Refrigerated merchandise display system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial refrigerators are heavy, difficult to maintain, and lack design flexibility, with customers only able to view merchandise from directly in front and the refrigeration unit being exposed to dirt and hazards, leading to increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight refrigerated merchandise display system with a transparent front door assembly, side windows, and a removable refrigeration unit positioned at the top, using a tubular steel inner support and foam-based insulation, allowing for visual access from various angles and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the walls are constructed from two thin steel plates with polyurethane foam insulation, then the refrigerator provides adequate insulation, but the refrigerator becomes heavy and difficult to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite construction combining two thin steel plates with polyurethane foam insulation injected between them. This composite structure provides effective thermal insulation while reducing overall weight compared to traditional solid construction methods, and facilitates easier recycling of individual components.
2Device complexity
If the refrigeration unit is positioned at the bottom of the refrigerator, then the design is simple, but the refrigeration unit is exposed to dirt and debris that clog fans and mechanical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional bottom-positioned refrigeration unit placement by positioning it at the top of the refrigerator. This inversion elevates the refrigeration unit above the floor level where dirt and debris accumulate, protecting fans and mechanical parts from contamination while maintaining design simplicity.
3Device complexity
If customers stand in front of the refrigerator to view merchandise, then the viewing arrangement is simple, but customers can only view products from a single angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds side windows to the refrigerator structure, transforming the viewing arrangement from a single-front perspective to a multi-dimensional viewing system. Customers can now view merchandise from the front and from the sides, providing multiple viewing angles without significantly complicating the overall design.
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 system provides improved visibility and accessibility, reduces weight and maintenance costs, and allows for customizable branding through color and design, enhancing consumer experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The walls of the commercial refrigerators are typically formed from two thin steel plates with insulating polyurethane foam injected between them
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated merchandise display system for storing and dispensing merchandise. The merchandise display system includes an outer housing, an inner support, a transparent front door, a refrigeration unit, a front door assembly, and a plurality of windows. The merchandise display system further includes a plurality of shelves for supporting merchandise within the display system. The refrigeration unit may be positioned at the top of the merchandise display system and may be removable. The outer housing of the refrigeration unit may be manufactured in a variety of colors. Each of the colors may be indicative a type of merchandise stored within the merchandise display system.