Horizontal refrigerated showcase with enhanced product display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal refrigerated showcases have opaque components such as sliding paths, frames, and seals that obstruct the view of products from certain distances and angles, and their complex structure with separate sliding paths complicates manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal refrigerated showcase design featuring transparent lateral walls with integrated sliding paths and spacers made of wear-resistant transparent materials, allowing all interior components to be visible from any angle, and simplifying the manufacturing process by integrating sliding paths into the lateral walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If opaque components (sliding paths, frames, seals) are used in the showcase structure, then the structural integrity and functionality are ensured, but the visibility of products is obstructed from certain distances and angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of color changes by transitioning from opaque materials to transparent materials for the sliding paths, frames, and seals. This material transformation allows light to pass through these structural components, making the products fully visible from all angles while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the showcase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining transparent materials with the existing structural components. The transparent sliding paths, frames, and seals are integrated to create a composite structure that simultaneously provides mechanical support and optical transparency, resolving the contradiction between structural functionality and product visibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate sliding paths are attached to the showcase walls, then the opening/closing system functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the sliding paths directly into the lateral walls of the showcase, eliminating the need for separate attached sliding path components. This consolidation reduces the number of parts, simplifies the manufacturing process, and maintains the opening/closing system functionality while improving ease of manufacture.
3Illumination intensity
If transparent materials are used for all components, then maximum product visibility is achieved, but the wear resistance and durability of sliding surfaces may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific regions of the transparent components wear-resistant. The sliding surfaces of the transparent sliding paths are treated with wear-resistant coatings or materials in the specific areas subject to friction, while the rest of the transparent structure maintains its optical properties. This localized enhancement preserves both visibility and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining transparent base materials with wear-resistant surface treatments. The transparent sliding paths and frames incorporate surface coatings or composite layers that provide enhanced wear resistance to contact surfaces, while maintaining overall transparency for maximum product visibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a horizontal refrigerated showcase, comprising: - a base wall (B), - four transparent lateral walls, - an opening/closing system of the showcase, arranged opposed in respect to the base wall (B), wherein the opening/closing system comprises a plurality of transparent panes (G1, G2), - each pane (G1, G2) resting on two of its opposed sides, along the entire length of said sides, on a respective sliding path (C12, C23), - each pane (G1, G2) being capable to move in its own plane, on the respective sliding paths, in a direction (X) that is the same with the direction of the sides resting on the sliding paths (C12, C23), - wherein the sliding paths (C12, C23) are attached respectively to two opposed lateral walls of the showcase, walls that are parallel to the panes (G1, G2) moving direction (X), - each transparent lateral wall corresponding to the sliding paths (C12, C23) consists of transparent parallel panels (P1, P2, P3) having ascending heights starting with the innermost panel (P1) and ending with the outermost panel (P3), - the transparent panels (P1, P2, P3) being kept appart from each other by means of transparent spacers (D12, D23) arranged such that the upper surface of each spacer (D12, D23) serves as a sliding path (C12, C23) for a respective pane (G1, G2).