Refrigerated Cabinet Pane Layout for Unobstructed Vertical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated cabinets with existing pane systems, such as sliding doors and hinged glass doors, face challenges such as obstructing adjacent areas and representing obstacles, which hinder accessibility and increase space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pane system comprising multiple movable panes that can transition between closed and open positions, using a deflection mechanism and pulling means to allow for unobstructed access while maintaining thermal insulation, with panes arranged vertically and overlapping to minimize space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sliding doors are used to close the merchandise space, then the pane system provides thermal insulation, but the sliding doors block the adjacent area and only one subarea can be opened simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The pane system is divided into multiple independently movable panes (first pane, second pane, third pane, fourth pane) that can be operated separately. Each pane can be opened or closed independently, allowing simultaneous access to different subareas of the merchandise space without blocking adjacent areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The panes are arranged in a vertical stacking configuration rather than horizontal sliding arrangement. The panes move vertically along guide rails, utilizing the vertical dimension for movement while minimizing horizontal space occupation, thus not blocking adjacent areas.
2Ease of operation
If hinged glass doors are used to close the merchandise space, then the pane system provides thermal insulation, but the doors represent an obstacle in front of the refrigerated cabinet when open
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of hinged doors that swing outward into the space in front of the cabinet, the panes move vertically along guide rails. This vertical movement utilizes the vertical dimension rather than horizontal space, eliminating obstacles in front of the refrigerated cabinet while maintaining easy accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than having doors open outward into the accessible space, the panes are designed to move upward along the vertical guide rails when opened, inverting the conventional door opening direction and eliminating the obstacle problem.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple panes are arranged vertically and connected by pulling means, then space requirements are reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling means (cables or belts) automatically balance the weight of the panes through the deflection mechanism. When one pane is moved, the pulling means automatically adjusts to maintain equilibrium, reducing the need for additional motors or actuators for each pane and simplifying the overall control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection mechanism acts as an intermediary that redirects the pulling means to connect panes arranged vertically. This intermediary component enables the complex vertical arrangement and independent operation of multiple panes while managing the mechanical connections efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel system for closing and opening a merchandise space of a refrigerated cabinet includes multiple movable panels. Each panel is movable between an open position and a closed position. Two of the panel are connected to form a pair of panels. A return mechanism is arranged above the pair of panels and a pulling mechanism is guided over the deflection mechanism and connects the two panels in the pair. Each panel of the pair is disposed with respect to the deflection mechanism so that a movement of one panel in a first movement direction effectuates a movement of the second panel in a second movement direction. A refrigerated cabinet includes such a panel system.