Systems and methods for a refrigeration device having a lid assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Restaurants and hospitality establishments face logistical challenges in efficiently storing and retrieving chilled beverage ingredients and specialty ice, leading to time and energy inefficiencies, as well as compromised aesthetics due to lack of a dedicated refrigerated storage solution.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration device with multiple compartments, a temperature control system, and a lid assembly that allows for adjustable thermal communication between compartments, enabling precise temperature control and efficient storage and retrieval of beverage ingredients and ice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single large ice format is used, then the flavor profile is enhanced and melt time is extended, but the storage and retrieval efficiency is reduced due to lack of partitioning
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration device is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment, second compartment, third compartment) that can be independently controlled and accessed. Each compartment can store different ice formats or beverage ingredients, allowing bartenders to retrieve specific ice types without sorting through a single large storage space, thus maintaining both specialty ice quality and retrieval efficiency
2Quantity of substance
If specialty ice is stored in auxiliary coolers, then the ice can be stored, but the retrieval process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple storage compartments for different ice formats and beverage ingredients into a single integrated refrigeration device that is positioned at the bar area. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary coolers and allows all ice and ingredients to be accessed from one convenient location, improving both storage capacity utilization and retrieval ease
3Ease of operation
If the lid assembly is fully opened for retrieval, then access to compartments is improved, but thermal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is segmented into multiple independent lids (first lid, second lid, third lid) that can be opened separately to access different compartments. This allows users to open only the specific compartment needed rather than the entire refrigeration unit, improving access convenience while minimizing thermal loss to only the necessary area
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple compartments are used for different ice types, then storage organization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each compartment in the refrigeration device is designed with universal functionality to store various types of ice formats and beverage ingredients. The compartments share common structural elements (walls, lids, temperature control) while providing specialized organization, allowing the device to handle multiple storage needs without proportionally increasing overall complexity
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 device provides efficient chilling and storage of beverage ingredients and ice, reducing time and energy consumption while maintaining the aesthetic quality of the ice, thereby enhancing the serving experience.
Implementation Method 1
a controller configured to control the temperature in at least one of the first compartment and the second compartment
Implementation Method 2
a temperature regulator configured to adjust a thermal communication between the first compartment and the second compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration device capable of chilling beverage ingredients and accessories is disclosed. The refrigeration device may include a first compartment that defines a first open top area, a second compartment that defines a second open top area, and a wall disposed between the first and second compartments. The refrigeration device may further include a controller configured to control the temperature in at least one of the first and second compartments, a temperature regulator configured to adjust a thermal communication between the first and second compartments, and a lid assembly movable between an opened and a closed position.