Refrigerated enclosure opening and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerated enclosure designs fail to effectively reduce or eliminate frost and condensation on open passages, particularly in industrial settings like food manufacturing, where sanitary design and ease of cleaning are critical, and existing solutions are often costly, unreliable, or require complex equipment.
Innovation Solution
A heated opening passage using a heated fluid, such as food-grade oil, within an annular space with efficient heat transfer and temperature control, allowing for easy maintenance and installation, which does not require air flow control or complicated equipment, and features a sloped extension ledge to prevent frost and debris from falling onto products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If heated fluid is used in an annular space around the opening, then frost and condensation are effectively reduced or eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid medium (heated fluid) is introduced as an intermediary between the heating elements and the opening surfaces to transfer heat uniformly, preventing frost and condensation formation without requiring direct contact heating or complex airflow control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a fluid (liquid or gas) circulated through an annular space to transfer thermal energy to the opening surfaces, leveraging fluid dynamics and heat convection to maintain temperatures above dew point and eliminate condensation issues
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex equipment is used to remove moisture from air, then condensation is reduced, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to remove moisture from the air (which would require complex dehydration equipment), the system converts the harmful cold surfaces into beneficial heated surfaces by introducing a heated fluid, thereby preventing condensation rather than dealing with its consequences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical moisture removal systems (dehumidifiers, air treatment equipment) with a simpler thermal field approach using heated fluid circulation to maintain surface temperatures above the dew point
3Object-affected harmful factors
If balance fans are used to reduce air flow through openings, then some condensation is reduced, but elimination of condensation is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the opening surfaces before condensation can form by circulating heated fluid through the annular space, preventing the harmful condition rather than attempting to mitigate it after occurrence
4Temperature
If heating elements are embedded in the opening structure, then heat transfer is efficient, but maintenance and replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into modular heating elements that can be independently accessed and replaced through service ports, allowing maintenance without dismantling the entire opening structure while maintaining efficient thermal contact with the fluid medium
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 provides a reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-clean design that effectively reduces frost and condensation on refrigerated enclosure openings, minimizing downtime and labor costs, while maintaining product quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A heated opening passage through the walls, floor, or ceiling of a refrigerated enclosure... A heated fluid (such as a food grade oil) and that has been heated by a heating element or other heat source... The heating element or heat source is surrounded by an annular space that allows the heated fluid to transfer the heat to all surfaces of the opening
Implementation Method 2
The heating element or heat source is surrounded by an annular space that allows the heated fluid to transfer the heat to all surfaces of the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A heated opening through the walls, floor, or ceiling of a refrigerated enclosure, and a method for reducing or eliminating frost and condensation on the surfaces of the opening and around the opening. An opening that reduces the chances of microbiological growth with a design that promotes ease of sanitation and reduction in microbiological growth niches. Ease of replacement of heating element parts. Reduced chances for debris or water from reaching the inner surfaces of the opening and any items passing through the opening. Reduced or eliminated frost and condensation on conveyor frames and similar components used with conveyor belts or similar parts passing through the opening.