Removable Air Baffle Structure for Cleanable Refrigerated Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air baffle systems in open-front refrigerated display cases are cumbersome to install and inconvenient to clean, leading to infrequent maintenance and unsanitary conditions due to the difficulty in removing and replacing baffles.
Innovation Solution
A novel air baffle structure featuring a wire baffle support with a flat, plastic baffle plate that is easily mountable on product display bars, allowing for efficient guidance of refrigerated air and easy removal and replacement for cleaning, utilizing a U-shaped wire support with inverted U-shaped mounting clips and slits for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate baffle means are provided in refrigerated display cases with peg hooks, then air guidance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle structure is merged with the existing display bar and tray mounting system. The U-shaped wire support integrates with the display bar, and the baffle plate combines with the tray support structure, eliminating the need for separate, standalone baffle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The display bar structure serves multiple functions: it supports the product display trays and simultaneously provides mounting for the baffle structure. The wire support both holds the tray and positions the baffle plate, reducing overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If baffles are installed using twisted wires, then air guidance is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle system is segmented into removable components: the baffle plate can be detached from the wire support, and the wire support can be removed from the display bar. This segmentation enables easy removal for cleaning and replacement without tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from fixed (twisted wires) to dynamic/removable. The wire support features holes that allow it to be easily attached to and removed from the display bar, enabling flexible installation and maintenance operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If baffles are difficult to remove, then structural stability is maintained, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle assembly is divided into separable parts: the baffle plate attaches to the wire support via slots and holes, and the wire support mounts to the display bar through removable clips. This allows stable operation during use but easy disassembly for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire support acts as an intermediary component between the display bar and the baffle plate. It provides stable positioning during operation while serving as a removable interface that facilitates easy detachment of the baffle plate for cleaning purposes.
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 ensures effective air guidance for proper cooling of perishable products while allowing for frequent cleaning and sanitization of the baffle plates, maintaining a pristine and attractive display environment.
Implementation Method 1
If the refrigerated air issuing forwardly from the back wall of the display case is not properly guided, it will tend, because of its higher density, to flow downward before reaching some of the displayed product items
Data Source
AI summary
An air baffle structure for refrigerated display cases having an open front and provided with openings at the back for the forwardly directed flow of refrigerated air. The display case has a display bar of non-circular cross section for mounting a plurality of display trays. A baffle support, formed of wire and having a front portion and spaced apart side portions, is mounted on the display bar and extends closely underneath the trays. A flat, plastic baffle plate is carried by the baffle support. The baffle support has rear portions of inverted U-shape engaging the display bar, formed in part by upwardly extending baffle positioning elements. Back edge portions of the baffle plate releasably engage the positioning elements to secure the baffle plate in position while accommodating easy removable and replacement for cleaning. A baffle plate typically will extend under a plurality of display trays positioned on the display bar.