Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DYNAMIC CHILLED MINI-BAR FOR AIRCRAFT PASSENGER SUITE
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application
No. 61/614,640 entitled "DYNAMIC CHILLED MINI-BAR FOR AIRCRAFT
PASSENGER SUITE" and filed on March 23, 2012, which is hereby incorporated
herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to aircraft integrated
entertainment
equipment for a super first class interior environment, and more specifically
to integrated
entertainment equipment including a dynamic translational motion chilled mini-
bar in an
aircraft super first class passenger suite.
Related Art
[0003] Known mini-bars for use in aircraft passenger suites normally stand on
a floor of
the passenger suites. Typically, the mini-bars have doors that open outward
and protrude into
the passenger suites. To access these mini-bars, passengers must first bend
down to open the
doors of the mini-bars. To reach the food products or beverages contained
within the mini-
bars, the passengers must hold the doors open while reaching inside the mini-
bars for the
desired food or beverages.
[0004] These mini-bars that stand on the floor of aircraft passenger suites
can be very
cumbersome for several reasons. Aircraft passenger suites have limited space
available.
When the doors of the mini-bars are opened, the doors swing outward into the
passenger
suites, and reduce the space available in the suites. In addition, it is
difficult for passengers to
access any food or beverage contained within these mini-bars. When attempting
to ascertain
the contents of the mini-bars, the passengers must bend down to the level of
the mini-bars to
hold the doors open, which is an awkward position for the passengers to read
the labels of the
food and beverages contained within the mini-bars. Furthermore, when the ride
is rough due
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to turbulence or other disturbances, it can be unsafe for passengers to leave
their seats to
access these mini-bars.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments may overcome problems of the known mini-bars to facilitate
more
space in aircraft passenger suites, maintain the temperature of food products
and beverages
contained therein at the required food storage temperature, and offer
convenient access to
food and beverages at any position of passenger seating.
[0006] The mini-bars described herein provide the capability for the dynamic
chilled mini-
bar to be movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment within an
aircraft super
first class passenger suite. In an embodiment, the dynamic chilled mini-bar
includes a cover,
a movable compartment, a beverage tray disposed within the movable
compartment, and an
air-cooled thermoelectric cooling module attached to the beverage tray through
an opening at
a bottom of the movable compartment. The movable compartment of the dynamic
chilled
mini-bar is slidably attached to a side or back of the integrated
entertainment equipment via
an actuator. During operation, the actuator translates the movable compartment
along the side
of the integrated entertainment equipment. This way, no portion of the dynamic
chilled mini-
bar protrudes into the passenger suite when opened compared to when closed,
thus
facilitating more space in the passenger suite.
[0007] In various embodiments, the actuator translates the movable compartment
along the
side of the integrated entertainment equipment and may stop the movable
compartment at
various positions to provide access to any food or beverage contained within
the dynamic
chilled mini-bar. With this configuration, a passenger, whether seated or
standing, can easily
access any food or beverages contained within the dynamic chilled mini-bar.
Accordingly,
the passenger can access the food or beverage contained therein without the
difficulties
associated with a known mini-bar, such as having to first open a door of the
known mini-bar,
and then bending down to reach inside the known mini-bar.
[0008] In an embodiment, a dynamic chilled mini-bar includes: a cover; a
movable
compartment translatable to expose an interior thereof from behind the cover;
and a cooling
device operable to cool the interior of the movable compartment.
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[0009] The dynamic chilled mini-bar may further include a beverage tray
disposed within
the movable compartment, where the cooling device is thermally coupled with
the beverage
tray through an opening at a bottom of the movable compartment. The cooling
device may
cool a surface of the beverage tray to cool the interior of the movable
compartment. The
beverage tray may be constructed of a thermally conductive material.
[0010] The dynamic chilled mini-bar may further include a controller operable
to control
the cooling device to maintain about a preset temperature in the interior of
the movable
compartment.
[0011] The cooling device may include a thermoelectric cooling module. The
thermoelectric cooling module may include: at least one thermoelectric cooling
device
operable to cool the interior of the movable compartment; a fan operable to
circulate air from
outside the thermoelectric cooling module to the at least one thermoelectric
cooling device to
reject heat from the thermoelectric cooling module to the outside; and a
temperature
controller operable to control an amount of power delivered to the at least
one thermoelectric
cooling device.
[0012] The dynamic chilled mini-bar may further include an actuator operable
to translate
the movable compartment. The dynamic chilled mini-bar may also include a
controller that
controls the actuator to linearly translate the movable compartment from a
first position to a
second position, where the second position is selected from the group
consisting of
completely stowed position, completely opened position, and partially opened
position.
