Improvements to open display refrigerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Open display refrigerators are inefficient due to air curtain spillage, which leads to energy wastage and discomfort, and existing solutions like weir screens restrict access to the base deck, complicating loading processes.
Innovation Solution
A moveable weir screen that can be deployed to capture cold air and prevent spillage while allowing easy access to the base deck by being retractable, enabling efficient air recovery and unobstructed loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a weir screen is installed to prevent air curtain spillage, then energy efficiency is improved, but access to the base deck is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The weir screen is made moveable between a retracted position (allowing easy access to the base deck) and a deployed position (preventing air curtain spillage). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The weir screen is divided into multiple slats that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the screen to be configured in different states (retracted or deployed) to balance the conflicting requirements of energy conservation and operational accessibility.
2Reliability
If a fixed weir screen is used to capture cold air, then air recovery is enhanced, but loading complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable weir screen allows the system to switch between a simple loading configuration (retracted) and an effective air curtain configuration (deployed), reducing loading complexity while maintaining air curtain effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The weir screen can be deployed in advance to establish the air curtain before loading begins, ensuring air recovery effectiveness is already in place while allowing straightforward loading procedures to follow.
3Loss of energy
If the weir screen is positioned to prevent air spillage, then energy wastage is reduced, but loading speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The weir screen's ability to move between retracted and deployed positions allows rapid transition between loading mode (high productivity) and operation mode (low energy loss), resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and loading speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The weir screen is periodically retracted during loading operations and deployed during normal operation, creating alternating periods of high productivity and low energy loss that resolve the contradiction over the complete operational cycle.
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 moveable weir screen enhances air recovery, reduces energy wastage, and facilitates easier loading by providing clear access to the base deck, improving both operational efficiency and shopper comfort.
Implementation Method 1
This type of refrigerator has an air curtain, which is established by blowing cold air across the front of the refrigerator. The air curtain issues from an air outlet at the top of the refrigerator towards an air inlet at the bottom of the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 2
The air inlet recovers air from the air curtain and recirculates it to the air outlet via a cooling heat exchanger and fan.
Data Source
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AI summary
An open display refrigerator is provided, comprising: a refrigerated interior space, air in the refrigerated interior space being separated from air in a space exterior to the open display refrigerator by an air curtain established by a fan which blows air through an air outlet towards a corresponding air inlet which recovers air from the air curtain for recirculation to the air outlet; and a weir screen positioned proximal to the exterior space relative to the air inlet, wherein the weir screen is moveable between a retracted position in which the weir screen does not limit access to a base of the refrigerator and a deployed position in which the weir screen acts as a barrier to prevent air from the air curtain spilling into the exterior space.