Freezer Basket Support Frames for Airflow and Bottom Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing horizontal freezer systems inefficiently utilize the intermediate space, leading to difficulty accessing bottom products and reduced air circulation, which affects energy efficiency due to the need for stacking and limited access.

Innovation Solution

The use of support frames shaped like an upturned saddle with parallel base portions and U-shaped vertical portions, allowing baskets to be positioned for optimal use of the intermediate space without obstructing the bottom area, along with removable polymer handles for easy installation and reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If food products are stacked in the intermediate area of the freezer cavity, then the loading capacity is increased, but the air circulation is limited and energy efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading capacityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from vertical stacking (one dimension) to horizontal suspension using support frames (adding another dimension). The support frames with U-shaped vertical portions allow baskets to be positioned in the intermediate area without blocking air flow paths, enabling increased loading capacity while maintaining energy efficiency through improved convection currents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If food products are placed in baskets in the intermediate area, then access to bottom products is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to food productsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the freezer interior into distinct functional zones using separate support frames and baskets. The support frames are segmented into base portions and vertical portions, allowing independent positioning. This segmentation enables flexible configuration to improve access to bottom products while keeping each component simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support frames are designed to be adjustable and reconfigurable within the freezer cavity. The vertical portions can be positioned at different locations along the cavity walls, and baskets can be moved between support frames. This dynamic adaptability improves ease of operation without requiring complex fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances air circulation for faster freezing by allowing better heat exchange and flexible basket placement, maintaining the loading capacity of the bottom area while improving access and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The solution according to the invention enables increased circulation of air by convection between the food products for better heat exchange and therefore for faster freezing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2813788B1System for containing food products in horizontal freezers and horizontal freezer provided with such system
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 WHIRLPOOL CORP
  • EP2813788B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP2813788B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8
  • EP2813788B1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

A system for containing food products in horizontal freezers (C) comprises removable baskets (14) and a plurality of support frames (10) capable of being rested on a bottom part of the freezer and having an upper portion (10c) capable of supporting the baskets in a substantially intermediate position inside the freezer cavity.