[0013] When the movable compartment is in the completely stowed position, the
interior
of the movable compartment is completely behind the cover. When the movable
compartment is in the completely opened position, a majority of the interior
of the movable
compartment is exposed from behind the cover. When the movable compartment is
in the
partially opened position, less of the interior of the movable compartment is
exposed from
behind the cover than when the movable compartment is in the completely opened
position.
[0014] In another embodiment, a piece of integrated entertainment equipment in
a vehicle
includes: a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on the integrated
entertainment; and
an actuator coupled with at least one of a side of the integrated
entertainment equipment and
the movable compartment, the actuator being operable to translate the movable
compartment.
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[0015] The actuator may include: a rotatable screw; and a bracket coupled with
the
movable compartment, a first end of the bracket being coupled with the screw.
When the
screw rotates, the movable compartment may be translated linearly.
Furthermore, when the
screw rotates, the movable compartment may be translated linearly in parallel
with a length-
wise direction of the screw.
[0016] In another embodiment, the actuator may include: a screw; a motor
operable to
rotate the screw; and a bracket coupled with the movable compartment, a first
end of the
bracket being coupled with the screw. When the motor rotates the screw, the
movable
compartment may be translated linearly. Furthermore, when the motor rotates
the screw, the
movable compartment may be translated linearly in parallel with a length-wise
direction of
the screw.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the actuator may include: a screw that is
stationary; a
nut that is rotatable around the screw; and a bracket coupled with the movable
compartment,
a first end of the bracket being coupled with the nut. When the nut rotates
around the screw,
the movable compartment may be translated linearly. Furthermore, when the nut
rotates
around the screw, the movable compartment may be translated linearly in
parallel with a
length-wise direction of the screw.
[0018] In an embodiment, the actuator may include: a screw that is stationary;
a motor
operable to rotate a nut around the screw; and a bracket coupled with the
movable
compartment, a first end of the bracket being coupled with the nut. When the
motor rotates
the nut around the screw, the movable compartment may be translated linearly
with the
screw. Furthermore, when the motor rotates the nut around the screw, the
movable
compartment may be translated linearly in parallel with a length-wise
direction of the screw.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, a method of operating a dynamic chilled mini-
bar
includes: receiving an input signal to translate a movable compartment of the
dynamic chilled
mini-bar from a first position to a second position with respect to a cover of
the dynamic
chilled mini-bar; and linearly translating the movable compartment to the
second position
according to the input signal.
[0020] While the exemplary embodiments described herein are presented in the
context of
a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on integrated entertainment
equipment in a
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super first class passenger suite, these embodiments are exemplary only and
are not to be
considered limiting. The embodiments of the apparatus and configuration are
not limited to
dynamic chilled mini-bars. For example, embodiments of the apparatus and
configuration
may be adapted for a refrigerator, freezer, and other food storage and cooking
devices. As
another example, embodiments of the apparatus and configuration may be adapted
to fit
within other sizes or areas in an aircraft, vehicle, or other confined space.
Various
embodiments may thus be used in any vehicle, including aircraft, spacecraft,
ships, buses,
trains, recreational vehicles, trucks, automobiles, and the like. Embodiments
of the apparatus
may also be used in homes, offices, hotels, factories, warehouses, garages,
and other
buildings where it may be desirable to use a dynamic chilled mini-bar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The above and other features and advantages of the invention will
become more
apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference
to the
attached drawings listed below:
[0022] FIGS. lA and 1B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled
mini-bar
movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment in a super first class
passenger
suite, according to an embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar
with a cover,
according to an embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar
including a
beverage tray and beverages disposed therein, according to an embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar
movably
installed on integrated entertainment equipment, according to an embodiment.
[0026] FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views illustrating the dynamic chilled mini-
bar of
FIG. 4 during operation, according to an embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 6A is a perspective view and FIG. 6B is a bottom view illustrating
a beverage
tray of a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according to an embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar
with a cover
movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment, according to an
embodiment.
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[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a thermoelectric cooling
module of the
dynamic chilled mini-bar of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 9A is a top view, FIG. 9B is a side view, FIG. 9C is a bottom
view, and FIG.
9D is another side view illustrating the thermoelectric cooling module of FIG.
8.
[0031] FIG. 10A is a perspective view, FIG. 10B is a bottom view, and FIG. 10C
is a side
view illustrating a power supply of the dynamic chilled mini-bar of FIG. 7,
according to an
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 11A is a perspective view, FIG. 11B is a top view, and FIG. 11C a
side view
illustrating a temperature controller of the dynamic chilled mini-bar of FIG.
7, according to
an embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for the dynamic
chilled mini-bar
of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an actuator that translates
a dynamic
chilled mini-bar, according to an embodiment.
