Variable-Temperature Drawer Refrigeration With Even Multi-Side Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems in the food service industry require separate appliances for refrigeration, freezing, thawing, and blast chilling, and often have limitations such as needing multiple lids, uneven air flow, and incompatibility with standard containers, leading to inefficiencies and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A multi-faceted refrigeration system with independently operable drawers that provides even air flow around all sides using a heating and cooling system with an evaporator at the rear, eliminating the need for lids and allowing for various temperature modes, including a thaw cabinet, through the use of a condenser, compressor, and evaporator configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate appliances are used for refrigeration, freezing, thawing, and blast chilling, then each function can be performed independently, but the system occupies large areas and requires multiple appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple refrigeration functions (refrigeration, freezing, thawing, blast chilling) into a single integrated appliance with multiple drawers. Each drawer can be independently controlled to provide different temperature zones, eliminating the need for separate appliances and reducing kitchen space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance is designed as a universal refrigeration system where each drawer can operate in multiple modes (refrigeration, freezing, thawing, blast chilling) through independent temperature control. This multi-functionality allows a single appliance to replace multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If lids are used to seal drawers, then temperature control is improved, but the seal may freeze and render the drawer inoperable in sub-freezing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sealing the top of drawers with lids (horizontal seal parallel to drawer operation), the patent uses vertical seals at the front of each drawer. This inverted sealing approach positions the seal perpendicular to the drawer operation direction, preventing the seal from freezing and sticking when drawers are opened in sub-freezing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is designed with different seal locations (vertical front seals rather than horizontal top seals) to address the specific problem of freeze-sticking. The seal geometry and location are optimized for the local condition of drawer operation in cold environments.
3Device complexity
If cooling is provided only from the top, then the system is simpler, but the product is not cooled evenly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-direction (top-only) cooling to multi-directional cooling by positioning evaporators at the rear of each drawer and using air circulation to distribute cold air evenly across all sides of stored products. This three-dimensional air flow pattern ensures uniform temperature distribution throughout the drawer space.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard containers are not compatible with the storage system, then custom containers can be used, but this increases complexity and reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer design and air circulation system are configured to be compatible with standard foodservice containers rather than requiring custom containers. The vertical seal design and multi-directional cooling work effectively with conventional containers, increasing system versatility without adding complexity.
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 system enables efficient and flexible temperature control across multiple modes without lids, ensuring even air flow and compatibility with standard containers, reducing energy consumption and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigeration system includes a compressor, condenser, expansion device and evaporator
Implementation Method 2
The refrigeration system includes a compressor, condenser, expansion device and evaporator
Implementation Method 3
The refrigeration system includes a compressor, condenser, expansion device and evaporator
Implementation Method 4
The refrigeration system includes a compressor, condenser, expansion device and evaporator
Implementation Method 5
provides even air flow around all sides using a heating and cooling system
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system that has variable temperature includes one or more drawers. The one or more drawers are independently operable of one another. A heating and cooling system is in thermal communication with the one or more drawers. The heating and cooling system generates even air-flow around all sides of the one or more drawers for heating and/or cooling thereof.