COUNTERTOP FREEZER
A countertop freezer and systems and methods for removing moisture from a refrigeration system are provided. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a bin. In some embodiments, the bin includes a removable insert that is adaptable to the type(s) of products to be sold. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a sliding mechanism that causes the bin to slide outward as the door is opened. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a lighting mechanism on the door that is modular/serviceable and shines light at an angle to allow the product to be illuminated both when the door is closed and when the door is opened.
This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/291,155, filed Dec. 17, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/413,756, filed Oct. 6, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSUREThe present disclosure relates to a thermoelectric refrigeration system and more particularly relates to controlling thermoelectric devices to effectively maintain a desire set point temperature in a thermoelectric refrigeration system.
BACKGROUNDToday, refrigeration systems are large and cumbersome and do not allow adequate floor space in retail and hospitality applications. Entities require a more efficient way to manage the sale of product.
Current methods for refrigerated/frozen product storage and vending are inefficient and inconvenient. Improved systems and methods for cooled product storage and vending are needed.
SUMMARYA countertop freezer and systems and methods for removing moisture from a refrigeration system are provided. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a bin. In some embodiments, the bin includes a removable insert that is adaptable to the type(s) of products to be sold. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a sliding mechanism that causes the bin to slide outward as the door is opened. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a lighting mechanism on the door that is modular/serviceable and shines light at an angle to allow the product to be illuminated both when the door is closed and when the door is opened.
Some of these embodiments enable the countertop freezer to be at the point of sale. This can fit into spaces where previous freezers were not able to fit.
In some embodiments, the lighting is provided such that the products for sale are illuminated while the door is closed and illuminated when the door is open. By providing an internal bin that slides out when the door is opened, this can make it easier for a user to access and choose the products.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in association with the accompanying drawing figures.
There is a need for a thermoelectric refrigeration that provides a natural way to capture condensation or frost as a result of frequent door opening. Condensation occurs in refrigerators, while frost is seen in freezers. When the door is opened, warm air is trapped inside the unit and condensation or desublimation occurs yielding water droplets or frost on the top and side surfaces.
For a freezer without auto defrost system, it is desirable to capture frost in a specific place which can be cleaned out without having to warmup up the entire unit.
For the fridge, the water droplets creep to the bottom of the refrigerator. Over time these droplets will form a pool of water that will spill out of the unit. This situation is not desirable for customers' application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in association with the accompanying drawing figures.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in association with the accompanying drawing figures.
The accompanying drawing figures incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.
The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.
Improved systems and methods for cooled product storage and vending are needed. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a countertop freezer. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a bin. In some embodiments, the bin includes a removable insert that is adaptable to the type(s) of products to be sold. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a sliding mechanism that causes the bin to slide outward as the door is opened. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a lighting mechanism on the door that is modular/serviceable and shines light at an angle to allow the product to be illuminated both when the door is closed and when the door is opened.
In some embodiments, the external dimensions are approximately: H×W×D˜303×510×331 (MP1: 280×502×280). Depth from front of door (minus handle) to flat rear is approximate to MP1. In some embodiments, the opening angle ˜65 degrees as is shown in
In some embodiments, both parts are White ABS with National Science Foundation (NSF) Certification.
In some embodiments, the Thermal Break is White ABS with NSF certification; the Inner Liner: AI with white, NSF powder coat on the inside; the HXA Bracket: Plastic (option for Stainless Steel), no color needed.
In the example shown, there are male pins molded into the enclosure. These can connect to other parts of the electrical system. This molding allows for a better/easier seal to be created. In this illustration, the thermoelectric module/PCB has a corresponding female connector (potentially multiple depending on the electrical connections that need to be made). During assembly, these female connectors can be fit onto the male connectors that are molded into the system. This can make assembly more tolerant with less precision being needed to obtain the correct connection. This in turn can reduce the cost of the connection.
Additionally, since the electrical connections are made through the molding, the sealant cavity shown as B. is easier to maintain a good seal. This can be further enhanced by providing specific surfaces or surface shapes. This is easier and lower cost than sealing a similar cavity with electrical connections running through the cavity.
In some other embodiments, the connections between the thermoelectric module/PCB can be any other type of connector. By using electrical contacts that are molded into the frame, the seal can be improved and/or made with reduced cost.
The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.
Embodiment 1: A refrigeration system comprising one or more of: (1) an internal fan, and (2) bin, one or more of:
In some embodiments, a fan that is mounted and position to the top surface of the inner liner to enable circulated air.
In some embodiments, a bin with frost catching features comprising: (1) an arrangement of hole precisely placed through bin, and (2) an arrangement of protrusions on the back surface of the bin to form fins.
