Refrigerated display counter with improved insulation system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerated display counters face issues with inefficient thermal insulation due to thick traditional insulation panels, which occupy excessive space, and the fragility of vacuum insulation panels makes them unsuitable for frequent handling.
Innovation Solution
The use of vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) with a gas-tight enclosure filled with fiber or pulverulent material, combined with a laminated multi-layer film and a getter material to maintain vacuum, and protected by a sandwich configuration with internal and external layers for enhanced insulation and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional insulation panels with thickness of 50-60 mm are used, then thermal insulation is improved, but the volume of the refrigerated display counter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the insulation medium from solid foam to vacuum (gas phase with near-zero pressure), fundamentally altering the thermal conductivity parameter. This allows achieving superior insulation with dramatically reduced thickness, directly resolving the contradiction between insulation performance and counter volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a vacuum environment (inert atmosphere with no gas molecules) within the insulation panel to eliminate heat transfer through conduction and convection. This inert environment provides exceptional thermal insulation while minimizing panel thickness, thus reducing the overall counter volume.
2Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panels are used, then thermal insulation is improved and thickness is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to fragility of the film
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers: a vacuum-tight film barrier, a rigid protective outer shell, and internal support elements. This composite design combines the superior insulation of vacuum with the mechanical strength of rigid materials, resolving the contradiction between insulation performance and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a rigid protective outer shell and structural framework before the vacuum film is exposed, providing mechanical protection and impact resistance. This pre-cushioning approach prevents film perforation from handling accidents, thereby maintaining vacuum integrity and reliability.
3Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panels are used, then thermal insulation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for vacuum maintenance systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a getter material that automatically absorbs residual gas molecules and maintains vacuum conditions without requiring external power or control systems. This self-maintaining mechanism eliminates complex vacuum pumps and sensors, resolving the contradiction between insulation performance and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, sealed vacuum panel design where the vacuum is maintained passively through the gas-tight film and getter material. If the film is perforated, the entire panel can be replaced as a disposable unit rather than requiring complex repair systems, thereby managing complexity through simplicity and replaceability.
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
VIPs provide superior thermal insulation with reduced thickness, minimizing the counter's volume and ensuring reliability against damage, while allowing for easy replacement of damaged panels.
Implementation Method 1
Vacuum panels, which are normally defined as 'Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs)' are known on the market. These panels use the insulation power of vacuum to increase the thermal resistance compared to traditional panels.
Implementation Method 2
These panels use the insulation power of vacuum to increase the thermal resistance compared to traditional panels.
Implementation Method 3
an absorber material (42), which is commonly known as 'getter', is disposed inside the enclosure of the panel in order to absorb gas, if any, and maintain the vacuum inside the enclosure of the panel.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A refrigerated display counter (100) comprises: a frame (1), a back wall (10), a front wall (11), two side walls (12), a refrigerated compartment (R) defined by the frame (1) and the walls, a refrigeration system that is configured in such a way to cool the refrigerated compartment (R), support means (2) disposed in the refrigerated compartment (R) in order to support products to be displayed, and insulation panels (3, 4) disposed on the walls of the refrigerated display counter. The insulation panels comprise two insulation panels (4) of vacuum insulation panel (VIP) type that are disposed on the back wall (10) and on the front wall (11) of the refrigerated display counter, respectively,