Refrigerated display case and method for transferring a refrigerated display case from a service mode into a self-service mode and from a self-service mode into a service mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated counters face challenges in transitioning between operating and self-service states, as the payment floor often acts as a barrier, hindering an attractive self-service appearance and customer access.
Innovation Solution
The payment floor is positioned at least partially under the goods protection room or below the operator's worktop, allowing for a seamless transition between states, with the payment shelf and goods protection wall being integrated for stability and ease of movement, using transparent materials for an unobstructed presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the payment floor is positioned above the goods protection room to maintain operational separation, then goods protection and operator control are improved, but customer access and self-service appearance are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The payment floor is designed to be movable between a first position (above the goods protection room for operator control) and a second position (below the goods protection room for customer access). This dynamic repositioning allows the system to adapt between service modes, resolving the contradiction between goods protection and customer accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The payment floor transitions from a vertical positioning above the goods protection room to a horizontal positioning below it, utilizing vertical space reconfiguration. This dimensional change allows the payment function to coexist with both operator control and customer self-service access without permanent obstruction.
2Reliability
If the payment floor is positioned above the goods protection room to maintain operational control, then operator security is improved, but self-service attractiveness and customer engagement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable payment floor enables the system to dynamically switch between service modes. In operator service mode, the payment floor is positioned above the goods protection room for secure control. In self-service mode, it moves below to create an open, attractive appearance that encourages customer engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The payment floor serves multiple functions: it maintains operator control when positioned above the goods protection room, and it enables self-service accessibility when positioned below. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to support both operational security and customer self-service versatility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the payment floor is fixed above the goods protection room to ensure operational stability, then structural stability is improved, but transition flexibility and mode switching are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The payment floor is designed with movable capabilities while maintaining structural integrity during operation. The system provides structural stability when in either position (above or below the goods protection room) while enabling flexible transitions between positions, thus combining stability with adaptability for mode switching.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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Figure 9~12
AI summary
In the case of a refrigerated counter (1), the payment tier (16) can be at least partially in or under a goods protection area (30) which is formed by a goods protection (6) and a goods area in an operating state on a customer side to prevent contamination or unwanted access protects, and/or have a self-service position located below the level of a work surface (17) provided on the operator side, in order to promote self-service as much as possible in the self-service position.