Refrigeration bin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration bins in grocery stores face challenges in maintaining optimal temperature and visibility, as the open top design allows cold air to escape, affecting the display and storage of refrigerated goods.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration bin design featuring air supply and return vents on opposing sides, a cooling area below the product display, and a fan-driven airflow system that directs cooled air through an evaporator, ensuring efficient air circulation and temperature maintenance while maximizing visibility with transparent side walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If goods are stored well below the open top to maintain cold air temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but visibility of goods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bin is divided into two functional zones: an upper product display area with open top for visibility and a lower cooling area for temperature maintenance. This segmentation allows each zone to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling area is positioned in the vertical dimension below the product display area, utilizing the space underneath rather than competing for the same horizontal display space. This dimensional separation resolves the conflict between visibility and temperature control.
2Productivity
If air supply and return vents are positioned on opposing sides, then air circulation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply ducts are integrated into the side walls of the bin, merging the ducting function with the structural walls. This eliminates separate duct components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining efficient air distribution through the product display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls serve dual functions: providing structural support and housing the air supply ducts. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the system while maintaining effective air circulation.
3Illumination intensity
If cooling area is located below the floor, then product display visibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bin structure is segmented into an upper product display portion and a lower cooling area portion, allowing each to be manufactured separately and then assembled. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing while achieving the dual goals of visibility and cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling area is nested within the overall bin structure, with the cooling area defined by lower side walls and a lower floor that form a compact space beneath the product display area. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
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 maintains consistent temperatures below 5°C within the product display area, enhancing food safety and visibility while minimizing noise and visual impact with underside venting, and optimizing energy consumption through frequent defrost cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device for receiving air, cooling air so received and providing said cooled air to the supply duct
Implementation Method 2
a fan-driven airflow system that directs cooled air through an evaporator, ensuring efficient air circulation
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration bin is disclosed. The bin includes a product display area defined by four side walls, a floor, and an access opening. Also included are an air supply vent on each of a first opposing set of the side walls, and an air return vent near each of a second opposing set of the side walls, in which the second opposing set of the side walls are adjacent to the first opposing set of the side walls. There is a return air duct, a first end of the return air duct in air flow communication with the air return vent, and a supply air duct, the first end of the supply air duct in air flow communication with the air supply vent, allows air flow in the display area. A cooling device is included for cooling air before it enters the supply air duct. The refrigeration bin can be useful to showcase foodstuffs in grocery stores and the like.