Refrigerated Merchandiser Fan Plenum With Airflow Divider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerated merchandisers require separate fan assemblies to generate primary and secondary air curtains, leading to increased component and electrical costs, as well as complexity in assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fan assembly with an airflow divider directs air from a single fan into separate passageways to create primary and secondary air curtains, optimizing airflow distribution based on the position and geometry of the divider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fan assemblies are used to generate primary and secondary air curtains, then the airflow generation reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the function of generating both primary and secondary air curtains into a single fan assembly. The fan assembly includes a fan housing with a first outlet for primary airflow and a second outlet for secondary airflow, allowing one fan to perform what previously required two separate fan assemblies. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the reliability of airflow generation through proper internal flow division.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan housing is segmented into multiple outlet regions - a first outlet for primary air curtain generation and a second outlet for secondary air curtain generation. This segmentation allows a single fan to produce differentiated airflow paths that previously required separate fan assemblies, reducing overall device complexity while preserving functional reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate fan assemblies are used for primary and secondary air curtains, then the airflow control precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fan assembly functions into a single integrated unit. The fan assembly includes a motor, fan blades, and a housing with multiple outlets, consolidating what would otherwise require two separate assemblies. This reduces manufacturing cost and assembly complexity while maintaining airflow control precision through the integrated design of the housing and outlet configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan housing provides different outlet characteristics at different locations - the first outlet is configured for primary airflow with specific velocity and direction requirements, while the second outlet is configured for secondary airflow with different characteristics. This local differentiation within a single assembly maintains airflow control precision while simplifying manufacturing compared to two separate assemblies.
3Device complexity
If a single fan with airflow divider is used, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the airflow distribution uniformity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fan housing is segmented into distinct first and second outlet regions with separate flow paths. The housing includes internal structures that divide and direct airflow from the rotating blades into two separate streams, ensuring each outlet receives a consistent and uniform portion of the total airflow. This segmentation maintains airflow distribution uniformity while using a single fan assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan housing acts as an intermediary structure that receives airflow from the rotating blades and distributes it uniformly through separate outlet paths. The housing includes flow straightening features and divided passageways that ensure consistent airflow distribution to each outlet, maintaining stability and uniformity without requiring multiple fans.
4Ease of repair
If separate fan assemblies are used, then the maintenance accessibility is improved, but the electrical cost and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fan assemblies into a single integrated unit with one motor and one set of rotating blades that serve both primary and secondary airflow functions. This reduces the total component quantity - specifically reducing the number of motors, blade sets, and mounting structures - while maintaining ease of repair through the modular design of the housing that allows access to the single fan assembly for maintenance.
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 reduces component and electrical costs, simplifies assembly and maintenance, and maintains a consistent air volume in each airflow path, ensuring effective cooling and buffering of the product display area.
Implementation Method 1
a fan assembly positioned in the base in fluid communication with the lower flue to generate an airflow. A fan plenum into which the fan assembly is disposed includes an airflow divider
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator positioned in the first air passageway
Implementation Method 3
An airflow divider partitions the fan plenum into a first duct and a second duct. The first duct is fluidly couplable with the first air passageway and the second duct is fluidly couplable with the second air passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A fan plenum for a refrigerated merchandiser, in which the refrigerated merchandiser includes a case defining a product display area and a lower flue, a first air passageway, and a second air passageway, and in which the first air passageway and second air passageway are in fluid communication with the lower flue and with the product display area, includes a top wall including a fan aperture for receiving a fan having a plurality of fan blades. The fan plenum further includes a side wall and a plenum base. An airflow divider partitions the fan plenum into a first duct and a second duct. The first duct is fluidly couplable with the first air passageway and the second duct is fluidly couplable with the second air passageway.