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Solution Overview
Problem
Air curtains in showcases can be disrupted by disturbances, leading to increased cooling loads as external air mixes with the air curtain, causing higher power consumption and reduced cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A showcase design featuring a first and second airflow generator with a controller that adjusts the output of the second airflow generator when a disturbance exceeds a certain threshold, reducing the amount of external air entering the first air curtain to minimize cooling load increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second airflow generator operates at full output continuously, then the air curtain stability is improved, but the power consumption increases during disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the output of the second airflow generator based on real-time detection of air curtain breakage. When disturbance is detected (breakage > threshold), the controller reduces the output of the second airflow generator while maintaining the first airflow generator at full output, optimizing the balance between air curtain stability and power consumption during varying operational conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the second airflow generator output is reduced during disturbance, then the power consumption is decreased, but the air curtain protection capability is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The air curtain system is segmented into two independent airflow generators (first and second) that can be controlled separately. During disturbance, the first airflow generator maintains full output to preserve the primary air curtain barrier, while the second airflow generator reduces output. This segmentation allows selective control of different air curtain layers to minimize external air mixing while optimizing power consumption.
3Reliability
If a dual airflow generator system is implemented, then the air curtain stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller merges the control functions for both airflow generators into a single integrated unit that processes disturbance detection and coordinates the output of both generators. This unified control approach manages the complexity of the dual airflow generator system by providing centralized intelligence that optimizes the operation of multiple components based on real-time conditions.
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
This solution effectively reduces the cooling load and power consumption by minimizing the amount of external air entering the air curtain during disturbances, maintaining cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first airflow generator that sends air for a first air curtain to flow outside the product storage; a second airflow generator that sends air for a second air curtain to flow outside the first air curtain
Data Source
AI summary
A showcase includes: a casing having a front opening through which a product is picked up; a product storage located in the casing and including a shelf on which the product is displayed; a first airflow generator that sends air for a first air curtain to flow outside along the product storage; a second airflow generator that sends air for a second air curtain to flow outside along the first air curtain; and a controller that causes the first airflow generator to operate and causes the second airflow generator to reduce an output of the second airflow generator from an output at a first timing, upon arrival of a second timing when a break of the second air curtain due to disturbance is greater than a break of the second air curtain at the first timing.