[0035] FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled
mini-bar
being translated by the actuator of FIG. 13 during operation.
[0036] FIGS. 15A-15C are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-
bar
movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment during operation,
according to an
embodiment.
[0037] FIGS. 16A and 16B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled
mini-bar
movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment during operation,
according to
another embodiment.
[0038] FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views illustrating the dynamic
chilled mini-bar
of FIGS. 16A and 16B.
[0039] FIG. 18A is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a dynamic
chilled mini-
bar, according to an embodiment.
[0040] FIGS. 18B and 18C are flowcharts illustrating a method of translating a
movable
compartment of a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according various embodiments.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] As described herein, a dynamic chilled mini-bar may be movably
installed on
integrated entertainment equipment within an aircraft super first class
passenger suite. In an
embodiment, the dynamic chilled mini-bar may include a cover, a movable
compartment, a
beverage tray disposed within the movable compartment, a thermoelectric
cooling module
thermally coupled with the beverage tray, a power supply, a temperature
controller, and an
actuator. The movable compartment of the dynamic chilled mini-bar may be
slidably attached
to a side or back of the integrated entertainment equipment via the actuator.
In various
embodiments, the actuator translates the movable compartment along the side or
the back of
the integrated entertainment equipment to emerge from behind the cover, and
may stop the
movable compartment at various positions to provide access to any food or
beverage
contained within the dynamic chilled mini-bar. With this configuration, a
passenger, whether
seated or standing, can easily access any food or beverages contained within
the dynamic
chilled mini-bar. Accordingly, the passenger can access the food or beverage
within the
dynamic chilled mini-bar without the difficulties associated with a known mini-
bar, such as
having to first open a door of the known mini-bar, and then bending down to
reach inside the
known mini-bar. Furthermore, no portion of the dynamic chilled mini-bar
protrudes into the
passenger suite when opened compared to when closed, thus facilitating more
space in the
passenger suite.
[0042] FIGS. lA and 1B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled
mini-bar 200
movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment 110 in a super first
class passenger
suite 100, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the dynamic
chilled mini-
bar 200 includes a cover 210 and a movable compartment 220. The cover 210 may
be opaque
to match the façade of the integrated entertainment equipment 110, or
transparent (as shown
in FIG. 2) to provide passengers with a view of any contents within the
dynamic chilled mini-
bar 200. As shown in FIG. 1B, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is translated
to an open
position, so that passengers may easily access beverages 300. Furthermore, the
cover 210
may be opened or removed to facilitate maintenance and cleaning.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar
200 with a
cover 210, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the dynamic
chilled mini-
bar 200 includes a cover 210, a movable compartment 220, a beverage tray 230
disposed
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within the movable compartment 220, and a thermoelectric cooling module 240
thermally
coupled with the beverage tray 230 through an opening at a bottom of the
movable
compartment 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermoelectric cooling
module 240
distributes cool temperatures across a surface of the beverage tray 230, and
in turn, the
beverage tray 230 cools contents contained within the dynamic chilled mini-bar
200. Because
the thermoelectric cooling module 240 is thermally coupled with and directly
attached to the
beverage tray 230, the contents contained therein are chilled regardless of
whether the
dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is in an open position as shown in FIG. 1B or in
a stowed
position as shown in FIG. 2.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar
200 including a
beverage tray 230 and beverages 300 disposed therein, according to an
embodiment. The
dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 includes a movable compartment 220 and a beverage
tray 230
disposed within the movable compartment 220. The beverage tray 230 holds
beverages 300
within the movable compartment 220 and cools the beverages 300 using a
thermoelectric
cooling module 240 (as shown in FIG. 2).
[0045] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar
200 movably
installed on integrated entertainment equipment 110, according to an
embodiment. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 includes a cover 210,
a movable
compartment 220, a beverage tray 230 disposed within the movable compartment
220, a
thermoelectric cooling module 240 thermally coupled with the beverage tray 230
through an
opening at a bottom of the movable compartment 220, a power supply 250, a
temperature
controller 260, and a power cord retainer 270. The power supply 250 may
provide power to
the thermoelectric cooling module 240, the temperature controller 260, and an
actuator (see
FIGS. 13, 14A, and 14B). The power cord retainer 270 contains a power cord
(271 in FIG.
5B), and an end of the power cord is connected to the thermoelectric cooling
module 240.
