Flexible Sheet-Based Seal for Vacuum-Drawn Palletized Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing freezer warehouse systems face challenges in maintaining efficient heat transfer and air sealing around palletized products, particularly due to the use of undulating 'egg carton' spacers that can obstruct airflow and lead to inconsistent temperature maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A sheet-based cover assembly using flexible poles to support a covering that can be drawn tight around a palletized product assembly by a vacuum-creating fan, creating an air seal and enhancing heat transfer by directing airflow primarily through the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If undulating 'egg carton' spacers are used to separate rows of cases, then air pathways are created through the palletized product, but the spacers can be obstructed by crushed or drooping cases leading to inconsistent airflow and temperature maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid egg carton spacers with a flexible sheet material that can adapt to case variations. The flexible sheet maintains air pathways even when cases are crushed or drooping, ensuring consistent airflow and heat transfer without being obstructed by product irregularities.
2Productivity
If a seal is formed between pallets and intake openings using multiple periphery seals, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines side periphery seals, bottom periphery seals, and top periphery seals into a single integrated flexible sheet that surrounds the entire palletized product assembly. This unified seal maintains heat transfer efficiency while simplifying installation and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sheet material provides a simple yet effective sealing solution that conforms to the pallet and product shape, creating an effective seal without requiring multiple separate rigid components or complex assembly procedures.
3Strength
If rigid spacers are used to maintain air pathways, then structural support is provided, but the spacers obstruct airflow when cases are crushed or drooping
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet provides minimal structural support while maintaining air pathways. Unlike rigid spacers that can be obstructed by crushed cases, the flexible material adapts to case variations and continues to guide airflow efficiently through the palletized product.
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 effectively seals the edges of a pallet assembly, improving airflow and heat transfer efficiency, while allowing for easy installation and operation, thus maintaining consistent product temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a fan positioned and configured to move air from inside the pallet receiving area to outside the pallet receiving area
Implementation Method 2
the vacuum draws the covering tight around the palletized product assembly
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of flexible rods have sufficient flexibility to deflect into engagement with the pallet assembly upon activation of the fan
Implementation Method 4
the sheet covering is flexible but relatively air-impermeable, such that the vacuum created behind the palletized product assembly flows primarily through, rather than around, the product
Implementation Method 5
enhancing heat transfer by directing airflow primarily through the product
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet-based cover assembly can be used to create an air seal around a palletized product assembly. The assembly includes a plurality of flexible poles which support a covering. In an at-rest state unaffected by external forces, the flexible poles hold the covering open and allow the palletized product assembly to be installed in position, ready to be acted on by a vacuum-creating fan or air handler. When the fan is activated, the vacuum draws the covering tight around the palletized product assembly, deflecting the poles under the force of the vacuum pressure created by the fan. The sheet covering is flexible but relatively air-impermeable, such that the vacuum created behind the palletized product assembly flows primarily through, rather than around, the product.