Refrigerated Display Insert Handle for Easy Tilt and Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional counter inserts require complex manual operation to adjust the incline of the goods support surface, necessitating large efforts and leading to inefficient cooling air distribution.
Innovation Solution
A counter insert with a movable handle supported by a spring device integrated within the handle, allowing for easy adjustment of the incline without the need for additional locking mechanisms, and a cooling system that directs cooled air effectively onto the support surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinged flap is used to attach the goods support surface in an upper inclined position, then the goods support surface can be held in inclined position, but the hinged flap has to be folded out manually which increases operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device automatically folds out the hinged flap into the upper inclined position without manual intervention. The spring stores potential energy when the support surface is lowered and automatically releases this energy to fold out the hinged flap when the support surface is raised, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual folding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged flap is pre-positioned in a folded-in state during the lowering operation. When the support surface is subsequently raised, the pre-positioned hinged flap is automatically folded out by the spring device to the upper inclined position, preparing the system in advance for the next operation cycle
2Reliability
If a flexible support is used to hold the goods support surface in inclined position, then the support function is achieved, but releasing the flexible support requires two hands which increases operational effort
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device automatically performs the folding out action of the hinged flap without requiring manual intervention. The system uses the gravitational potential energy stored during the lowering operation to automatically fold out the hinged flap during the raising operation, eliminating the need for two-handed operation and reducing operational effort to a single-handed handle operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device balances the gravitational forces acting on the hinged flap and goods support surface. By positioning the spring to counteract the weight of the hinged flap, the system achieves equipotential conditions where the hinged flap can be easily folded out and held in position without requiring excessive manual force
3Force
If the spring device is supported on the stationary part, then the spring can provide support force, but the spring device becomes externally visible and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device is nested within the hollow handle structure. The compression spring is positioned inside the handle, with its ends connected to the handle interior and the hinged flap. This nesting arrangement conceals the spring device within the handle, eliminating external visibility and reducing structural complexity while maintaining the spring's support force function
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device is merged with the handle structure by integrating the spring into the hollow handle volume. The handle serves dual functions as both a manual operation component and a housing for the spring device, combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure that reduces overall device complexity
4Ease of operation
If the goods support surface is moved to inclined position, then accessibility for cleaning is improved, but cooling air is lost which reduces cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged flap is extracted as a separate, movable component that can be independently folded out to create a gap between the goods support surface and the trough. This extracted hinged flap serves as an access door that allows cleaning tools to reach the trough interior and cooling device without permanently displacing the goods support surface, enabling cleaning access while maintaining cooling efficiency during normal operation
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
Facilitates simple operation of the goods support surface in various inclined positions while ensuring efficient cooling air distribution, reducing operational complexity and enhancing cleaning accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device is operatively connected to the handle, which automatically moves the handle in the inclined position to the support position
Implementation Method 2
there is a cooling device which is arranged under the goods support surface and is connected to it, that the cooling device has an open side which adjoins the handle, that the handle is hollow for receiving chilled air exiting the open side of the cooling device
Data Source
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AI summary
The bar insertion (100) has a tilt-adjustable goods support surface (10) and a handle (20) for raising the goods support surface in an inclined position. The handle is moved for holding the goods support surface in the inclined position of the handle into a support position, in which the handle is supported on a fixed part (35).