Food display counter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food display counters, especially those of large dimensions, face challenges in providing smooth and continuous automatic opening and closing movements while ensuring product safety and accessibility, and often require manual operation of heavy panels, which is not efficient for extended lengths like in pastry or ice cream shops.
Innovation Solution
A food display counter with a transparent horizontal cover formed by two coplanar panels, where one is fixed and the other is mobile, allowing automatic longitudinal opening and closing controlled by electrical actuators, integrated within the counter to minimize space and personnel requirements, using an oblique rectilinear cam for smooth movement and compact control devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of heavy panels is used, then ease of operation deteriorates, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated electrical actuation system. Electrical actuators mounted on the sideboards automatically open and close the transparent panels through electrical signals, eliminating the need for manual lifting and positioning of heavy panels, thus dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the counter automatically performs the opening and closing of panels through integrated electrical actuators and control systems. The actuators are activated by simple control signals, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring manual intervention for panel operation.
2Productivity
If electrical actuators are integrated within the counter, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical actuators with the counter structure by mounting them on the sideboards and integrating their mechanical linkages with the panel support system. This consolidation allows the actuators to be part of the counter's inherent structure rather than separate add-on components, improving productivity while managing complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical actuators serve multiple functions: they provide the driving force for panel movement, are integrated into the counter's structural framework, and can be controlled through a unified control system. This multi-functionality improves productivity by automating panel operation while the integrated design helps manage the added complexity.
3Reliability
If heavy transparent panels are used for large counters, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated electrical actuation system specifically designed to handle heavy transparent panels. The actuators provide controlled mechanical force to move the heavy panels reliably, ensuring consistent operation while eliminating the physical strain and operational difficulties associated with manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical actuators act as intermediaries between the control system and the heavy transparent panels. They translate electrical signals into controlled mechanical movement, providing a reliable bridge that enables easy operation of heavy panels through automated force application and precise position control.
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
Enables efficient, automatic, and energy-saving operation with minimal space usage, allowing easy access and quick cleaning, while maintaining an aesthetic appearance and maximizing product visibility, even in large counters with heavy panels.
Implementation Method 1
an oblique rectilinear cam for smooth movement and compact control devices
Implementation Method 2
controlled by electrical actuators, integrated within the counter
Data Source
AI summary
Herein proposed is a food display counter (10) in which the chamber (14) for housing food products is closed - at the upper part - by a fixed longitudinal panel (22) and by a mobile longitudinal panel (24) which are arranged coplanar in a horizontal plane and the mobile panel (24) in its open position is in a horizontal plane superimposed with respect to the fixed panel (22). The mobile panel (24) is fixed at its ends respectively to a control device (27) which comprises an electrical actuator (30) actuating to and fro a slider (36) with vertical guides (46), a horizontal guide (34) fixed to a sheet (28) supporting said actuator (30), same case applying to a plate (50) which supports the mobile panel (24) and it also has a bearing (58) cooperating with an oblique cam (60) which is fixed to said sheet (28) and determines the execution of the opening and closing movement of the mobile panel (24).