Refrigerated Display Case Corner Assembly for Transparent Sealing
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional corner assemblies in refrigerated display cases are not transparent, affecting the aesthetic appeal and visibility of products, as they use opaque spacers that obstruct the view.
Innovation Solution
A corner assembly design featuring a sealing element with a stepped structure and an external corner element, supported by tape, which minimizes spacing between glass panels and includes a heating element to prevent frost buildup, enhancing transparency while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional opaque spacers are used to hold insulated glass panels, then structural integrity and sealing are maintained, but transparency and aesthetic appeal are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional opaque spacer component from the corner assembly and replaces it with a sealing element that integrates sealing and spacing functions. This extraction of the opaque spacer element eliminates the obstruction to visibility while maintaining the necessary structural and sealing functions through alternative means (adhesive tape and gasket-like sealing element).
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing between glass panels, maintains the required spacing distance, and serves as a structural support component. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate components (spacer + sealant) into a single transparent element that doesn't obstruct visibility.
2Reliability
If traditional opaque spacers are used to seal glass panels, then sealing effectiveness is ensured, but product visibility and aesthetic appeal are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the opaque spacer and assigns it to a dedicated sealing element (gasket-like component) that is transparent. This allows the sealing function to be maintained while removing the visual obstruction caused by opaque materials in the corner assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is positioned specifically at the interface between glass panels where sealing is required, while the corner regions use transparent adhesive tape and external corner elements. This local differentiation ensures sealing effectiveness at critical joints while maintaining transparency in visible corner areas.
3Illumination intensity
If minimal spacing between glass panels is achieved to maximize transparency, then visibility is improved, but structural support and sealing become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the structural support function from the interior corner (where it would obstruct visibility) to the exterior corner using external corner elements. This dimensional relocation allows minimal internal spacing for maximum transparency while maintaining structural integrity through externally positioned support components.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent adhesive tape is introduced as an intermediary element between the glass panels and external corner elements. This tape provides bonding and structural support while remaining transparent, enabling minimal spacing between panels without compromising structural strength.
4Reliability
If traditional corner assemblies with multiple components are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (sealing, spacing, and structural support) into integrated components. The sealing element combines sealing and spacing functions, while the adhesive tape and external corner elements work together as a unified assembly, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the manufacturing process compared to traditional multi-component corner assemblies.
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 design maximizes transparent area, improving the aesthetic appeal and visibility of products while simplifying manufacturing with reduced internal components and structural support from tape and external corner elements.
Implementation Method 1
a tape (140) comprising an adhesive on an interior surface, the interior surface of the tape adhesively attached to the exterior surface of the first glass panel (110) and the exterior surface of the second glass panel (120)
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the end region of the first glass panel and the end region of the second glass panel may include a heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A corner assembly (100) and method of manufacturing at least a portion of a refrigerated display case are provided. The corner assembly (100) includes a first glass panel (110), a second glass panel (120), a sealing element (130), and a tape (140). The first glass panel (110) and the second glass panel (120) each respectively include an end region (114, 124), an interior surface (115, 125), and an exterior surface (116, 126). The sealing element (130) is disposed between the end region (114) of the first glass panel (110) and the end region (124) of the second glass panel (120). The interior surface of the tape (140) is adhesively attached to the exterior surface (116) of the first glass panel (110) and the exterior surface (126) of the second glass panel (120). The corner assembly (100) may also include an external corner element (150) disposed over the exterior surface of the tape (140). The corner assembly (100) may receive stability from the external components (e.g., the tape (140) and the external corner element (150) without the need for additional structural support.