[0046] FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views illustrating the dynamic chilled mini-
bar 200 of
FIG. 4 during operation, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 5A, the dynamic
chilled mini-
bar 200 is in a completely stowed position, where the cover 210 completely
covers a front
opening and an interior of the movable compartment 220. The thermoelectric
cooling module
240 is disposed at the bottom of the movable compartment 220 and is thermally
coupled with
the beverage tray 230. The power supply 250, the temperature controller 260,
and the power
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cord retainer 270 are disposed adjacent to a bottom of the integrated
entertainment equipment
110.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is
translated to a
partially open position. The movable compartment 220 is translated vertically
upward so the
front opening and the interior of the movable compartment 220 are partially
exposed or not
covered by the cover 210. Since the thermoelectric cooling module 240 is
thermally coupled
with the beverage tray 230 and disposed at the bottom of the movable
compartment 220,
when the movable compartment 220 is translated along a side or back of the
integrated
entertainment equipment 110, the thermoelectric cooling module 240 is also
translated along
with the movable compartment 220. The power cord 271, which is connected to
the
thermoelectric cooling module 240, extends out of the power cord retainer 270
when the
thermoelectric cooling module 240 is translated along with the movable
compartment 220.
This way, the power cord 271 may transfer power to the thermoelectric cooling
module 240
regardless of the position of the movable compartment 220.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 5C, the movable compartment 220 is translated into a
completely
opened position, so that a majority of the front opening and the interior of
the movable
compartment 220 is exposed or not covered by the cover 210. On the other hand,
when the
movable compartment 220 is translated to a partially opened position as shown
in FIG. 5B,
less of the interior of the movable compartment 220 is exposed from behind the
cover 210
than when the movable compartment 220 is in the completely opened position as
shown in
FIG. 5C. Because the thermoelectric cooling module 240 is configured to
translate along with
the movable compartment 220, even if the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is left
open for an
extended period of time in the partially opened position or in the completely
opened position,
the thermoelectric cooling module 240 can continuously cool the beverage tray
230, which
would keep any food or beverages disposed on the beverage tray 230 chilled and
fresh.
[0049] FIG. 6A is a perspective view and FIG. 6B is a bottom view illustrating
a beverage
tray 230 of a dynamic chilled mini-bar 200, according to an embodiment. FIG.
6A illustrates
a beverage tray 230 movably disposed within a movable compartment 220. A
bottom of the
movable compartment 220 includes an opening 221 configured to fit a
thermoelectric cooling
module 240 that may be thermally coupled with the beverage tray 230. The
beverage tray 230
may be constructed of a water tight metallic material, but this should not be
construed as
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limiting. The beverage tray 230 may be constructed using other thermally
conductive
materials as known in the art. The beverage tray 230 may further include a lip
along edges of
the beverage tray 230 to help secure any food or beverages disposed thereon.
The beverage
tray 230 may evenly distribute chilled temperature across a surface that
contacts the
beverages and food products. Furthermore, the beverage tray 230 may collect
any
condensation, spills, or leakages from the beverages or food products to
facilitate
maintenance and cleaning. In various embodiments, the beverage tray 230 may be
decoupled
from the thermoelectric cooling module 240 and removed from the movable
compartment
220 to be cleaned.
[0050] FIG. 6B is a bottom view illustrating a beverage tray 230 of a dynamic
chilled mini-
bar 200, according to an embodiment. The beverage tray 230 includes an area
231 for
coupling with the thermoelectric cooling module 240. When coupled with or
attached to the
thermoelectric cooling module 240, the surface of the beverage tray 230
provides cooling
contact with beverages or food products. Through packaging of the beverages
and the food
products, heat transfers from the beverages and food products to the beverage
tray 230 and
the thermoelectric cooling module 240, and thus the beverages and food
products are chilled
and cooled by the beverage tray 230 and the thermoelectric cooling module 240.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar
200 with a
cover 210 movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment 110,
according to an
embodiment. The dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 may be movably installed on a
side or back
of the integrated entertainment equipment 110. The dynamic chilled mini-bar
200 includes a
cover 210, a movable compartment 220, a beverage tray 230 disposed within the
movable
compartment 220, a thermoelectric cooling module 240 thermally coupled with
the beverage
tray 230 through an opening at a bottom of the movable compartment 220, a
power supply
250, a temperature controller 260, and a power cord retainer 270. The power
supply 250 may
provide power to the thermoelectric cooling module 240 and the temperature
controller 260.
The power cord retainer 270 houses a power cord, and an end of the power cord
is connected
to the thermoelectric cooling module 240.
[0052] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a thermoelectric cooling
module 240 of the
dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. The
thermoelectric
cooling module 240 includes a fan 241, a connector 242, and at least one
thermoelectric
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cooling device housed inside the thermoelectric cooling module 240. The fan
241 circulates
air from an aircraft cabin or passenger suite to the at least one
thermoelectric cooling device
inside the thermoelectric cooling module 240, and rejects heat from the
thermoelectric
cooling module 240 back into the aircraft cabin or passenger suite. The
connector 242 may be
connected to a power cord, for example, the power cord 271 as shown in FIG.
