Display Case Deflector Design for Reduced Ambient Air Infiltration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display cases with open designs face challenges in maintaining a predetermined temperature range for temperature-sensitive products while minimizing energy consumption and reducing ambient air infiltration, which can lead to increased energy usage and product spoilage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a deflector with two opposing surfaces and a flow straightener to alter the gas current generated by a fan, creating a velocity profile where the air velocity is higher closer to the display portion and lower further away, thereby reducing turbulence and ambient air infiltration, and using a flow straightener to straighten the air current and maintain a consistent temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If high air velocity is used across the entire display case to maintain temperature, then temperature maintenance improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature maintenanceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector creates a localized high-velocity air stream directed at the display case opening to prevent ambient air infiltration, rather than maintaining high velocity throughout the entire display case. This localized approach maintains temperature at the critical opening area while reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The air flow is segmented into different velocity zones: a high-velocity portion directed at the opening to prevent infiltration, and lower velocity portions in other areas. The deflector geometry (with its angled surfaces) naturally segments the air flow to achieve different velocities in different regions, optimizing energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If uniform air velocity is maintained across the display case, then temperature consistency improves, but ambient air infiltration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature consistencyVSAvoidambient air infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector applies high-velocity air flow locally at the opening where ambient air infiltration occurs, creating a protective air barrier. This localized high-velocity stream prevents infiltration without requiring uniform high velocity throughout the entire display case, thus maintaining temperature consistency while reducing harmful air exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector creates a dynamic air flow pattern with varying velocities - high velocity at the opening to combat infiltration, and lower velocity in interior areas to maintain consistency. The angled surfaces of the deflector dynamically direct the air stream to achieve this velocity distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If high air velocity is used to prevent ambient air infiltration, then infiltration reduction improves, but turbulence increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambient air infiltrationVSAvoidturbulence

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector confines high-velocity air flow to a localized stream directed at the opening, rather than creating high velocity throughout the entire display case. This localized approach reduces overall turbulence while maintaining the protective effect at the critical opening area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The air flow is segmented into a focused high-velocity stream at the opening and lower velocity regions elsewhere. The deflector geometry segments the air flow to create a directed stream that prevents infiltration without generating excessive turbulence in the broader display case environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration reduces energy consumption by minimizing the need for high air velocities across the entire display case, maintains a consistent temperature range, and decreases ambient air infiltration, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and product preservation.

Implementation Method 1

A fan may generate a gas current directed at the second surface of the deflector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas current generation:

Implementation Method 2

The deflector may alter a gas current such that a velocity of a first portion of the gas current is greater than a velocity of a second portion of the gas current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow velocity distribution:

Implementation Method 3

using a flow straightener to straighten the air current and maintain a consistent temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow straightening: Laminar Flow

Data Source

PatentUS10383459B2Deflector for display cases

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 KYSOR WARREN EPTA US CORP

AI summary

Display cases may include deflectors and fans. The deflectors may alter air currents generated by fans to provide an air current to display portions of the display case. In some implementations, the altered air current may have a first portion with a velocity that is greater than a velocity of a second portion, where the first portion is closer to a display portion of the display case.