Dual temperature refrigerated display case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual temperature refrigerated display cases face challenges in maintaining temperature performance and preventing frost formation in the low temperature coil due to spillover air from the medium temperature case, which disrupts the low temperature air curtain and leads to potential issues like frost formation and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The dual temperature display case addresses this by redirecting spillover air from the medium temperature case to form a secondary air curtain over the low temperature case, configuring air flow to reduce spillover, or using a duct to divert spillover air away from the low temperature case, thereby minimizing interference and frost formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate air circulation systems are used for medium temperature and low temperature cases, then each case can maintain its desired temperature independently, but spillover air from the medium temperature case disrupts the low temperature air curtain causing frost formation and temperature performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
A baffle member is introduced as an intermediary element between the medium temperature and low temperature cases. The baffle intercepts and redirects spillover air from the medium temperature air curtain, preventing it from disrupting the low temperature air curtain. This mediator resolves the harmful interaction while maintaining the benefits of separate air circulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful spillover air is extracted from the problematic path by the baffle member. The baffle separates the spillover air stream from the low temperature case opening, removing the harmful factor (spillover air) from the interaction between the two temperature zones and preventing frost formation.
2Reliability
If heaters are added to the low temperature coil to address frost formation, then frost is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using energy-consuming heaters to prevent frost, the invention converts the harmful spillover air into a beneficial protective element. The baffle redirects spillover air to form a secondary air curtain that actually protects the low temperature case, eliminating the need for heaters and reducing energy consumption while maintaining frost prevention.
3Temperature
If the medium temperature air curtain is allowed to flow freely, then the medium temperature display case maintains proper temperature, but spillover air intrudes into the low temperature case disrupting its air curtain
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain protection is segmented into two independent systems: the primary medium temperature air curtain for the upper case, and a secondary low temperature air curtain formed by redirected spillover air for the lower case. This segmentation allows each temperature zone to maintain its own air curtain integrity independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a spatial dimension to air curtain protection by using vertical stacking. The medium temperature air curtain operates in the upper dimension, while the redirected spillover air creates a secondary air curtain in the lower dimension, protecting the low temperature case without interfering with the medium temperature case 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
This solution enhances the performance of the low temperature case, reduces frost formation on the coil, and improves energy efficiency by preventing warmer, humid air from entering the low temperature case and maintaining the integrity of both temperature curtains.
Implementation Method 1
a medium temperature air curtain configured to flow across an access opening of the medium temperature case... a low temperature air curtain configured to flow across an access opening of the low temperature case
Implementation Method 2
a medium temperature coil disposed in the base of the medium temperature case below the product display area... a low temperature coil disposed in the base of the low temperature case below the product display area
Data Source
AI summary
A dual temperature refrigerated display case including a low temperature refrigerated display case defining a low temperature product display area and including a low temperature air curtain configured to flow across an access opening of the low temperature case. The dual temperature refrigerated display case also includes a medium temperature refrigerated display case disposed above the low temperature case. The medium temperature case defines a medium temperature product display area and includes a medium temperature air curtain configured to flow across an access opening of the medium temperature case. The dual temperature refrigerated display case includes a duct disposed between the medium temperature refrigerated display case and the low temperature refrigerated display case. The duct receives spillover air from the medium temperature air curtain and redirects the spillover air away from the low temperature air curtain.