementation Method 2
The refreezeable barrel may advantageously be chilled to freeze/chill the refreezeable elements before ice is placed within the cooler body
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a refreezable barrel for chilling a plurality of items. The refreezable barrel includes a cooler body defining an open end and a closed end portion. The cooler body defines a cavity extending from the open end towards the closed end portion. The cavity is configured to receive the plurality of items. A cooling element is disposed within the cooler body and is refreezable to mitigate temperature rise within the cooler body. The refreezable barrel also includes a cooler stand defining a recess configured to engage with the closed end portion of the cooler body.