Refrigerated Case Modular Plenum Design for Accessible Fan Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-controlled cases, such as refrigerated and freezer units, have large and inaccessible cooling systems that complicate maintenance and repair, requiring items to be removed for servicing and leading to inefficiencies in air flow and increased operational costs due to frequent defrost cycles.
Innovation Solution
A modular plenum system positioned behind the cooling element, with removably coupled fans and electrical connectors, facilitates induced air flow, improving air curtain efficacy, reducing energy consumption, and allowing for easier maintenance by positioning fans in the rear, thus enhancing accessibility and reducing the need for frequent defrost cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If cooling systems are positioned in the front for accessibility, then ease of repair is improved, but air flow efficiency deteriorates requiring frequent defrost cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into modular components: cooling elements remain fixed in the rear for optimal air flow, while fan assemblies are made modular and accessible through removable panels. This segmentation allows the air-moving components to be serviced independently without disrupting the cooling elements' position, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and air flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional front-positioned cooling systems to a rear-positioned system with vertical accessibility. Service panels on the rear wall provide access to fan assemblies through a vertical dimension, allowing maintenance without moving items from shelves. This dimensional change enables rear positioning (improving air flow) while maintaining accessibility (through vertical service panels).
2Ease of operation
If fans are positioned in the front for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but air flow guidance and cooling efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning fans in the front for accessibility, the patent inverts the traditional arrangement by positioning fans in the rear behind cooling elements. This inversion optimizes air flow guidance as air is drawn directly through cooling elements before being distributed, improving cooling efficiency while accessibility is maintained through removable service panels.
Solution Approach 2:
Service panels act as intermediaries between the operator and rear-positioned fan assemblies. These removable panels provide access to fans without requiring front positioning, allowing the fans to be optimally positioned in the rear for air flow guidance while maintaining ease of operation through the intermediary access mechanism.
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 modular plenum system enhances air flow efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies maintenance by allowing access to fans without disrupting the entire cooling system, leading to longer operational durations and lower operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fan removably coupled to the modular plenum, wherein the at least one fan induces an air flow through the cooling element
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods relate to a temperature-controlled case. The temperature-controlled case includes a housing that defines a temperature-controlled space and an opening for providing user access to the temperature-controlled space. The case also includes a cooling element in thermal communication with the temperature-controlled space. The case further includes a modular plenum coupled to the housing and positioned behind the cooling element relative to the opening, wherein the modular plenum includes: at least one fan removably coupled to the modular plenum, wherein the at least one fan induces an air flow through the cooling element, and at least one electrical connector coupled to the modular plenum and positioned proximate each of the at least one fan for providing electrical power to each of the at least one fan.