Modular Refrigerated Display Case Frame for Stable Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerated display cases face challenges in achieving a stable structure with simple assembly of cladding parts and refrigeration components while efficiently utilizing refrigeration space.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of C-shaped intermediate frames with horizontal and vertical struts, along with hat-shaped profile cross-sections, provides increased stability and adaptable installation options, allowing for efficient cooling function and user-friendly design. These frames are made of metal profiles and feature open hollow spaces for improved assembly and bracing, with heat-insulating elements and adjustable feet for enhanced stability and thermal insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional C-shaped lateral frames with welded traverses are used, then structural strength is achieved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into separate modular components: C-shaped lateral frames, intermediate frames, floor assembly, rear wall assembly, and roof assembly. Each module can be manufactured independently and assembled using simple connection elements, eliminating the need for complex welding operations while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection elements serve as intermediaries between the modular frame components. These standardized connectors enable straightforward assembly of the C-shaped lateral frames, intermediate frames, and panel assemblies without requiring complex welding or custom fabrication procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If floor pan with heat exchanger and fan assembly is made stable for mounting, then mounting capability is achieved, but manufacturing effort and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The floor assembly is segmented into a floor pan with integrated heat exchanger and fan assembly, separate from the lateral frames and rear wall assembly. This modular design allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled using simple connection elements, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If C-shaped cross section with paneling parts is used, then refrigeration space is defined, but structural stability and assembly simplicity are difficult to achieve simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigeration spaceVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The C-shaped cross-section structure is segmented into lateral frames, intermediate frames, floor assembly, rear wall assembly, and roof assembly. This modular approach maintains the enclosed refrigeration volume while enabling simple assembly through standardized connection elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection elements act as intermediaries that join the modular components (lateral frames, intermediate frames, panel assemblies) to form the stable C-shaped structure enclosing the refrigeration space, achieving both stability and assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If intermediate frames are added for increased stability, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidframe complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is segmented to include intermediate frames positioned between the C-shaped lateral frames. These intermediate frames are additional modular components that enhance structural stability and provide mounting locations for refrigeration components without requiring complex integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution results in a stable and efficient refrigerated display case with improved assembly options, enhanced cooling performance, and effective thermal insulation, addressing the challenges of previous designs by providing a robust and user-friendly structure.

Implementation Method 1

heat-insulating elements to increase stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3104749B1Refrigerated display case
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 AHT COOLING SYSTEMS GMBH
  • EP3104749B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3104749B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3104749B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a refrigerated display case having a framework with, on each side, a C-shaped frame (10), having a lateral vertical strut (40) on the rear side, having a lateral roof strut (50) and having a lateral lower strut, wherein the C-shaped lateral frames (10) are constructed separately and carry cladding parts which are connected by means of installation elements, surround a refrigeration chamber and belong to a floor subassembly (2), to a rear-wall subassembly (4) and to a roof subassembly (5). Advantages for the construction are achieved by the presence, between the C-shaped lateral frames (10), of at least one C-shaped interspace (10') which is spaced apart laterally from said frames, is of different design therefrom and has a horizontal floor-side intermediate strut (21), a vertical intermediate strut (41) and a roof-side intermediate strut (51).