DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cooling and more specifically to an apparatus for cooling liquids by reducing the temperature of the cooling liquid.
BACKGROUND
[002] Conventionally, there are many devices that cool or bring the temperature down to preserve perishable food items, such as refrigerators or coolers. The cooling function of the refrigerator is also used to cool a particular food item so as to enhance its taste, while some foods and beverages are better served chilled. The efficiency of the cooler or refrigerator depends on the refrigerant used and the duty cycle of the cooler as well. Many coolers take a long time to cool thus resulting in lower efficiency. Formation of ice in the freezer compartment is also another problem faced with certain coolers/refrigerators and this leads to uncontrolled freezing which in some cases results in breakage of bottles or over cooling.
[003] Certain improved devices for cooling provide control over cooling temperature for the beverage. These improved devices may use other medium for cooling too. However, these devices are limited by the number of beverages they can cool consecutively and also the higher energy consumption.
[004] There is thus a need to mitigate some of the problems mentioned above.
SUMMARY
[005] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a cooling device and the aspects are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[006] In one implementation a cooling device is disclosed. The cooling device may comprise a tray with a hollow structure having four walls and a bottom, contained within an insulated housing. The tray may further be configured to contain a fluid medium. Further an impeller may be mounted in the tray. The impeller can be configured to have a rotary motion. The cooling device may further comprise at least one holder disposed inside the tray. The at least one holder may be mechanically coupled to the impeller. Further a condensing unit may be mounted below the tray. The cooling device may comprise at least one evaporator coil disposed inside the tray and connected with the condensing unit. Further a plurality of sensors may be placed in the tray. The plurality of sensors may be configured to sense and determine a first temperature and a second temperature.
[007] In another implementation a method for cooling beverages is disclosed. The method may comprise determining a level of a fluid medium in a tray. Further a first temperature of the fluid medium may be sensed. The sensing may be performed using a plurality of sensors. Further the method may comprise sensing a second temperature of the beverage in the tray. The first temperature and the second temperature may be then received. Further capturing a pre-defined set of instruction based on the beverages to be cooled. The method may further comprise an impeller mounted in the tray rotated using a motor. Further the fluid medium may be circulated within the tray. The method may further comprise cooling the fluid medium uniformly. Further the fluid medium in turns cools the beverage in contact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer features and components.
[009] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of an apparatus for cooling, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0010] Referring to Figure 2, illustrates a cooling device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart for a cooling device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The present subject matter discloses a cooling device configured to cool beverages using a fluid medium. The cooling device disclosed can instantly cool a beverage kept in the cooling device, by means of the fluid medium circulating within the cooling device.
[0013] The present subject matter discloses a cooling device, wherein the cooling device may further comprise at least one cooling chamber or a tray, a control unit and a condensing unit. In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, the tray may comprise a fluid medium. The fluid medium can be water, glycol or the like. The tray may further comprise at least one impeller or rotary arrangement. The impeller may be connected to a motor, thereby uniformly rotating the impeller. A beverage in a form of a bottle or a can may either be placed on a holder or horizontally placed on the impeller in the tray. The rotation of impeller may cause the fluid medium to rotate uniformly. Further the impeller may be mechanically coupled with the holder. The impeller while rotating uniformly may transmit the rotary motion to the holder thereby rotating the beverage in the holder. The rotation of the beverage about its own axis may not agitate contents with the beverage, thereby retaining an internal pressure. Further due to uniform rotation of the beverage, the contents of the beverage are instantly cooled without agitating the contents.
[0014] The cooling device may further comprise an evaporator coil, which may be disposed in the tray, wherein the evaporator coil is connected to a condensing unit. The working of condensing unit and evaporator coil reduces the temperature of the fluid medium.
[0015] Referring Figure 1 shows a schematic of an apparatus 100 for cooling comprising a cooling chamber 105, a control unit 110 and a condensing unit 115. The cooling chamber 105 enables to cool a desired object 120, the process of cooling being described hereinafter. The desired object 120 can be any one of a bottle or can containing liquid. The desired object 120 can be any other container as well apart from the bottle or can but should be cylindrical in form and structure.
