Hot and cold shelf assembly with replaceable heating elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional food temperature maintenance units face issues with heating element failure and condensation, which require replacement and can damage equipment and surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A heating and cooling unit with a stacked configuration, featuring a heating assembly, cooling assembly, and thermal breaks using thermally-resistive materials to isolate components, enhancing thermal efficiency and preventing condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating elements are used in traditional units, then heating function is provided, but heating elements fail after extended use requiring replacement or disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is segmented from the main unit by being positioned in a removable tray that can be easily extracted. This allows the heating element to be replaced independently without disassembling the entire unit, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is extracted from the traditional fixed structure and placed in a removable tray. This extraction allows the heating element to be easily removed and replaced, improving ease of repair while maintaining heating function reliability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If traditional units operate for extended periods, then heating and cooling functions are maintained, but condensation forms on enclosure causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal break acts as an intermediary between the enclosure and the heating/cooling assemblies. This thermal break prevents heat transfer that would cause condensation on the enclosure, eliminating the harmful effect while allowing extended operation duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal break provides beforehand protection against condensation by preventing the temperature conditions that lead to condensation formation. This protective measure is built into the structure before operation begins, preventing damage during extended use.
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
The solution improves thermal efficiency and reduces condensation risks, extending the lifespan of the unit and preventing damage to equipment and surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal break including a thermally-resistive material positioned to thermally isolate the enclosure from the panel
Implementation Method 2
a heating element disposed within the slot... configured to heat the panel
Implementation Method 3
a cooling element coupled to the second plate... configured to cool the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A heating and cooling unit includes a panel, a heating assembly configured to heat the panel as part of a heating operation, and a cooling assembly configured to cool the panel as part of a cooling operation. The heating assembly includes a first plate disposed along a first side of the panel, the first plate having a body that defines a slot. The heating assembly further includes a heating element disposed within the slot. The cooling assembly includes a second plate coupled to the first plate and a cooling element coupled to the second plate. The panel, the heating assembly, and the cooling assembly are arranged in a stacked configuration with the heating assembly between the panel and the cooling assembly.