Display unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display units for heated goods negatively affect the quality of stored items due to direct air flow, leading to rapid drying, denting, and dust absorption.
Innovation Solution
A display unit with angled air outlets that create an air screen around each storage space, reducing air speed and preventing direct air flow onto goods, combined with modular design, airtight shelves, and strategically positioned heating elements for efficient heat distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heated air is blown directly onto goods from outlets positioned above shelves, then the goods are heated effectively, but the goods dry out quickly and their quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet is divided into multiple sub-outlets arranged in a specific pattern (e.g., alternating sides or staggered positions) rather than a single continuous outlet. This segmentation allows the air flow to be distributed more evenly and prevents concentrated high-velocity streams from directly impacting goods, reducing drying while maintaining heating effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the air outlet have different flow characteristics. By positioning outlets at specific locations (above shelves but angled downward, or on alternating sides), the air flow delivers heat where needed while avoiding direct impact on goods in sensitive areas, creating localized heating zones that preserve quality.
2Productivity
If high velocity air flow is used to heat goods quickly, then heating efficiency is improved, but goods with soft surfaces dent and packaging requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air outlet is divided into multiple sub-outlets arranged in a specific pattern (e.g., alternating sides or staggered positions) rather than a single continuous outlet. This segmentation allows the air flow to be distributed more evenly and prevents concentrated high-velocity streams from directly impacting goods, reducing drying while maintaining heating effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directing air flow straight down onto goods from above, the outlets are positioned and angled to create indirect heating patterns. Air may be directed at angles that circulate around goods or hit reflective surfaces first, providing heating without direct high-velocity impact that causes denting.
3Temperature
If air outlets are positioned to flow air forward onto goods, then heating is effective, but dust particles and hazardous particles are absorbed by goods
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directing air flow straight down onto goods from above, the outlets are positioned and angled to create indirect heating patterns. Air may be directed at angles that circulate around goods or hit reflective surfaces first, providing heating without direct high-velocity impact that causes denting.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow pattern creates a protective environment around goods by directing heated air along paths that do not directly contact goods. This indirect circulation pattern reduces the introduction of dust and hazardous particles to the goods while maintaining the heated atmosphere necessary for quality preservation.
4Device complexity
If multiple storage spaces are aligned vertically, then the design is simple, but air screens cannot be effectively created to protect each storage space
Solution Approach 1:
Storage spaces are arranged in a staggered or offset pattern rather than directly aligned vertically. This dimensional adjustment allows each storage space to have its own dedicated air outlet positioned to create an effective air screen, while still maintaining a relatively compact overall structure. The staggered arrangement enables independent air flow control for each level.
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 minimizes the negative impact on stored goods by reducing air speed, maintaining quality, and allowing for flexible configuration, while also providing energy savings and improved temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
an air forcing apparatus for moving air from an inlet opening to multiple outlets
Implementation Method 2
heating elements
Implementation Method 3
an air screen is created per storage space to protect the goods on the placing side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A display unit for storing and displaying heated goods according to the invention that comprises walls (4), multiple shelves (12), an air duct (22, 24, 32), an air forcing apparatus (20) and air temperature regulating means. At least part of the walls of the display unit delimits a chamber (10) with an open front side. The multiple shelves (12) each comprise an upper placing side (42). The multiple shelves (12) each extend substantially horizontally in the chamber (10) and are provided above each other to define an individual storage space (14) above each shelf (12). The air duct (22, 24, 32) extends from an inlet opening (30) to multiple outlets (36). The entire air flow of at least one outlet (36) flows into the corresponding storage space (14). At least one shelf comprises a heating element (281) for heating a passing air flow.