[0016] The cooling chamber 105 comprises of an impeller(s) or a rotary arrangement(s) 125 for holding the can or bottle. The cooling chamber 105 is also called the tray. The impeller(s) 125 is coupled to a micromotor (not shown) through a drive mechanism which rotates the impeller(s) 125 for rotating the bottle or can. The can or bottle can be rotated in any direction. The cooling chamber 105 contains water as a fluid medium in which the bottle or can is rotated by the impeller(s) 125 with 2 support roller cluster. The impeller(s) also does the job of mixing the water to maintain uniform temperature in the tray. The cooling chamber 105 also comprises an evaporator coil 130, which enables bringing the temperature of the fluid medium (water bath) down.
[0017] The evaporator coil 130 is connected to the condensing unit 115. The condensing unit 115 circulates a refrigerant through the evaporator coil 130 for the purpose of reducing the temperature of the fluid medium in the cooling chamber 105. The refrigerant can be any one of efficient, eco-friendly gas, in this case R134a. The evaporator coil 130 facilitates quick cooling of the fluid medium that surrounds the evaporator coil 130. The refrigeration cycle resulting in controlled cool temperature in the water bath, complimented with rotation of the bottle or can in it results in efficient heat transfer to the contents of the bottle/can, and in effect chilling it quickly. The working of the condensing unit 115 and the evaporator coil 130 enables the temperature of water to be reduced without the formation of ice crystals in the fluid medium.
[0018] The condensing unit 115 is a conventional condensing unit that is understood by a person skilled in the art. The condensing unit 115 comprises a compressor, condenser, fan, dryer and capillary tube.
[0019] The control unit 110 comprises an electronic module and a control panel. The cooling chamber 105 comprises temperature sensors to sense the temperature of the fluid medium, which is fed to the control unit 110. A predetermined temperature is set in the control unit 110 by the user in terms of time (minutes) and the control unit uses this set temperature as a threshold or control temperature to start or stop the working of the condensing unit 115. For example, if the temperature of the fluid medium is greater than the set temperature, the control unit 110 initiates the condensing unit 115 to chill the evaporator coil 130, which in turn reduces the temperature of the fluid medium to reach the desired set temperature. On the other hand, if the temperature of the fluid medium is below the set temperature, then no action is taken by the control unit 110. In some embodiments, the desired set temperature is not a single temperature point, but a temperature band such as 4°C to 5°C or 4°C to 6°C or 4°C to 8°C.
[0020] The automatic temperature control of the control unit 110 can be overridden by the user to provide instructions to the control unit 110 to cool the bottle or can for a set time limit, for example 3 or 4 minutes. The above time limits are mere examples and it can be other values as well. The cooling chamber 105 is insulated by a layer of PUF or polyurethane foam that is moulded around the cooling chamber 105. The advantage of having the insulation around the cooling chamber 105 reduces heat loss from the cooling chamber 105, which increases the efficiency of the apparatus 100 and conserves energy. The cooling chamber 105 comprises a lid which is also insulated with PUF so that the cooling chamber 105 is insulated from all sides, except when opened for placing or removing bottle or can or any other cylindrical container.
[0021] The apparatus 100 is housed in a combination of plastic (ABS and HIPS) and stainless steel structures.
[0022] The method of working of the apparatus 100 is explained below. The fluid medium such as water is poured into the cooling chamber 105. The power is turned on and the control unit 110 and condensing unit 115 is powered up. The temperature of the fluid medium is measured by the temperature sensor and this information is fed to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 compares the measured temperature and the set temperature and as described above, initiates the condensing unit 115 to reduce the temperature of the fluid medium through the evaporator coil 130, if required. The time taken for the fluid medium to reach to the set temperature depends on the initial temperature or the measured temperature of the fluid medium. Only once the fluid medium reaches the set or desired temperature, the apparatus is used. The user then places the bottle or can in the cooling chamber 105 to be chilled. The time for cooling depends on the beverage. The bottle or can is rotated by the impeller 125 and the content of the bottle or can is cooled. The rotary action of the impeller 125 also mixes the fluid medium for uniform temperature of the fluid medium.
[0023] The bottles or cans can be cooled successively or one after the other, by removing a bottle or can and placing another bottle or can. The time gap between two successive bottles is also reduced by the use of this apparatus. A time gap of 2 minutes enhances efficiency of the cooling process. The bottles or cans can contain beverages such as beer, wine, soda, cola or juices.
[0024] Referring to Figure 2, illustrates a cooling device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cooling device 200 may comprise a lid 202. The lid 202 is configured to form a barrier between the ambient temperature of the surrounding and first temperature of a fluid medium. The lid 202 may be mounted or hinged on a top cover 204.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment the lid 202 may have an infrared temperature sensor mounted on a surface facing towards the fluid medium. The infrared temperature sensor may be configured to sense a second temperature of a beverage being cooled. The beverage may be stored in a bottle or a can. The sensing of the second temperature of the beverage enables estimation of time required to cool the beverage. Further the use of the infrared base temperature sensor may enable the cooling device 200 to detect the presence of the beverage. Further the infrared temperature sensor may provide automatic trip control for the system by comparing the first temperature of the fluid medium and the second temperature of the beverage.
