Glass heat zone control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condensation forms on glass panels of refrigerated enclosures due to temperature differences between the inside and outside environments, leading to potential moisture accumulation and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerated display case door with a glass panel assembly featuring an electrically conductive coating between panes, powered by multiple pairs of electrical buses to control heat distribution and prevent condensation by heating specific zones of the glass surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If glass panels are used in refrigerated display case doors for viewing and accessing refrigerated objects, then visibility and accessibility are improved, but condensation forms on the glass surfaces when doors are opened due to temperature differences, compromising temperature control and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an electrically conductive coating to the glass panel that can change its thermal properties by applying electrical power. This allows dynamic control of the glass surface temperature to prevent condensation while maintaining visibility, directly addressing the contradiction between viewing capability and condensation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically conductive coating acts as an intermediary between the electrical power source and the glass panel. It transfers electrical energy to heat the glass surface, creating a thermal barrier that prevents condensation without blocking the viewing function of the glass.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heating is applied to the glass surface to prevent condensation, then condensation is reduced, but additional heat is radiated into the refrigerated space, increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple pairs of electrical buses spaced apart from one another, creating localized heating zones rather than uniform heating across the entire glass panel. This allows selective heating of specific areas where condensation is most likely to form, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass panel is divided into multiple heating zones through the use of multiple electrical bus pairs. Each bus pair creates an independent heating region, allowing the system to segment the heating function and activate only the necessary zones, thereby minimizing energy waste.
3Ease of operation
If multiple pairs of electrical buses are used to control power flow to different zones of the glass panel, then localized heating control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical bus pairs into a single integrated glass panel assembly. The buses are embedded within or on the surface of the glass, merging the electrical connection system with the structural glass component, which reduces overall system complexity despite providing localized control capability.
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
Effectively reduces condensation on glass panels by selectively applying heat to colder areas, maintaining a temperature above the dew point and minimizing heat transfer into the refrigerated environment.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive coating applied to a surface of the first pane, the coating extending across at least a majority of a viewing area of first pane
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated display case door glass panel assembly includes a first pane of glass and a second pane of glass bounding a sealed space between the panes, and an electrically conductive coating applied to a surface of the first pane. The coating extending across at least a majority of a viewing area of the first pane. A first pair of electrical buses spaced apart from one another and electrically connected to the coating at respective first and second ends of the first pane, the first and second ends being opposite one another, and a second pair of electrical buses spaced apart from one another and electrically connected to the coating at respective third and fourth ends of the first pane. The third and fourth ends being opposite one another and adjacent to the first and second ends.