Merchandiser Pan Venting Frame for Airflow-Based Product Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional merchandisers face challenges in effectively conditioning products by directing airflow to remove heat loads from pans without requiring separate airflow generation devices or air conditioning systems, especially in maintaining the temperature of condiment areas.
Innovation Solution
The merchandiser design includes a pan apparatus with a frame that suspends the pan and features holes along its perimeter to direct airflow upward along the sidewalls, utilizing the primary conditioning airflow from the rear passageway to condition the products, thereby removing heat loads without additional cooling or heating devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional airflow venting is used at the front of the case, then the structure is simple, but the heat load removal efficiency from pans is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented with multiple holes distributed along its perimeter, allowing airflow to be distributed across multiple locations rather than concentrated at a single front vent. This segmentation of the venting function improves heat load removal efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow path is extended from a single-point front vent to a distributed pattern along the frame perimeter. By adding the dimensional aspect of distributed holes along the frame, the system achieves better heat load removal without significantly increasing structural complexity
2Temperature
If separate airflow generation devices are added to condition products in pans, then the temperature control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing case airflow system is made multi-functional by routing it to serve both the product display area and the pans. The frame with holes acts as a universal airflow distribution structure that conditions both environments without requiring separate cooling devices
Solution Approach 2:
The pans are designed to be self-conditioned by the existing case airflow system. The frame structure with holes automatically directs airflow along the pan sidewalls and discharges it over the products, allowing the pans to benefit from cooling without requiring their own airflow generation devices
3Loss of energy
If airflow is directed only below the pans, then the heat load is removed, but the product surface conditioning is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure provides localized airflow discharge at specific locations around the pan perimeter. By positioning holes along the frame perimeter, the system creates localized cooling zones that direct airflow onto product surfaces, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across different product locations
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 design effectively conditions the products by using the existing airflow to remove heat loads, reducing the need for separate conditioning systems and optimizing the use of case volume for maintaining the desired temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
The frame has a perimeter and defines a plurality of holes spaced along at least a portion of the perimeter such that an airflow from below the pan is directed upward along the sidewalls and discharged through the frame via the holes to condition the product
Data Source
AI summary
A pan apparatus for a merchandiser including a case having a platform defining an opening. The pan apparatus includes a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls cooperating with the bottom wall to define a space for supporting product in the pan. At least two of the sidewalls each includes a frame engagement member adjacent a top of the pan. The pan apparatus also includes a frame positioned adjacent a top of the sidewalls and coupled to the frame engagement members. The frame extends along at least two sidewalls of the pan and is configured to engage the platform adjacent the opening to suspend the pan. The frame defines a plurality of holes spaced along at least a portion of the perimeter such that an airflow from below the pan is directed upward along the sidewalls and discharged through the frame via the holes to condition the product.