Nested Cooling Spacer Structure for Washable Stacked Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art spacers used in cooling or freezing chambers for maintaining vertical spacing between objects are difficult to clean in their nested configuration, leading to sub-optimal cleaning results and potential contamination of food items.
Innovation Solution
The spacer features projections with inclined radial channels for improved fluid access and stop members that maintain an enlarged nesting distance, allowing for better cleaning and tilting for enhanced accessibility, along with through-holes for efficient fluid flow, and can be manufactured from high-density polyethylene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If spacers are nested closely together for space-saving storage and transport, then storage space and transport space are reduced, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to limited fluid access
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed to be nested within another spacer for space-saving storage and transport. The nested configuration allows spacers to be stacked vertically while maintaining a controlled nesting distance through stop members, enabling compact storage without completely obscuring cleaning access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the nesting configuration by using stop members that maintain a specific nesting distance between spacers. This vertical spacing creates channels for cleaning fluid to flow through, transforming the cleaning approach from horizontal surface contact to vertical fluid circulation through the nested stack.
2Productivity
If many spacers are used for processing large batches of objects, then cooling or freezing efficiency is improved, but the complexity of storage and cleaning operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spacers can be nested together to form compact stacks for storage and transport. This nesting capability allows a large number of spacers to be managed in a space-efficient manner, reducing the operational complexity of handling numerous individual spacers.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer design incorporates multiple functions: it maintains spacing between objects during cooling/freezing, enables nested storage for space efficiency, and facilitates cleaning through the nested configuration with controlled nesting distance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each operation.
3Volume of moving object
If the nesting distance is reduced to minimize space usage, then space efficiency is improved, but cleaning fluid access to spacer surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the cleaning fluid access problem by introducing vertical spacing through stop members in the nested configuration. Instead of requiring horizontal separation, the cleaning fluid flows vertically through the nesting distance, creating effective cleaning channels without sacrificing horizontal space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop members are strategically positioned to create localized spacing zones where cleaning fluid can effectively reach spacer surfaces. This localized quality enhancement ensures that critical areas of the spacer are accessible to cleaning fluid while maintaining overall compact nesting for space efficiency.
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 design facilitates quicker and more effective cleaning with reduced fluid usage, ensuring better hygiene and efficient cooling or freezing processes by maintaining a stable and accessible nested configuration.
Implementation Method 1
radial open-top channels provided in said supporting faces extending inclined upwards as seen in a direction from the outside to the inside of the projections. Such channels are very effective in directing cooling or freezing fluid into contact with an object supported by said supporting faces of the projections.
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer is provided which is intended for use in a cooling/freezing chamber to be positioned between stacked objects that have to be cooled or frozen in. The spacer comprises a substantially planar main body (1) which is provided with a number of projections (2), wherein the spacer is shaped such that it can be nested with another spacer in a nested configuration. The spacer is provided with stop members (4) for, in the nested configuration, engaging said another spacer and maintaining an enlarged nesting distance between the main bodies of the spacers, wherein said nesting distance is defined as the vertical distance between corresponding parts of the main bodies.