Frozen Product Dispenser Thermal Isolation via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic dispensing machines for frozen products experience high energy consumption due to direct heat exchange between the storage region and the external environment during product distribution, leading to frequent activation of cooling systems and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The automatic dispensing machine incorporates separation means, such as movable flexible panels and a collection board, to isolate the storage region from the dispensing region, minimizing direct heat exchange and reducing energy consumption by maintaining the cold within the storage area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage region is left open during product distribution, then products can be easily accessed by users, but direct heat exchange occurs between the storage region and external environment causing high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing machine is divided into two distinct thermal zones: a cold storage region for keeping frozen products and a warmer dispensing region for user interaction. This segmentation prevents direct heat exchange between the storage area and external environment while maintaining easy product access through the automated dispensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A collection board acts as an intermediary element between the storage region and dispensing region. It temporarily holds products during transfer, allowing the storage region to remain closed and isolated thermally while still enabling product distribution to users in the dispensing region.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the storage region is isolated from the dispensing region, then heat exchange is minimized reducing energy consumption, but product distribution becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The collection board serves multiple functions: it acts as a thermal barrier separating the storage and dispensing regions, serves as a temporary holding platform for products during transfer, and works in conjunction with the pusher member to automate the dispensing process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher member is designed to be movable, dynamically pushing products from the storage region onto the collection board and then into the dispensing region. This dynamic mechanism simplifies the overall system by using a single active component to handle product transfer across the thermal boundary.
3Temperature
If cooling means are frequently activated to maintain temperature, then storage region temperature is maintained, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the machine into isolated thermal zones with the collection board acting as a barrier, heat ingress into the storage region is minimized. This reduces the frequency and intensity of cooling activation, thereby lowering energy consumption and reducing wear on cooling components, which in turn decreases maintenance requirements and costs.
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 significantly reduces thermal exchanges between the storage and dispensing regions, leading to lower electricity consumption and decreased maintenance costs by preventing direct heat exchange with the external environment during product distribution.
Implementation Method 1
cooling means for cooling the storage region to a freezing or deep-freezing temperature
Implementation Method 2
separation means interposed between the storage region and the dispensing region configured to separate or isolate the storage region from the dispensing region
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an automatic dispensing machine (100) of frozen products which comprises, in a supporting frame (10), a storage region (20) comprising one or more shelves (21a, 21b, 21c) configured to each contain a plurality of frozen products to be dispensed. The automatic dispensing machine (100) further comprises a dispensing region (40) accessible by a user for taking a product and cooling means (30) to cool the storage region (20), or first chamber, at a freezing temperature or deep-freezing. The automatic distributing machine (100) further comprises separation means (S), interposed between the storage region (20) and the dispensing region (40) and configured to separate the storage region (20) from the dispensing region (40) at least in an operative closing position wherein the separation means are configured to prevent direct communication between the storage region (20), or first chamber, and the dispensing region (40). The present disclosure has as further object a method for distributing frozen products by means of an automatic dispensing machine (100) of frozen products.