5B, to supply
power to the fan 241 and the at least one thermoelectric cooling device.
[0053] FIG. 9A is a top view, FIG. 9B is a side view, FIG. 9C is a bottom
view, and FIG.
9D is another side view illustrating the thermoelectric cooling module 240 of
FIG. 8. FIG. 9A
illustrates a top view of the thermoelectric cooling module 240 of FIG. 8. The
thermoelectric
cooling module 240 includes a fan 241, a connector 242, and at least one
thermoelectric
cooling device. FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of the thermoelectric cooling
module 240. A
housing of the thermoelectric cooling module 240 contains the at least one
thermoelectric
cooling device. FIG. 9C illustrates a bottom view of the thermoelectric
cooling module 240.
A bottom side of the thermoelectric cooling module 240 may be thermally
coupled with or
attached to the beverage tray 230 to distribute cool temperature across a
surface of the
beverage tray 230. FIG. 9D illustrates another side view of the thermoelectric
cooling module
240.
[0054] FIG. 10A is a perspective view, FIG. 10B is a bottom view, and FIG. 10C
is a side
view illustrating a power supply 250 of the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 of
FIG. 7,
according to an embodiment. FIG. 10A illustrates the power supply 250, which
provides
power to the thermoelectric cooling module 240 as shown in FIG. 8, the
temperature
controller 260, and an actuator that translates the dynamic chilled mini-bar
200. The power
supply 250 converts aircraft AC (alternating current) power supply to DC
(direct current)
power supply. In other embodiments, the power supply 250 may convert AC
current, voltage,
or power to DC current, voltage, or power, respectively. The power supply 250
includes a
housing 251 and terminal pins 252. The terminal pins 252 may provide ground,
input, and
output connections between the power supply 250 and other devices.
Additionally, the power
supply 250 may be attached or mounted to the integrated entertainment
equipment 110, but
this should not be construed as limiting. FIG. 10B illustrates a bottom view
of the power
supply 250. FIG. 10C illustrates a side view of the power supply 250. In an
embodiment, the
power supply 250 may input 120 Vac at 60Hz and output 12Vdc, 12A.
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[0055] FIG. 11A is a perspective view, FIG. 11B is a top view, and FIG. 11C a
side view
illustrating a temperature controller 260 of the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200
of FIG. 7,
according to an embodiment. FIG. 11A illustrates the temperature controller
260, which
monitors and controls the temperature in the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200. The
temperature
controller 260 may include dials 261 to adjust settings, for example,
temperature, voltage,
and fan speed of the thermoelectric cooling module 240. The temperature
controller 260 may
control an amount of power delivered to the thermoelectric cooling module 240.
This
operation may be performed using a pulse-width modulation (PWM) technique. For
example,
a high current output of 12Vdc, 24A at 25 degrees Celsius may be provided to
the
thermoelectric cooling module 240 according to a PWM signal. A safety device
for
temperature protection may also be included in the temperature controller 260.
[0056] FIG. 11B illustrates a top view of the temperature controller 260. FIG.
11C
illustrates a side view of the temperature controller 260. The temperature
controller 260 may
be connected to the power supply 250. Alternatively, the temperature
controller 260 and the
power supply 250 may be housed together as one component.
[0057] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a controller 1200 that controls the
dynamic chilled
mini-bar 200 of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment. The controller 1200 may
supplement
or replace the temperature controller 260. The controller 1200 may be
installed on the
dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 or the integrated entertainment equipment 110.
The controller
1200 may be coupled with a control panel 1240 via an I/0 interface 1230. The
controller
1200 may receive input commands from a user via the control panel 1240, such
as turning the
dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 on or off, selecting an operation mode,
translating the movable
compartment 220 into an opened or stowed position, and setting a desired
temperature of the
dynamic chilled mini-bar 200. The controller 1200 may output information to
the user
regarding an operational status (e.g., operational mode, activation of a
defrost cycle, shut-off
due to over-temperature conditions of the movable compartment 220 and/or
components of
the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200, etc.) of the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200
using a display of
the control panel 1240. The control panel 1240 may be installed on or remotely
from
embodiments of the dynamic chilled mini-bar and integrated entertainment
equipment with
which the controller 1200 may be coupled.
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[0058] The controller 1200 may include a processor 1210 that performs
computations
according to program instructions, a memory 1220 that stores the computing
instructions and
other data used or generated by the processor 1210, and a network interface
1250 that
includes data communications circuitry for interfacing to a data
communications network
1290 such as Ethernet, Galley Data Bus (GAN), or Controller Area Network
(CAN). The
processor 1210 may include a microprocessor, a Field Programmable Gate Array,
an
Application Specific Integrated Circuit, or a custom Very Large Scale
Integrated circuit chip,
or other electronic circuitry that performs a control function. The processor
1210 may also
include a state machine. The controller 1200 may also include one or more
electronic circuits
and printed circuit boards. The processor 1210, memory 1220, and network
interface 1250
may be coupled with one another using one or more data buses 1280. The
controller 1200
may communicate with and control various sensors and actuators 1270 of the
dynamic chilled
mini-bar 200 via a control interface 1260.
