Retractable Chilled Beverage Dispenser With Integrated Refrigeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems are bulky, limit configuration and aesthetics, and allow residual beverages to accumulate in unrefrigerated areas, leading to potential contamination and spoilage.
Innovation Solution
A retractable beverage dispenser system with a housing that maintains all components in a refrigerated environment, using insulation materials and cooling systems to keep the dispensed beverage and residuals at a consistent temperature, preventing spoilage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional beverage dispensing system is used with unrefrigerated tap areas, then the system is simpler in structure, but residual beverages accumulate and spoil causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the refrigerated storage chamber and the dispensing tap into a single integrated refrigerated environment. The tap is positioned such that its beverage-contacting surfaces remain entirely within the refrigerated space, eliminating the need for separate unrefrigerated pathways and preventing residual beverage spoilage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tap structure is nested within the refrigerated chamber, with the tap body and spout positioned so that all beverage-contacting surfaces remain inside the refrigerated environment. This nesting ensures that dispensing components are contained within the temperature-controlled zone.
2Reliability
If a refrigerated environment is maintained for all beverage-contacting surfaces, then spoilage and contamination are prevented, but the system becomes bulkier and less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies refrigeration locally and efficiently by designing a compact insulated chamber that maintains temperature only where beverage-contacting surfaces exist. The insulation is strategically applied to the chamber walls and tap components, providing targeted cooling without requiring excessive system volume.
3Reliability
If a refrigerated environment is maintained for all beverage-contacting surfaces, then spoilage and contamination are prevented, but the system aesthetics and configuration flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies refrigeration locally and efficiently by designing a compact insulated chamber that maintains temperature only where beverage-contacting surfaces exist. The insulation is strategically applied to the chamber walls and tap components, providing targeted cooling without requiring excessive system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a retractable tap mechanism that can extend and retract from the refrigerated chamber. When retracted, the tap maintains a sleek profile integrated into the chamber; when extended for dispensing, it provides full functionality. This dynamic design enhances aesthetic appeal and configuration flexibility while maintaining the refrigerated environment.
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 system ensures that all components in contact with the beverage remain refrigerated, preventing spoilage and contamination, while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
The housing can include insulation material positioned within the housing to reduce heat transfer to and from the components
Implementation Method 2
The system for refrigeration can include a cooling system positioned within the housing that cools the components and the dispensed beverage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
Various apparatus and systems for chilled beverage dispensing are disclosed. The beverage dispenser can be configured such that any surface that the dispensed beverage is in contact with during the dispensing process is refrigerated to the appropriate temperature. In some examples, the beverage dispenser can extend from and retract into a refrigerated source. In some examples, the beverage dispenser can be built into a refrigeration system.