Cell and method for storing a set of products, with creation of an air flow through the set of products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage cells for food products face issues with sealing integrity, particularly when the fan malfunctions, and are unidirectional, limiting their ability to operate with reverse air flow.
Innovation Solution
The storage cell design incorporates flexible sealing elements that inflate under air pressure and are actuated by mechanical pressure from secondary sealing elements to maintain contact with the products, allowing for both rear-to-front and front-to-rear air flow, ensuring consistent sealing even during fan malfunctions and enabling bidirectional airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing tarpaulins are used to create seals on the top and sides of products, then air flow can be channeled through the products, but the sealing integrity is compromised when the fan malfunctions or air pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic sealing elements that can change their configuration based on operating conditions. The secondary sealing elements are movable between active and inactive configurations, allowing the sealing system to adapt when air pressure drops or fan malfunction occurs, maintaining sealing integrity under varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates redundant sealing mechanisms (secondary sealing elements) that can be activated beforehand or automatically when primary sealing fails. This backup sealing system provides cushioning against sealing failure, ensuring continuous sealing integrity even when air pressure drops or the fan malfunctions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the storage cell is designed for unidirectional air flow, then sealing is simplified, but the cell cannot operate with reverse air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sealing system to perform multiple functions: it can seal effectively in both forward and reverse air flow directions. The secondary sealing elements are positioned and configured to work with air pressure from either direction, making the storage cell versatile for bidirectional operation without requiring separate sealing systems for each direction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sealing system into primary and secondary sealing elements that can be independently activated or configured. This segmentation allows each sealing element to be optimized for specific flow directions while working together to provide comprehensive sealing for bidirectional operation, managing complexity through modular design
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
This design enhances sealing integrity and allows for bidirectional airflow, improving the storage conditions for food products by maintaining temperature and humidity homogeneity and reducing the risk of product contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible sealing element (50, 60) that is inflatable in relation to one of the walls (10, 11, 12) of the cell and towards the inside of the housing (14) under the effect of an air pressure which is generated in the housing (14) by said air flow (A or B) created by the ventilation means (4)
Implementation Method 2
ventilation means (4) for creating a rear-to-front air flow (A) circulating in the housing (14) from the rear to the front of the housing or for creating a front-to-rear air flow (B) circulating in the housing (14) from the front to the rear of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A cell (1) for storing a set (2) of products (20) includes ventilation means (4) for creating a rear-to-front air flow (A) circulating in the housing (14) and at least one first sealing device (5 or 6) having a first flexible sealing element (50 or 60) that is inflatable in relation to one of the walls (10, 11, 12) of the cell and towards the inside of the housing (14) under the effect of an air pressure which is generated in the housing (14) by said air flow. The first sealing device (5 or 6) has at least one second sealing element (52 or 62) that can be actuated between an inactive configuration and an active configuration in which it exerts a mechanical pressure on part of the first flexible sealing element (50 or 60).