Refrigerated Display Case Uni-Body Structure With Self-Cleaning Evaporator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing merchandisers lack structural integrity to support loads due to non-load-bearing foam insulation and sheet metal skins, and they have limited self-cleaning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A merchandiser with a uni-body structure incorporating load-bearing foam insulation and a self-cleaning system, where the foam insulation material includes a spray nozzle for fluid distribution to clean the evaporator and drain areas, and a network of tubes within the insulation for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy gauge structural steel external frames are used to carry structural load, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining foam insulation material with load-bearing capability and sheet metal skins to create a unified body that provides both thermal insulation and structural support. This composite approach replaces heavy steel frames while maintaining necessary strength to support food products and technicians.
2Ease of manufacture
If sheet metal skins and foam insulation panels are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural load-bearing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The foam insulation material is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing thermal insulation, acting as a moisture barrier, and serving as a load-bearing structural element. The sheet metal skins also serve dual purposes as attachment surfaces and structural reinforcement, eliminating the need for separate structural framing.
3Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then cleaning capability is limited, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The merchandiser incorporates an integrated self-cleaning system where spray nozzles positioned within the foam insulation material can direct cleaning fluid onto internal surfaces such as the evaporator and drain areas. The system uses the existing foam structure as part of the cleaning mechanism, eliminating the need for external complex cleaning equipment.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If foam insulation material is used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but moisture barrier capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet metal skins are strategically positioned at critical locations where moisture barrier capability is most needed, such as at seams and joints of the foam insulation panels. This localized reinforcement provides moisture protection exactly where the foam material is most vulnerable, without compromising overall thermal insulation performance.
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 merchandiser achieves structural strength equivalent to heavy gauge steel frames while being lighter and more efficient in cleaning, with fewer seams reducing maintenance time and improving refrigeration performance.
Implementation Method 1
A spray nozzle is disposed within the air passageway and configured to spray fluid onto the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
The foam insulation panels consist of sheet metal skins surrounding a layer of blown polyurethane insulation
Implementation Method 3
The sheet metal skins provide a moisture barrier to prevent moisture from migrating into the polyurethane foam insulation and degrading the insulation properties of the foam
Implementation Method 4
A portion of tubing fluidly couples the spray nozzle to a supply of water
Data Source
AI summary
A merchandiser includes a base and a rear wall component extending above the base. The rear wall component includes a protruding rib. Foam insulation material is disposed in the protruding rib. The rear wall component has a first wall panel and a second wall panel spaced from the first wall panel. The first and second wall panel cooperatively define an air passageway configured for containing an evaporator. The base and second wall panel at least partially define a product display area. A spray nozzle is disposed within the air passageway and configured to spray fluid onto the evaporator. A portion of tubing fluidly couples the spray nozzle to a supply of water. The portion of tubing is disposed within the foam insulation material.