Removable Faucet Assembly for Multi-Purpose Cooler Beverage Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable draft beer systems are expensive, occupy significant storage space when not in use, and are difficult to clean, as they require dedicated coolers that cannot be used for other cooling services, and the cost of owning both portable and non-portable systems is prohibitive due to the need for separate equipment.
Innovation Solution
A removably installable beverage dispensing system that includes a receiving bracket and faucet mounting plate, allowing easy installation and removal from coolers, enabling the same components to be used in both portable and non-portable systems, and facilitating the conversion of existing coolers for dispensing various beverages, with a design that includes a passageway and locking mechanism for secure attachment and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated coolers are used for portable draft beer systems, then the beer dispensing function is reliable and preserved, but the cooler cannot be used for other cooling services and occupies significant storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the cooler body and the dispensing components (faucet, tower, connector, hoses). The dispensing components can be removed from the cooler, allowing the cooler to be used for other purposes while maintaining the beer dispensing function when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket and faucet assembly are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable - they can be installed in the cooler when beer dispensing is needed and removed when not needed, transitioning the system between different operational states to maximize versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate portable and non-portable draft beer systems are owned, then both portable and permanent dispensing needs are met, but the total cost is prohibitive due to requiring separate equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing components (faucet, tower, connector, hoses) are designed as universal parts that can function in both portable cooler applications and permanent installation settings. This single set of components can be transferred between different cooler types, eliminating the need to purchase separate equipment for portable and permanent systems.
3Reliability
If dedicated coolers with integrated dispensing equipment are used, then the beer dispensing system is complete and functional, but the system is difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing components (faucet, tower, connector, hoses) are extracted as removable elements from the cooler body. This allows the cooler interior to be completely accessed and cleaned without disassembly, while the removed dispensing components can be cleaned separately, significantly improving maintenance ease.
4Strength
If portable draft beer systems are designed with fixed mounting structures, then the faucet and equipment are securely attached, but the components cannot be easily removed for storage or alternative cooler use
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is pre-designed with specific attachment features (such as pre-drilled holes, alignment pins, or snap-fit mechanisms) that enable both secure installation and easy removal. The bracket can be firmly attached to the cooler during use, yet allows for straightforward detachment when needed, balancing security with operability.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and method for constructing or modifying a portable or non-portable ice chest, refrigerator, or other cooler for temporarily installing one or more faucets and related beverage dispensing equipment for cooling and dispensing beer or other beverages such that when cooler is not being used for dispensing beer or other beverages, the one or more faucets and the related dispensing equipment can be removed to allow the cooler to be used for other cooling services.