Refrigerated Table with Integrated Electronic User Interface and Storage Compartment /Locker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dining tables lack integration of modern technologies such as refrigeration units, interactive display units, and secure storage compartments, failing to meet the needs of a technologically advanced society, particularly in public places like cafes and restaurants.
Innovation Solution
A table with an integrated refrigerated storage compartment, transparent LCD screen, app-controlled access mechanism, and integrated payment system, featuring durable materials, lighting, and security features like a locking mechanism and alarm system, all designed for enhanced user experience and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dining tables are used, then the table structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the table lacks integration of modern technologies such as refrigeration units, interactive display units, and secure storage compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent functional units (refrigeration unit, secure storage compartment, interactive display unit, payment terminal) into a single integrated table system. These units are merged spatially and functionally within the table structure, allowing the table to serve multiple purposes simultaneously - food storage, security, entertainment, and payment processing - thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by creating a unified multi-functional device.
Solution Approach 2:
The table is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: the refrigeration unit stores food and beverages, the secure storage compartment safeguards personal belongings, the interactive display unit provides information and entertainment, and the payment terminal processes transactions. This multi-functionality approach allows a single table to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, enhancing adaptability while managing complexity through integrated design.
2Reliability
If conventional tables without secure storage are used, then the table design remains simple, but customers' belongings are vulnerable to theft in public places
Solution Approach 1:
The secure storage compartment is nested within the table structure, creating a hidden, protected space for customer belongings. This nested design allows the security feature to be integrated seamlessly into the table without adding external complexity or changing the table's external appearance, thereby enhancing reliability while minimizing the impact on overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional tables without refrigeration are used, then the table structure remains simple, but food and beverages cannot be kept fresh
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration unit is integrated into a specific compartment of the table, providing localized cooling only where food and beverages are stored. This local quality approach ensures that freshness is maintained in the relevant area without requiring the entire table structure to be modified or cooled, thereby improving food preservation reliability while limiting the complexity increase to only the necessary localized components.
4Productivity
If manual payment processes are used, then the table design remains simple, but the payment process is time-consuming and lacks integration
Solution Approach 1:
The payment terminal is integrated directly into the table, enabling customers to process payments independently without requiring server intervention. This self-service capability allows customers to complete transactions at the table itself, significantly improving payment processing efficiency and productivity while the integration into the table structure manages the complexity increase through unified design.
5Adaptability or versatility
If tables lack interactive display units, then the table design remains simple, but user engagement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interactive display unit adds a digital dimension to the traditionally two-dimensional table surface. By incorporating screens and interactive interfaces, the table transitions from a purely physical object to a hybrid physical-digital platform, enabling new forms of user engagement such as digital menus, ordering interfaces, and information display, thereby enhancing versatility while managing complexity through layered integration.
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
Provides secure, convenient, and efficient storage and payment solutions, ensuring the freshness of food and beverages, preventing unauthorized access, and enhancing user engagement and safety in public settings.
Implementation Method 1
A transparent LCD screen is integrated into the tabletop, providing a view of the contents of the refrigerated storage compartment
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerated storage compartment is designed to keep food and beverages cold and fresh
Data Source
AI summary
The present one embodiment relates to a table with an integrated refrigerated storage compartment positioned below the tabletop. The apparatus further includes a transparent LCD screen integrated into the tabletop, providing a view of the contents of the refrigerated storage compartment. Access mechanism controlled by an application (app) activates actuators and motors to open and close the storage compartment securely, which doubles as a locker. Additional features include a credit card reader for payment, a temperature control system for storing chilled beverages and perishable food items, interior lighting, and a secure locking mechanism. The tabletop is made of durable, easy-to-clean material and includes an alarm system activated by light and motion sensors. The apparatus also includes a user chamber for secure storage of food and beverages during user absence and a lock that can be opened by a user's credit card or other payment methods along with the app.