[0026] In another exemplary embodiment a plurality of sensors may be disposed or placed inside a tray 206.The tray 206 may have a hollow structure with four walls and a bottom. The tray 206 may further be enclosed or contained within an insulated housing. The insulated housing may be made from a Polyurethane Foam. The insulation housing may act as a thermo-barrier by not allowing heat to enter the tray 206. The tray 206 may further be adapted to accommodate the fluid medium. The fluid medium acts as cooling medium for cooling the beverage rather than the air in conventional refrigeration systems.
[0027] The tray 206 may further comprise an impeller(s) 220. The impeller(s) 220 may be mounted within the tray 206. The impeller(s) 220 may be adapted to circulate the fluid medium in the tray 206. The circulation of the fluid medium inside the tray 206may ensure the uniform cooling of the beverage and also uniform temperature of the fluid medium. To obtain the circulatory motion for the fluid medium the impeller(s) may be configured to have rotary motion. Further a plurality of fins may be integrated with the impeller(s). The rotary motion to the impeller 220 may be provided by a motor 208. Rotating the impeller with a higher revolution per minute (RPM) cycle may improve the cooling of the beverage; however, it may also lead to rise in the first temperature of the fluid medium. It is been observed that rotating the impeller(s) using the motor 208 at 1150 rpm may give a balance between time taken for cooling the beverage and maintaining the first temperature of the fluid medium.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment the impeller(s) 220 may further be mechanically coupled to at least one holder. The at least one holder may be disposed in the tray 206. The at least one holder is adapted to receive the beverage in a bottle form or a can form. The at least one holder may be accessible by opening the lid 202 of the cooling device 200.The at least one holder may further be configured to hold the beverage in a horizontal position or at an angle for easy accessibility while placing the beverage in the at least one holder or retrieving the beverage from the at least one holder. The angle for inclination may vary between 0 degree to 89 degree with respect to horizontal.
[0029] The cooling device 200, may further comprise a condensing unit. The condensing unit may further comprise a condenser 212, a fan 214, a compressor 218, a dryer and at least one capillary tube. The compressor 212 may comprise a refrigeration gas like R134a. The amount of gas required may fall within a range of 70 grams, enabling to hold a suction pressure of 25 – 30 psi. The refrigeration gas may be circulated between the tray 206 and condensing unit through at least one evaporator coil disposed inside the tray and connected with the condensing unit.
[0030] The fan 214 may be mounted in front of the condenser 212. The fan 214 may reduce the first temperature of the fluid medium at a faster rate and also maintain the fluid medium within 6 degree Celsius. Maintaining the fluid medium within a range of 6 degree Celsius enables in increase of the number of beverages being cooled.
[0031] In another embodiment a suction fan may be used in tandem with the fan 214. The suction fan may provide increased cubic flow per meter of ambient air with the condensing unit. The suction fan may further be configured to such that suction mass of air flow is more that the discharged mass air flow from the fan 214.
[0032] The cooling device 200 may further comprise a frame 210 and a base 216. The frame 210 may support and hold the tray 206 in fixed and confined position. The base 216 may provide support to the entire cooling device.
[0033] The cooling device may further comprise a control unit. The control unit may be configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors, control the condensing unit, and receive a set of instruction from an input/output device 222. The input/output device 222 may be mounted on the top cover 204.The input/output device 222 may be configured to give a set of instruction or select pre-defined set of instruction, and/or display information. In an embodiment physical push button may be used along with a LED based display. In another embodiment a touch panel is used. The touch panel may be configured to display information and receive touch based input.
[0034] Referring to Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart for a cooling device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow chart may start at step 302, with determining level of a fluid medium in a tray. Further at step 304 a first temperature of the fluid medium may be sensed. The first temperature may be sensed using a plurality of sensors. At step 306, a second temperature of the beverage in the tray may be sensed. Further at step 308, the first temperature and the second temperature may be received. At step 310 a pre-defined set of instruction may be captured. The set of instruction may be based on the beverages to be cooled. Further at step 312 rotating an impeller mounted in the tray. The impeller may be coupled to a motor, wherein the motor provides a rotary motion to the impeller. Further the method for cooling beverage may comprise circulating the fluid medium within the tray at step 314. During the circulation the fluid medium may be made to circulate over the evaporator coil. At this step 316 the cooling device uniformly cools the fluid medium.
[0035] Further according to an embodiment the cooling of the fluid medium and circulation of the fluid medium within the tray cools the beverage, wherein the beverage may either be completely or partially submerged in the fluid medium. The beverage may also be rotated at a steady rpm about its axis by coupling the at least one holder with the impeller, wherein the impeller is configured to circulate the fluid medium over the evaporator coil.

