Insulated Chilled Product Tank Shell for Heat Loss and Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for producing and dispensing chilled products, such as ice cream, suffer from low thermal insulation due to transparent plastic tanks, leading to heat penetration and rapid product heating during temporary stoppages, and previous solutions like double-wall tanks are complex, costly, and prone to hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a tank partially enclosed by a removable thermal insulation shell, comprising hinged half-shells with snap-engaging means, allowing easy mounting and removal for cleaning, and providing improved thermal insulation without the need for perfect sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent plastic tank is used for the visible display of chilled products, then the appearance and visibility are improved, but the thermal insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where an inner transparent tank is placed inside an outer insulating shell, creating a double-wall configuration. The inner tank maintains visibility while the outer shell provides thermal insulation, with an insulating cavity between them. This nesting approach allows both transparency for display and insulation for energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different materials with complementary properties: the inner tank uses transparent plastic for visibility, while the outer shell uses insulating materials (such as foam or air-filled chambers) for thermal protection. This composite structure integrates the advantages of both material types to simultaneously achieve transparency and insulation.
2Loss of energy
If a double-wall tank with insulating cavity is implemented, then the thermal insulation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tank system into separate modular components: an inner transparent tank and an outer insulating shell that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced using standard processes, then joined together through relatively simple connection methods such as clips, adhesives, or snap-fits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs removable and detachable connections between the inner tank and outer shell, allowing the insulating shell to be easily attached or detached as needed. This dynamic configuration enables flexible assembly and disassembly, simplifying both manufacturing and maintenance processes while maintaining the insulating cavity structure.
3Loss of energy
If double-wall tanks with complex sealing joints are used, then the thermal insulation is improved, but the hygiene reliability deteriorates due to water stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from critical joint areas by designing the connection between inner tank and outer shell to minimize contact points and eliminate complex sealing requirements. The simplified connection reduces the number of potential leakage points where water could stagnate, thereby improving hygiene reliability while maintaining the insulating cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses removable and detachable connections that can be easily taken apart for cleaning and inspection. This dynamic design allows complete drainage and access to all surfaces, preventing water stagnation and enabling thorough hygiene maintenance, while still providing effective thermal insulation when assembled.
4Ease of operation
If the tank is made removable for washing, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the risk of seal damage and water infiltration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tank system into the permanent inner tank and the removable outer shell, allowing the shell to be detached for cleaning without compromising the inner tank's seal integrity. This segmentation enables easy cleaning of the removable components while protecting the sealed connection points from damage during washing operations.
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 enhances thermal insulation, simplifies manufacturing and cleaning, and allows for material choice flexibility, preventing stagnation and infiltration issues while maintaining appearance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
providing improved thermal insulation without the need for perfect sealing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A machine (10) for the production and dispensing of chilled food products comprises a tank (11) containing an evaporator (12) which forms part of a refrigerating circuit of the machine and a motorized mixer (13) which rotates coaxially with the evaporator, with evaporator and mixer which project inside the tank through a rear sealed opening (14) thereof, the tank being moreover provided at the front with a tap (15) for dispensing the product through a dispensing outlet (16) arranged above a dispensing zone (17) intended to house a container for receiving the product. A shell (21) of the opening type is arranged so as to enclose at least partially the tank and form a covering for at least partial thermal insulation of the tank from the external environment.