Flexible-Hinge Air Deflector for Low-Turbulence Display Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerated display cases experience air turbulence issues with existing air deflectors, making it difficult to maintain a consistent and efficient cooled air curtain, and the removal of air filters is cumbersome, requiring the removal of fasteners.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a flexible hinge on the air deflector allows for easy filter replacement without removing fasteners, combined with a smooth deflecting surface that reduces turbulence by directing air in a more controlled manner, enhancing airflow and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rigid air deflector with fasteners is used, then the air deflector provides structural stability and effective air direction, but the filter member becomes difficult to remove requiring fastener removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter removal easeVSAvoidair deflector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air deflector is segmented into a stationary portion and a movable portion that can rotate relative to each other. The filter member is received in a cavity formed between these portions, allowing the filter to be accessed and removed by simply rotating the movable portion, eliminating the need to remove fasteners while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air deflector incorporates a movable portion that can rotate about an axis to change from a first position (where the filter cavity is accessible) to a second position (where the air deflector is compact). This dynamic element allows the filter to be easily removed and reinstalled without permanent fastening, simplifying maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If a conventional air deflector is used, then the structure is simple, but air turbulence increases reducing cooling efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidair deflector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air deflector features a smooth inner surface that specifically contacts and guides the air stream. This localized smooth surface quality reduces turbulence and friction against the airflow in the critical region where air is directed, improving cooling efficiency without requiring the entire structure to be complex or aerodynamically optimized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution improves air flow smoothness, reduces turbulence, and facilitates easier filter replacement, resulting in improved energy efficiency by more than ten percent and simplifies maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible hinge formed on the second portion of the first member to allow at least movement of a moveable portion of the second portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The air deflector directs air in a more desirable way with less turbulence in a resultant air curtain down the front of the refrigerated display case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow direction:

Data Source

PatentUS10119745B1Air deflectors with flexible hinge for refrigerated display cases

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 KYSOR WARREN EPTA US CORP

AI summary

A refrigerated display case includes an air director that directs air with less turbulence in a resultant air curtain but also allows for the convenient removal of an air filter member by using a flexible hinge on a portion of the air deflector. Other embodiments are disclosed as well.