Insulated Chilled Food Tank Shell for Product Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for producing and dispensing chilled products, such as ice cream, have 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 from leaks and seal failures.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a tank enclosed partially by a removable thermal insulation shell, featuring hinged and snap-engaging half-shells that provide improved thermal insulation without the need for perfect sealing, allowing easy cleaning and material choice, and can be mounted or removed as needed.
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 of the product is improved, but the thermal insulation performance deteriorates leading to heat penetration and rapid product heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where an outer transparent tank is placed inside an outer shell, creating a double-wall configuration. The inner tank contains the chilled product while the outer shell provides thermal insulation. This nesting arrangement allows the transparent inner tank to maintain product visibility while the outer insulating shell reduces heat penetration, effectively resolving the contradiction between visibility and thermal insulation.
2Loss of energy
If a double-wall tank with insulating cavity is implemented to improve thermal insulation, then the thermal efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to complex forms requiring moulding and gluing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tank system into separate modular components: an inner transparent tank and an outer insulating shell. These segments are manufactured independently using simple moulding processes, avoiding the need for complex integrated double-wall moulding. The components are then connected through simple snap-fit mechanisms with locating ribs and engagement features, eliminating complex gluing operations and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective thermal insulation.
3Loss of energy
If long and complex sealing joints are provided between inner and outer walls to ensure perfect insulation, then the thermal insulation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to easy breaking of seams and infiltration of water during handling and washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements including elastomeric seals and gaskets that can deform to accommodate minor misalignments and knocks during handling. The sealing system uses compressible materials that maintain contact pressure across the sealing interface, ensuring water-tight seals even after repeated removal and washing operations. This flexible sealing approach replaces rigid, fragile seams with durable, elastic sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates locating ribs and engagement features that guide the inner tank into proper alignment with the outer shell during assembly, preventing misalignment before sealing occurs. The snap-fit connection mechanism provides mechanical cushioning that absorbs knocks and impacts during handling, protecting the sealing joints from damage. This preemptive design prevents seal failure before it can occur during normal operation and cleaning.
4Illumination intensity
If the tank is made of transparent material for visibility, then the appearance is improved, but the thermal efficiency deteriorates allowing heat penetration through the ample surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the transparent tank is placed inside an outer insulating shell. This arrangement allows the transparent inner tank to maintain full visibility of the chilled product while the outer shell provides thermal insulation. The nesting structure creates an air gap or insulating layer between the transparent surface and the external environment, blocking heat penetration while preserving the transparent appearance.
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 prevents stagnation issues while allowing flexible material selection, maintaining appearance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a shell (21) of the opening type which encloses the tank (11) at least partially and which forms a covering for at least partial thermal insulation of the tank (11) from the external environment
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for the production and dispensing of chilled food products comprises a tank containing an evaporator which forms part of a refrigerating circuit of the machine and a motorized mixer which rotates coaxially with the evaporator, with evaporator and mixer which project inside the tank through a rear sealed opening thereof, the tank being moreover provided at the front with a tap for dispensing the product through a dispensing outlet arranged above a dispensing zone intended to house a container for receiving the product. A shell 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.