Multi-Zone Refrigerated Vending Cabinet Using One Refrigeration Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vending machines require multiple units to maintain different refrigeration temperatures for perishable items, leading to increased costs, space inefficiency, and complexity, as they struggle to effectively manage temperature zones within a single unit.
Innovation Solution
A vending machine design that utilizes a single refrigeration unit with thermal breaks, air ducts, and insulated dividers to create multiple temperature zones, allowing for efficient configuration into single or multiple zone modes using controlled conduction and air circulation, enabling the storage and vending of frozen, refrigerated, and ambient items from a single machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple separate vending machines are used to maintain different refrigeration temperatures, then temperature control for different perishable items is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space of the vending machine is divided into multiple temperature zones (frozen zone, refrigerated zone, and ambient zone) using thermal barriers and air ducts. Each zone is maintained at a different temperature suitable for specific product types, allowing one machine to replace multiple machines while maintaining proper temperature control for diverse perishable items.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple temperature control functions that would traditionally require separate machines are merged into a single vending machine system. The machine integrates frozen, refrigerated, and ambient storage zones along with a unified refrigeration unit and control system, reducing overall device complexity and cost while providing comprehensive temperature management.
2Temperature
If multiple separate vending machines are used to maintain different refrigeration temperatures, then temperature control for different perishable items is improved, but floor space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing multiple machines side-by-side horizontally (consuming floor space), the invention stacks temperature zones vertically within a single machine cabinet. The frozen zone is positioned at the bottom, refrigerated zone in the middle, and ambient zone at the top, utilizing vertical space to accommodate multiple temperature environments without increasing footprint.
3Device complexity
If a single refrigeration unit is used for multiple temperature zones, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but temperature management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Air ducts and thermal barriers serve as intermediaries between the single refrigeration unit and multiple temperature zones. The refrigeration unit cools air that is distributed through ducts to specific zones, while thermal barriers prevent unwanted heat transfer between zones. This intermediary system enables effective temperature management across multiple zones using one refrigeration unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions (zones) within the machine are given different thermal characteristics through localized insulation and air flow control. Each zone has tailored thermal properties and air circulation patterns suited to its specific temperature requirements, allowing precise local temperature management despite using a centralized refrigeration system.
4Temperature
If interior space is used for insulation and equipment for multiple temperature zones, then temperature control is improved, but space for vendible products decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The air ducts and thermal barriers are integrated into the existing cabinet structure and product storage spaces. Ducts are routed along the periphery and through existing structural elements, while thermal barriers are incorporated into shelving and partition structures. This nesting approach minimizes the space consumed by temperature control components, maximizing volume available for vendible products.
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 solution allows for the efficient and economical configuration of vending machines to manage different temperature zones using a single refrigeration unit, reducing space requirements and operational complexity while maintaining compliance with temperature regulations, thereby offering a wider range of products in a compact and cost-effective manner.
Implementation Method 1
An inner liner material is manufactured to include a thermal break between zones in the space to deter thermal conduction through the liner between zones
Implementation Method 2
A conventional refrigeration unit comprises a condensing unit, evaporator, and fan to remove heat from inside the refrigerated space
Implementation Method 3
A fan can be utilized to move air from at the evaporator to a first temperature zone
Implementation Method 4
A channel or duct can be installed vertically in or along the space. The channel or duct can provides a continuous air path from at or near an evaporator of a refrigeration unit at the bottom of the cabinet to an opening in the duct at the top of the cabinet, or can be divided into segments separated by insulated dividers to define two or more temperature zones within the space
Data Source
AI summary
An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.