[0059] The controller 1200 may be controlled by or communicate with a
centralized
computing system, such as one onboard an aircraft. The controller 1200 may
implement a
compliant ARINC 812 logical communication interface on a compliant ARINC 810
physical
interface. The controller 1200 may communicate via the Galley Data Bus (e.g.,
galley
networked GAN bus), and exchange data with a Galley Network Controller (e.g.,
Master
GAIN Control Unit as described in the ARINC 812 specification). In accordance
with the
ARINC 812 specification, the controller 1200 may provide network monitoring,
power
control, remote operation, failure monitoring, and data transfer functions.
The controller
1200 may implement menu definitions requests received from the Galley Network
Controller
(GNC) for presentation on a GNC Touchpanel display device and process
associated button
push events to respond appropriately. The controller 1200 may provide
additional
communications using an RS-232 communications interface and/or an infrared
data port,
such as communications with a personal computer (PC) or a personal digital
assistant (PDA).
Such additional communications may include real-time monitoring of operations
of the
dynamic chilled mini-bar 200, long-term data retrieval, and control system
software
upgrades. In addition, the control interface 1260 may include a serial
peripheral interface
(SPI) bus that may be used to communicate between the controller 1200 and
motor
controllers within the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200.
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[0060] The dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is configured to chill and/or
refrigerate beverages
and/or food products which are placed in the movable compartment 220. The
dynamic
chilled mini-bar 200 may operate in one or more of several modes, including
refrigeration
and beverage chilling. A user may select a desired temperature for the movable
compartment
220 using the control panel 1240. The controller 1200 included with the
dynamic chilled
mini-bar 200 may control a temperature within the movable compartment 220 at a
high level
of precision according to the desired temperature. Therefore, quality of
beverages and/or
food products stored within the movable compartment 220 may be maintained
according to
the user-selected operational mode of the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200.
[0061] In various embodiments, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 may maintain a
temperature inside the movable compartment 220 according to a user-selectable
option
among several preprogrammed preset temperatures, or according to a specific
user-input
preset temperature. For example, a beverage chiller mode may maintain the
temperature
inside the movable compartment 220 at a user-selectable temperature of about 9
degrees
centigrade (C), 12 degrees C, or 16 degrees C. In a refrigerator mode, the
temperature inside
the movable compartment 220 may be maintained at a user-selectable temperature
of about 4
degrees C or 7 degrees C.
[0062] The dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 may be controlled by an electronic
control
system associated with the controller 1200. The memory 1220 of the controller
1200 may
store a program for performing a method of controlling the dynamic chilled
mini-bar 200
executable by the processor 1210. The method of controlling the dynamic
chilled mini-bar
200 performed by the electronic control system may include a feedback control
system such
that the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 may automatically maintain a prescribed
temperature
in the movable compartment 220 of the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 using
sensor data, such
as temperature, to control the thermoelectric cooling module 240.
[0063] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an actuator 280 that
translates a dynamic
chilled mini-bar 200, according to an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 13,
the actuator 280
is disposed on a side or back of integrated entertainment equipment 110. The
actuator 280
may be an electromechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or other actuators
known in the
art. Furthermore, the actuator 280 may be operated using a controller, for
example, the
controller 1200 as shown in FIG. 12, an electrical controller, an
electromechanical controller,
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or other controllers known in the art. In other embodiments, the function of
the actuator 280
may be performed manually. The controller that controls the actuator 280 may
be installed on
the integrated entertainment equipment 110 or on the dynamic chilled mini-bar
200. The
controller may receive input commands from a user via input devices to
translate the movable
compartment 220 to an opened or stowed position.
[0064] The actuator 280 may include a bracket 281 and a screw 283. The
actuator 280
converts rotary motion, such as that of a motor, into linear displacement via
the screw 283,
with which the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is coupled. The bracket 281 may be
movably
coupled with the screw 283 and to a side of the movable compartment 220 of the
dynamic
chilled mini-bar 200. Accordingly, when the motor of the actuator 280 rotates
the screw, the
movable compartment 220 that is coupled to the bracket 281 is translated
linearly. This
should not be construed as limiting. For example, in other embodiments, the
screw 283 may
be stationary, while the motor of actuator 280 rotates a nut around the screw
283, and the
bracket 281 is coupled with the nut rather than the screw 283. In yet other
embodiments, the
actuator 280 may be operated manually using a rotatable screw or by rotating a
nut around a
stationary screw. Furthermore, when the screw rotates, the movable compartment
220 may be
translated linearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw. In
other embodiments,
when the nut rotates around the screw, the movable compartment 220 may be
translated
linearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw.
