Underbar Ice Making Device For Dispensing Ice Directly Into A Bartender's Ice Bin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bar setups require a barback to physically transport ice from separate ice making machines to underbar bins, lacking integrated ice making and dispensing solutions that provide immediate access for bartenders.
Innovation Solution
An underbar ice making device that integrates an ice making assembly with an insulated ice holding bin, allowing ice to be made and dispensed directly into a bartender's bin beneath the bar, eliminating the need for manual transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ice is made in separate ice making machines located elsewhere in the facility, then ice production capacity is maintained, but ice must be physically transported from the ice making machines to the ice bins beneath the bar, requiring additional labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ice making assembly and ice holding bin into a single integrated underbar device. The ice making assembly is positioned directly above the ice holding bin, allowing ice to be made and stored in one location beneath the bar, eliminating the need for separate ice making machines and manual transport by barbacks.
2Productivity
If a barback employee is assigned to transport ice from ice making machines to underbar bins, then ice supply to the bar is maintained, but labor costs increase and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated underbar device makes the system self-sufficient by producing and storing ice in the same location where it is needed. The ice making assembly continuously produces ice that drops directly into the ice holding bin beneath the bar, eliminating the need for human intervention to transport ice and freeing barbacks from this repetitive task.
3Ease of operation
If ice bins are placed beneath the bar for immediate bartender access, then ice availability for drink preparation is improved, but the bins lack ice making capability and require external ice supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ice making assembly and ice holding bin into a single integrated unit positioned beneath the bar. This combination ensures that ice is produced on-site and stored in the bin directly accessible to the bartender, guaranteeing continuous ice supply without relying on external delivery or manual transport.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate ice making machines and ice bins are used, then ice production and storage functions are distinct, but additional equipment and space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the ice making assembly and ice holding bin into a single integrated underbar device, reducing the total number of ice handling devices in the bar. This merger optimizes space utilization by eliminating redundant equipment and simplifying the ice supply infrastructure while maintaining both ice production and storage functions in one compact unit.
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 continuous ice availability for bartenders, enhancing convenience and efficiency by eliminating the need for a barback to transport ice, thus optimizing bar operations.
Implementation Method 1
the ice holding bin includes an insulated exterior for keeping the ice cold
Implementation Method 2
making ice continuously in an ice making assembly having a cold element and a water source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an underbar ice making device for dispensing ice directly into a bartender's ice bin for immediate use by the bartender to make one or more drinks. The device and associated methods are intended to be an improvement over standard bar devices, equipment, and procedure because the device and methods will dispense ice directly into a bartender's ice bin so that there is not a need for a bar employee to physically transport ice that is made by an ice machine from the ice machine to an ice bin located underneath the bar. Instead, ice that is made in the ice machine drops directly into an ice bin located beneath the bar and is therefore immediately available for the bartender to use to make drinks. The device includes an ice making assembly formed integral to an ice holding bin and the entire device fits beneath a standard bar.