Guide vane for refrigerated display case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerated display cases with air curtains lack an efficient air velocity profile, leading to suboptimal thermal retention and product presentation.
Innovation Solution
A guide vane with an approximate 'L' shape and internal 'L' shaped flow paths is integrated into the air discharge system, redirecting the air stream from horizontal to vertical, creating a uniform laminar flow profile across the front of the display case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air is discharged horizontally from the top of the refrigerated display case, then the air curtain can be formed, but the air velocity profile is non-uniform and turbulent kinetic energy is high
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vane divides the air discharge into multiple parallel flow paths using internal walls, creating several uniform laminar streams that combine to form the air curtain. This segmentation reduces turbulence by organizing the air flow into controlled channels before discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide vane creates different flow conditions in different regions of the air stream. Each flow path is designed to produce uniform laminar flow, while the overall combination creates a controlled turbulent structure that maintains thermal retention. The velocity profile is optimized locally in each path to achieve global thermal performance.
2Length of moving object
If a conventional air discharge system is used, then the structure is simple, but the air curtain length is insufficient and velocity profile is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The guide vane extends the air discharge path in the vertical dimension by redirecting horizontal air flow downward at an angle. This dimensional change allows the air curtain to travel a longer distance along the front of the display case while maintaining velocity uniformity through the structured flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide vane acts as an intermediary device between the air source and the air curtain formation. It conditions the air flow by creating uniform velocity profiles and directing it along the desired path, mediating between the simple discharge system and the required complex air curtain performance.
3Temperature
If air flow is redirected vertically downward, then thermal retention is improved, but the flow becomes turbulent
Solution Approach 1:
The internal walls segment the vertical air flow into multiple parallel laminar streams. Each segment maintains stable laminar flow characteristics, and their combination creates the overall air curtain with controlled turbulence that preserves temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide vane changes the flow parameters by adjusting the velocity distribution across the air stream. The velocity profile is modified from a non-uniform distribution to a uniform distribution across all flow paths, stabilizing the laminar flow while maintaining the vertical downward direction for thermal retention.
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 configuration enhances thermal retention by reducing turbulent kinetic energy, increasing air curtain length, and maintaining a uniform velocity profile, resulting in improved temperature control and product presentation.
Implementation Method 1
direct an air stream from the duct in the top of the case, through the guide vane, and down across the open front of the case in the form of an air curtain having an improved laminar flow profile
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated display case having a front and including a duct to direct an air stream flow through a bottom, a back, and a top of the refrigerated display case, a guide vane communicating with the top of the duct to redirect the air stream flow along the front of the refrigerated display case, and a receiver coupled to the bottom of the duct to accept the air stream flow redirected by the guide vane. The guide vane includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of side walls, a first end region, a second end region, a plurality of internal wall, and a plurality of flow paths extending between the first end region and the second end region and defined between the pair of side walls, and at least two of the top wall, the bottom wall, a first internal wall of the plurality of internal walls, and a second internal wall of the plurality of internal walls.