[0065] FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled
mini-bar
200 being translated by the actuator 280 of FIG. 13 during operation. As
illustrated in FIG.
14A, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is in a stowed position. A side of the
movable
compartment 220 is coupled with or attached to the bracket 281. A first end of
the bracket
281 is coupled with the screw 283, and a second end of the bracket 281 is
coupled with a rail
282 to stabilize the bracket 281 and to support a combined weight of the
movable
compartment 220, the beverage tray 230, and the beverages 300.
[0066] In FIG. 14B, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is translated vertically
upward along
the side of the integrated entertainment equipment 110 by the actuator 280.
When the screw
283 is rotated, either by a motor or manually, the bracket 281 is moved
vertically along an
axis parallel to a length-wise direction of the screw. Accordingly, the
movable compartment
220 disposed on the bracket 281 is translated along the same vertical axis. As
shown in FIG.
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14B, the movable compartment 220 is translated into an opened position, where
the beverage
tray 230 and the beverages 300 are accessible to passengers. Although the
dynamic chilled
mini-bar 200 is shown to be moving along a vertical axis, the described
embodiment should
not be construed as limiting. In other embodiments, the dynamic chilled mini-
bar 200 may be
translated along a horizontal or diagonal axis. The movable compartment 220
may be
translated linearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw 283.
[0067] FIGS. 15A-15C are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-
bar 200
movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment 110 during operation,
according to
an embodiment. The dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 includes a cover 210, a
movable
compartment 220, a beverage tray 230 disposed within the movable compartment
220, a
thermoelectric cooling module 240 thermally coupled with the beverage tray 230
through an
opening at a bottom of the movable compartment 220, and a power cord retainer
270
disposed adjacent to a bottom of the integrated entertainment equipment 110.
As illustrated in
FIG. 15A, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 is in a completely stowed position,
where the
cover 210 completely covers a front opening and interior of the movable
compartment 220.
As shown in FIG. 15B, the movable compartment 220 is translated into a
partially opened
position, where an upper half of the front opening of the movable compartment
220 is
exposed or not covered by the cover 210. FIG. 15C illustrates the dynamic
chilled mini-bar
200 translated into a completely opened position, where a majority of the
front opening and
interior of the movable compartment 220 is exposed or not covered by the cover
210.
Passengers may gain access to any contents in the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200
when the
movable compartment 220 is in a partially opened position as shown in FIG. 15B
or in a
completely opened position as illustrated in FIG. 15C. In addition, the
dynamic chilled mini-
bar 220 may be stopped at any desired position between the completely stowed
position and
the completely opened position.
[0068] FIGS. 16A and 16B are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled
mini-bar
200 movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment 110 during
operation,
according to another embodiment. FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views
illustrating the
dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 of FIGS. 16A and 16B. As shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B,
17A,
and 17B, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 may be integrated into the
integrated
entertainment equipment 110. In FIGS. 16A and 17A, the dynamic chilled mini-
bar 200 is in
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a completely stowed position. In FIGS. 16B and 17B, the movable compartment
220 of the
mini-bar 200 is translated into a completely opened position to expose the
beverage tray 230
which holds the beverages 300. With this configuration, a passenger, whether
seated or
standing, can easily access any food or beverages contained within the dynamic
chilled mini-
bar 20. Furthermore, the dynamic chilled mini-bar 200 does not protrude into a
super first
class passenger suite 100 when opened compared to when closed, thus
facilitating more space
in the super first class passenger suite 100.
[0069] FIG. 18A is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a dynamic
chilled mini-
bar, according to an embodiment. In step S1802, an input signal is received to
translate a
movable compartment of the dynamic chilled mini-bar from a first position to a
second
position with respect to a cover of the dynamic chilled mini-bar. Then in step
S1804, the
movable compartment is linearly translated to the second position according to
the input
signal. The second position may be selected from the group consisting of
completely stowed
position, completely opened position, and partially opened position. When the
movable
compartment is in the completely stowed position, an interior of the movable
compartment is
completely behind the cover. When the movable compartment is in the completely
opened
position, a majority of an interior of the movable compartment is exposed from
behind the
cover. When the movable compartment is in the partially opened position, less
of the interior
of the movable compartment is exposed from behind the cover than when the
movable
compartment is in the completely opened position. The group of positions may
be
preprogrammed or preset prior to operating the dynamic chilled mini-bar.
