Removable Pivoting Front Glass for Convertible Refrigerated Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigeration equipment designs for convertible self-service and service positions often have complex and difficult-to-use front glass moving mechanisms, and the refrigerated compartment is insufficiently sealed in self-service mode.

Innovation Solution

The refrigeration equipment features pivotably supported front glasses between obliquely extending supporting arms, with a slide bar and hook member for easy conversion between service and self-service positions, allowing the front glass to be removed for servicing and cleaning, and ensuring secure compartment access in both modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex moving mechanism is used for the front glass, then the conversion between service and self-service positions can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvertible service/self-service positionVSAvoidfront glass moving mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The front glass assembly is divided into separable components: the front glass itself, the supporting arms, and the connecting mechanism. This segmentation allows the front glass to be easily removed or repositioned, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining convertible functionality between service and self-service positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting arms are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment between service position (where the front glass blocks access) and self-service position (where the front glass is removed or repositioned). This dynamic structure eliminates the need for complex locking mechanisms while achieving position conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex moving mechanism is used for the front glass, then position conversion is possible, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvertible service/self-service positionVSAvoidfront glass movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the front glass and supporting arms uses simple detachable joints rather than complex mechanical linkages. This segmentation enables easy manual operation for position conversion, allowing staff to quickly switch between service and self-service modes without operating complicated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting arms and connecting elements are designed as simple, easily replaceable components rather than permanent fixed structures. This approach prioritizes ease of operation and quick replacement over long-term durability, allowing rapid conversion between positions with minimal effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If the front glass is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but adaptability for service and self-service modes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront glass structureVSAvoidservice and self-service position conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting arms are designed with inherent mobility, allowing the front glass to be easily moved between service position (blocking access) and self-service position (removed or repositioned). This dynamic design achieves adaptability without requiring complex mechanical systems, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling position conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the refrigerated compartment is open in self-service position, then accessibility is improved, but sealing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer access to refrigerated compartmentVSAvoidcompartment sealing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The front glass assembly is segmented to allow selective removal or repositioning only of the front portion while maintaining the integrity of the side and rear sealing structures. This segmentation enables customer access during self-service while preserving the sealing of the refrigerated compartment through the remaining glass structure and gasket system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2954803B1Refrigeration equipment

Publication Date: 2016.12.21 NORPE

AI summary

The invention relates to refrigeration equipment (10) comprising a basin section (11) and a service section (12) as well as at least two supporting arms carried by the service section (12), at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the refrigeration equipment (10), and at least one front glass (20), the front glass (20) extending, in the longitudinal direction, between the two adjacent, spaced supporting arms (13), and being pivotably supported by these two adjacent, spaced supporting arms (13), to convert the refrigeration equipment (10) from a service position to a self-service position, and vice versa. The front glass (20) of the refrigeration equipment (10) is removably fixed to remove the front glass (20) from the refrigeration equipment (10).