WORKING EXAMPLE
[0036] The working of the cooling device may be illustrated using the following example. However the example is not be construed as the only embodiment. The cooling device starts by checking the level of water, which in the present case is a fluid medium, in the tray. If the sensor does not detect any water it shows an indication of “H” “2” “O” consequently on a 7 segment display and a buzzer may beep every 2 seconds. The red LED may also be turned on.
[0037] The control unit of the cooling device further determines the temperature of the water in the cooling device using a plurality of sensors. If the temperature of the water is more than 3.9 degrees Celsius the motor and compressor are turned on. This program cycle is indicated by a “BIG LOOPING SEGMENT” on the 7 segment display and the green LED toggles every second. Once the temperature of water goes below 3.9 degrees Celsius the control unit turns off the compressor and motor and then runs a 2 minute dummy cycle to prevent tripping of the compressor immediately. The green LED is then kept ON. The 7 segment display now shows a “0”. The buzzer makes a long beep for 1 sec, waits for 0.2 sec and then sounds a beep for 0.2 sec.
[0038] The control unit runs iteratively, where it monitors the temperature of the water and controls the compressor every minute. If the temperature of water rises above 5.6 degrees Celsius the program starts the compressor and motor till the temperature reaches 3.9 degrees Celsius. During this cooling cycle no indication is shown on the display as this logic runs in the background. When the water temperature is below 3.9 degrees Celsius the compressor is turned off and the motor is turned on for 1 minute every 2 minutes.
[0039] The control unit also checks for the status of the SET/NEXT(S/N) and START/STOP (S/S) switches. If the S/N switch is pressed the display count increments by 1. The maximum allowable count is 9 and the count overflows to 1. If the S/S switch is pressed the cooling device starts the bottle cooling process by turning on the compressor if the water temperature is greater than 4.5 degrees. During this cycle the motor is always on. The bottle cooling cycle can last for 1 to 9 minutes only. This is decided based on display count set using the S/N switch. The display then counts down the time in minutes by blinking the 7 segment every 1 second. Once the bottle cooling cycle is over the 7 segment value returns to the previously set value and the buzzer beep 4 times for 2 seconds every 10 seconds. This indicates that the bottle is chilled and ready for consumption. The bottle chilling cycle can be interrupted by long pressing the S/S switch for a period of 3 seconds.
[0040] The buzzer beeping sound is acknowledged by the S/N switch or by opening of the lid for removal of the bottle. The program now moves back to step 3 if the water temperature is below 8.5 degrees Celsius.
[0041] If the water temp is above 8.5 degrees Celsius the compressor and motor both are turned on and the program exits the infinite loop and starts cooling the water and brings it back to 3.9 degrees Celsius. This program cycle is indicated by a “SMALL LOOPING SEGMENT” on the 7 segment display and the green LED toggles every second. Once the temperature of water goes below 3.9 degrees Celsius theprogram turns off the compressor and motor and then runs a 2 minute dummy cycle to prevent tripping of the compressor immediately. The green LED is then kept ON. The 7 segment display now shows a “0”. The buzzer makes a long beep for 1 sec waits for 0.2 sec and then sounds a beep for 0.2 sec.

