Modular Refrigerated Show Case Layout for Flexible Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing units combining product display furniture and refrigeration devices lack flexibility and are costly, with limited adjustability and adaptability to different installation locations and local conditions.
Innovation Solution
Designing the product display furniture and cooling device in a modular manner, with independent frames and optional housings, allowing for separate and movable components, including a modular return air device that recirculates cooling air and can be connected via a common device for optimized air flow and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If product display furniture and refrigeration devices are combined into fixed integrated units, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to different installation locations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration device is divided into separate functional modules: a refrigeration unit with evaporator, a return air device with fan, and connection elements. These modular components can be independently positioned and configured around the product display furniture, allowing the system to adapt to different installation locations while maintaining structural stability through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The return air device is positioned in a different spatial dimension (above or beside the display unit) rather than integrating it into the base structure. This vertical or lateral separation allows the refrigeration system to wrap around existing furniture configurations, providing adaptability without compromising the structural integrity of either component
2Ease of manufacture
If product display furniture and refrigeration devices are designed as integrated fixed units, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but maintenance and cleaning accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is segmented into removable modules that can be detached from the product display furniture. The evaporator unit, return air device, and connection elements are designed as separate assemblies that can be easily removed for maintenance, cleaning, or replacement without dismantling the entire furniture structure
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration components are extracted as independent removable units from the furniture structure. The evaporator and return air device can be taken out separately for servicing, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service refrigeration components without moving or disassembling the product display furniture
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with separate frames is implemented, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different furniture configurations and refrigeration module arrangements.标准化 connectors and mounting interfaces allow the same modular components to be assembled in various configurations depending on installation space and display requirements, reducing the need for custom-designed parts
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components (evaporator, fan, air ducts, control elements) are merged into integrated modular assemblies that function as complete refrigeration units. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts and connections needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining modular flexibility
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 modular design provides maximum flexibility, reduces costs, and enables effective temperature control of goods while allowing for optional humidification and aromatization, adapting to various spatial conditions and improving maintenance and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling air emerging from the air duct unit sweeps approximately parallel over goods placed there for their temperature control
Implementation Method 2
the return air device advantageously has a housing and is optionally designed to be movable... recirculates cooling air
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The subject matter of the present invention is a unit consisting of at least one product display unit (1) and a cooling device (2). According to the invention, the product display unit (1) and the cooling device (2) connected to it are each modular with at least their own frame (5, 6; 4) and, if necessary, a housing.