The composition of holes and fins, their placement, and fan speed allow cold humid air to flow and be drawn over the fins' surface and accumulate frost on said surface.
Embodiment 2: A refrigeration system of embodiment 1 with an integrated condensation sub system comprising; (1) An Inner Liner, (2) a Condensate Tray, (3) Condensate Tube, (4) Pass Through feature, and (5) A fan.
In some embodiments, an Inner liner with a bottom is mated to the Top inner liner assembly and positioned to collect condensation from the walls and divert water to the condensate tube.
In some embodiments, a Condensate Tray is connected to the Rear Panel and positioned to catch condensation from the condensate tube.
In some embodiments, a Condensate Tube is mated to the Bottom Inner liner and positioned to direct water to the Condensate Tray.
In some embodiments, a Passthrough feature is positioned vertically above the Condensate tray and aligned below the external fan. The Passthrough feature alignment allows air to move from the fan to the condensate tray to evaporate fluid.
Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein.
The following references are incorporated herein by reference:
Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims that follow.
Claims
1. A countertop freezer, the method comprising:
- a bin for holding products;
- a door for accessing the bin;
- a sliding mechanism that causes the bin to slide outward as the door is opened; and
- a thermal assembly comprising a thermoelectric heat pump operable to actively cool the interior of the countertop freezer.
2. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 wherein the bin comprises a removable insert that is adaptable to the type(s) of products to be sold.
3. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 further comprising:
- a lighting mechanism configured to shine light at an angle to allow the product to be illuminated both when the door is closed and when the door is opened.
4. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 wherein the lighting mechanism is on the door.
5. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 wherein the lighting mechanism is modular and/or serviceable.
6. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 wherein the door comprises an auto-close feature.
7. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 wherein the door opens with a Scotch yoke type design.
8. The countertop freezer according to claim 7 wherein a hinge pin is on the door and a hinge slot is on the bin.
9. The countertop freezer according to claim 7 wherein all hinge components are included underneath the countertop freezer.
10. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 wherein the door angle is limited by a stop feature molded into the door to distribute stress from an aggressive opening pull.
11. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 further comprising: one or more guides in the slot that make it easier to put the bin into the cabinet and ensure that the fit is correct.
12. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 further comprising: mechanisms for controlling how far the bin travels in one or both directions.
13. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 further comprising a magnet included in a gasket seal for the door.
14. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 wherein the thermal assembly comprises: a sealable electrical connection.
15. The countertop freezer according to claim 14 wherein the sealable electrical connection comprises pins molded into the enclosure that can connect to other parts of the electrical system, allowing for a better/easier seal to be created.
16. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 wherein the bin comprises an arrangement of holes to enhance air flow.
17. The countertop freezer according to claim 1 further comprising a fan that is mounted and/or positioned to enhance air circulation over a frost catcher feature.
18. The countertop freezer according to claim 17 further comprising an arrangement of protrusions.
19. A refrigeration system comprising:
- a bin comprising an arrangement of holes to enhance air flow;
- a moisture catcher feature comprising an arrangement of protrusions; and
- a fan that is mounted and/or positioned to enhance air circulation over the moisture catcher feature.
20. The refrigeration system according to claim 19 further comprising an arrangement of protrusions.
21. The refrigeration system according to claim 19 wherein a composition of holes and protrusions, their placement, and fan speed allow humid air to flow and be drawn over the surface of the protrusions and accumulate moisture on the protrusions.
22. The refrigeration system according to claim 19 further comprising:
- an inner liner;
- a condensate tray;
- a condensate tube; and
- a pass through feature.
23. The refrigeration system according to claim 19 wherein the inner liner is positioned to collect condensation from the walls and divert it to the condensate tube.
24. The refrigeration system according to claim 19 wherein the condensate tray is connected to a rear panel and positioned to catch condensation from the condensate tube.
25. The refrigeration system according to claim 19 wherein the condensate tube is mated to a bottom inner liner and positioned to direct water to the condensate tray.
26. The refrigeration system according to claim 19 wherein a passthrough feature is positioned vertically above the condensate tray and aligned below a fan.
27. The refrigeration system according to claim 26 wherein the passthrough feature alignment allows air to move from the fan to the condensate tray to evaporate fluid.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 19, 2022
Publication Date: Jun 22, 2023
Inventors: Matt Taylor (Durham, NC), Abhishek Yadav (Cary, NC), Mattias K-O Olsson (Durham, NC), Amir Hasan (Durham, NC)
Application Number: 18/084,072