Alternatively, the
second position may be specified by a user during operation.
[0070] FIGS. 18B and 18C are flowcharts illustrating a method of translating a
movable
compartment of a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according various embodiments. In
the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18B, a screw is rotated in step S1804-2. The
screw may be
rotated by a motor or through manual operation. Then in step S1804-4, the
rotary motion of
the screw is converted to linear motion, and the movable compartment is
linearly translated in
parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 18C,
a nut is rotated around a stationary screw in step S1804-6. The nut may be
rotated around the
screw by a motor or through manual operation. Then in step S1804-8, the rotary
motion of
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the nut around the screw is converted to linear motion, and the movable
compartment is
linearly translated in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw.
[0071] While the exemplary embodiments described herein are presented in the
context of
a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on integrated entertainment
equipment in a
super first class passenger suite, these embodiments are exemplary only and
are not to be
considered limiting. The embodiments of the apparatus and configuration are
not limited to
dynamic chilled mini-bars. For example, embodiments of the apparatus and
configuration
may be adapted for a refrigerator, freezer, and other food storage and cooking
devices. As
another example, embodiments of the apparatus and configuration may be adapted
to fit
within other sizes or areas in an aircraft or vehicle. Various embodiments may
thus be used
in any vehicle, including aircraft, spacecraft, ships, buses, trains,
recreational vehicles, trucks,
automobiles, and the like. Embodiments of the apparatus may also be used in
homes, offices,
hotels, factories, warehouses, garages, and other buildings where it may be
desirable to use a
dynamic chilled mini-bar.
[0072] All references, including publications, patent applications, and
patents, cited herein
are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference
were individually
and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth
in its entirety
herein.
[0073] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the
invention,
reference has been made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and
specific
language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, no limitation
of the scope
of the invention is intended by this specific language, and the invention
should be construed
to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary
skill in the art.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the particular
embodiments and
is not intended to be limiting of exemplary embodiments of the invention. In
the description
of the embodiments, certain detailed explanations of related art are omitted
when it is deemed
that they may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention.
[0074] The apparatus described herein may comprise a processor, a memory for
storing
program data to be executed by the processor, a permanent storage such as a
disk drive, a
communications port for handling communications with external devices, and
user interface
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devices, including a display, touch panel, keys, buttons, etc. When software
modules are
involved, these software modules may be stored as program instructions or
computer
readable code executable by the processor on a non-transitory computer-
readable media such
as magnetic storage media (e.g., magnetic tapes, hard disks, floppy disks),
optical recording
media (e.g., CD-ROMs, Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), etc.), and solid state
memory (e.g.,
random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static random-access
memory
(SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash
memory,
thumb drives, etc.). The computer readable recording media may also be
distributed over
network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored
and executed
in a distributed fashion. This computer readable recording media may be read
by the
computer, stored in the memory, and executed by the processor.
[0075] Also, using the disclosure herein, programmers of ordinary skill in the
art to which
the invention pertains may easily implement functional programs, codes, and
code segments
for making and using the invention.
[0076] The invention may be described in terms of functional block components
and
various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number
of hardware
and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For
example, the
invention may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory
elements,
processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may
carry out a
variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other
control
devices. Similarly, where the elements of the invention are implemented using
software
programming or software elements, the invention may be implemented with any
programming or scripting language such as C, C++, JAVA , assembler, or the
like, with the
various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures,
objects,
processes, routines or other programming elements. Functional aspects may be
implemented
in algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the
invention may
employ any number of conventional techniques for electronics configuration,
signal
processing and/or control, data processing and the like. Finally, the steps of
all methods
described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise
indicated herein or
otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
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[0077] For the sake of brevity, conventional electronics, control systems,
software
development and other functional aspects of the systems (and components of the
individual
operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail.
Furthermore, the
connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are
intended to
represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logical
couplings between the
various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional
functional
relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a
practical
device. The words "mechanism", "element", "unit", "structure", "means", and
"construction" are used broadly and are not limited to mechanical or physical
embodiments,
but may include software routines in conjunction with processors, etc.
[0078] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such
as") provided
herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on
the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. Numerous modifications
and
adaptations will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in this art
without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Therefore, the
scope of the invention is defined not by the detailed description of the
invention but by the
following claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as
being included in
the invention.
[0079] No item or component is essential to the practice of the invention
unless the
element is specifically described as "essential" or "critical". It will also
be recognized that
the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," and
"having," as used
herein, are specifically intended to be read as open-ended terms of art. The
use of the terms
"a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the
invention
(especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to
cover both the
singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In
addition, it should
be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used
herein to describe
various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms, which
are only used to
distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, recitation of ranges of
values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to
each separate
value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each
separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