,CLAIMS:I/We Claim:

1. A cooling device, comprising:
a tray with a hollow structure having four walls and a bottom, contained within an insulated housing, wherein the tray is configured to contain a fluid medium;
an impeller mounted in the tray, wherein the impeller is configured to have a rotary motion;
at least one holder disposed inside the tray, wherein the at least one holder is mechanically coupled to the impeller;
a condensing unit mounted below the tray;
at least one evaporator coil disposed inside the tray and connected with the condensing unit; and
a plurality of sensors placed in the tray, wherein the plurality of sensors are configured to sense and determine a first temperature and a second temperature.

2. The cooling device of claim 1, further comprises a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors, control the condensing unit, and receive a set of instruction from an input device.

3. The cooling device of claim 2, wherein the input device comprises a set of buttons to provide the set of instructions.

4. The cooling device of claim 2, wherein the input device comprises a touch panel, wherein the touch panel is configured to display information and receive touch based input.

5. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the condensing unit further comprises a compressor, a condenser, a dryer, a fan and at least one capillary tube.

6. The cooling device of claim 5, wherein the at least one capillary tube has a length of 36 inches.

7. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the insulation housing is made from Polyurethane Foam (PUF).

8. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the impeller may further be configured to circulate the fluid medium within the tray, to have uniform cooling of the fluid medium.

9. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the impeller is rotated by a motor coupled to the impeller.

10. The cooling device of claim 9, wherein the motor is rotated at 1150 revolution per minute (RPM).

11. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein the at least one holder is further configured to hold a beverage in a horizontal position.

12. The cooling of claim 1, wherein the at least one holder is further configured to hold the beverage at an inclination with respect to a horizontal, wherein an angle of inclination varies between 0 degree and 89 degree.

13. A method for cooling beverages, the method comprises:
determining level of a fluid medium in a tray;
sensing a first temperature of the fluid medium, wherein the first temperature is sensed using a plurality of sensors;
sensing a second temperature of the beverage in the tray;
receiving the first temperature and the second temperature;
capturing a pre-defined set of instruction based on the beverages to be cooled;
rotating an impeller mounted in the tray using a motor;
circulating the fluid medium within the tray; and
uniformly cooling the fluid medium, wherein the fluid medium in turns cools the beverage.
14. The method of claim 13,further comprises sounding an alert when the fluid medium is below a defined level.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein sensing further comprises comparing the first temperature to a defined temperature value.