Air Distribution Tower Layout for Uniform Cooling in Display Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerated display cases experience uneven air distribution and varying temperatures due to inadequate air circulation systems, leading to inconsistent product cooling.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled case design featuring a base with an air flow device, an air distribution tower with segmented exterior walls and diffusers, and shelves with angled shelf covers and openings to direct and diffuse air flows uniformly across the display space, ensuring balanced cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional air circulation system is used in refrigerated display cases, then the system structure is simple, but the air distribution is uneven and temperatures vary for products stored within the case
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution tower is divided into multiple segments with diffusers at different heights, and the exterior wall is segmented into multiple openings arranged at different positions. This segmentation allows air to be distributed to different regions (front, rear, upper, lower) of the display case simultaneously, achieving uniform temperature distribution while maintaining a modular system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the air distribution system are designed with different characteristics: diffusers are positioned at specific heights to target specific shelf levels, and exterior wall openings are arranged to direct air flow to specific zones (front or rear). This local differentiation ensures that each region of the display case receives appropriate air flow for uniform cooling.
2Temperature
If air is directed only to the front portion of shelves, then the front products are well cooled, but the rear products experience temperature variations and insufficient cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system is segmented to provide separate air flow paths: one path directs air through diffusers to the front portion of shelves, and another path directs air to the rear portion of shelves. This segmentation ensures comprehensive cooling coverage without requiring overly complex flow control mechanisms.
3Temperature
If air flow is concentrated in one direction, then the air distribution system is simple, but temperature uniformity across the display space is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution tower is segmented vertically with multiple diffusers at different heights, and the exterior wall is segmented with multiple openings at different positions. This segmentation creates multiple air flow directions simultaneously, achieving uniform temperature distribution while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The air distribution system transitions from single-direction horizontal flow to multi-dimensional flow by adding vertical distribution through stacked diffusers and multi-level exterior wall openings. This dimensional expansion allows air to reach all regions of the display case effectively.
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 solution provides enhanced air flow and cooling, maintaining products at a uniform temperature across the case, preventing temperature disparities and ensuring consistent product cooling.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow device configured to provide an air flow
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of diffusers is configured to at least partially define one or more flow paths for the air flow from the plurality of channels toward at least one of the plurality of shelves
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-controlled case including a base having a deck and an air flow device located below the deck, a tower having a cavity, and an air distribution system. The air distribution system includes a duct and one or more air diverting devices which permit a first portion of an air flow to be received into the tower and direct a second portion of the air flow toward the deck. Sub-portions of the first portion may be directed at the rear portions and front portions of one or more shelves. The tower includes an exterior wall having openings through which air is directed by the air diverting devices. The exterior wall may be faceted and the cavity may be segmented into channels corresponding to the facets.