Shelving and storage system having adjustable heated shelves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelving systems in the food service industry are not adaptable to different food items, difficult to service, and lack modularity, making them inefficient for maintaining food at desired temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, adjustable heated shelf system with a heating circuit and temperature control device that allows for precise temperature management, integrated with a shelving system that can be easily reconfigured and serviced, featuring a heating element offset from the upper panel for radiant heat transfer and a thermostat with a temperature sensor probe for automatic temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating source (e.g., overhead warmer, heat lamps) is used to keep food items warm, then the food items can be maintained at desired temperatures, but the shelving system becomes difficult to service and lacks modularity
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into self-contained heated shelf units that can be independently installed, removed, and serviced. Each heated shelf is a separate module with its own heating element and controls, allowing individual replacement without affecting the entire shelving system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelving system is designed with adjustable and reconfigurable components. Shelves can be moved to different heights and positions along the posts, and the system can be reconfigured to accommodate different food items and storage needs, transforming from a static to a dynamic system.
2Temperature
If overhead warmers or heat lamps are used for heating, then food items can be kept warm, but the system is not adaptable to different food items and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The heated shelf units are designed as universal modules that can be used for various food items and storage configurations. The same basic heated shelf design can accommodate different types of food containers and can be positioned at various heights to serve different culinary needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelving system allows dynamic reconfiguration where shelves can be adjusted to different positions and heights. This enables the system to adapt to different food item sizes, shapes, and storage requirements, transforming the system's configuration based on operational needs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heating elements are placed close to the upper panel for efficient heat transfer, then heating efficiency improves, but the risk of overheating and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
A heat diffuser panel is introduced as an intermediary between the heating element and the upper panel. This diffuser distributes the heat evenly across the panel surface, preventing localized overheating while maintaining efficient heat transfer to the food items on the shelf.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature control devices with sensors are implemented to monitor the temperature of the upper panel and heating elements. The system automatically adjusts or shuts off heating when temperature thresholds are reached, providing feedback control to prevent overheating and safety hazards.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively maintains food at desired temperatures, improves serviceability by allowing easy adjustment and reconfiguration of shelves, and enhances adaptability to various food items, ensuring efficient food warming and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element is supported within the interior space of the shelf body and is offset a distance from the upper panel so that heat generated by the heating element is transferred to the upper panel primarily by way of radiant heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor probe is in thermal communication with the upper panel of the shelf body and configured to detect the temperature of the support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes a plurality of posts and a heated shelf. The heated shelf is connected to and supported by the plurality of posts and is configured to support food item(s) thereon. The heated shelf is independently adjustable vertically along the longitudinal axes of the posts and includes a body, a heating assembly and a temperature control device. The body includes a plurality of panels fixed to each other and cooperating to define a cavity. The heating assembly is disposed within the cavity of the body and is configured to transfer heat to an upper panel of the plurality of panels. The temperature control device is associated with one of the panels of the body and thermally coupled to the heating assembly. The temperature control device is at least partially externally located relative to the heated shelf and operable to control a temperature of the heated shelf.