Patent Application
20180103777
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for improving air curtains in refrigerated display cases.
Typically, a refrigerated display case utilizes an air curtain to maintain a temperature in the refrigerated display case. The air curtain may function as a barrier between refrigerated air and ambient air. The air curtain is typically created by discharging air from an air discharge located at a top-front portion of the refrigerated display case and receiving air at an air return located at a bottom-front portion of the refrigerated display case.
Refrigerated display cases may display products on a shelf. The shelf may be positioned such that an open area (e.g., void, etc.) between the shelf and the air curtain exists. For instance, the shelf may be angled downwards so as to facilitate a more desirable product display. Some refrigerated display cases include mirrors to facilitate an asthetically pleasing product display. These mirrors may disrupt the air curtain thereby introducing inconsistencies in the barrier between the refrigerated air and the ambient air.
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for a refrigerated display case are shown and described. In one embodiment, the refrigerated display case has a front and includes an air stream flowing through a duct or passage, an air curtain discharge, an advance discharge opening [(ADO)], and an air curtain return. The air curtain discharge is coupled to the duct and directs the air stream to produce an air curtain across the front of the refrigerated display case. The ADO is formed or provided in the duct to direct a portion of the air stream to produce an auxiliary air stream directed into the refrigerated display case and towards an inside of the air curtain, forming a redirected air curtain. The air curtain return is configured to receive the redirected air curtain.
In another embodiment, the refrigerated display case having a front and including an air stream flowing through a duct or passage, an air curtain discharge, an ADO, an air curtain return, a shelf, a sensor, and an external device. The air curtain discharge is coupled to the duct and directs the air stream to produce an air curtain across the front of the refrigerated display case. The ADO is formed or provided in the duct to direct a portion of the air stream to produce an auxiliary air stream directed into the refrigerated display case and towards an inside of the air curtain, forming a redirected air curtain. The air curtain return is configured to receive the redirected air curtain. The sensor is coupled to the shelf and configured to obtain sensor data. The external device is communicable with the sensor and the ADO.
These and other features, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, may become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Referring to the Figures generally, systems, methods, and apparatuses for an adjustable insert for a selectively repositionable spotter mirror are shown.
It is becoming more common for refrigerated display cases (e.g., open cases, closed cases, glass-door cases, etc.) to incorporate an air curtain for maintaining a temperature within the refrigerated display case. The refrigerated display case may display products such as meats, cheeses, dairy, frozen goods, and refrigerated goods to a consumer. In some applications, it is desirable to accentuate and enhance the appearance of the products (e.g., to attract consumers, etc.). In some applications, the refrigerated display cases may incorporate mirrors. The mirrors may reflect light such that an image of a product is reproduced. Further, the mirrors may attract attention to products proximate the mirrors. However, desirable positioning of the mirrors may interfere with the air curtain. For example, the mirrors may be positioned at an angle between a rear vertical wall and a top wall in the refrigerated display case thus requiring that shelves be located further from the top wall; thus creating a void or open space between the air curtain and the shelves.
The shelves may support the products and may position the products for interaction with the consumer. The shelves may be angled (e.g., downward slanting, etc.). In some applications, the refrigerated display cases may be reconfigured. For example, the shelves may originally be oriented horizontally. However, to display new products the shelves may be reoriented to be at an angle, thus forming open spaces. In some configurations, such open spaces (e.g., voids, etc.) within the refrigerated display cases may disrupt the air curtain. Disruptions in the air curtain may cause the refrigerated display case to operate to lower the temperature of the refrigerate case to compensate for increases in temperature caused by the disruptions. This may cause portions of the refrigerated display case to lower the temperature of products undesirably and unevenly and cause increased energy consumption. For example, products near a rear portion of the refrigerated display case may freeze or develop frost. Accordingly, it is desirable for a refrigerated display case to have an air curtain positioned across the front of the refrigerated display case when open spaces in the refrigerated display case exist.
According to the present disclosure, a refrigerated display case includes an air curtain discharge, an air curtain return, and an advance discharge opening [(ADO)]. The air curtain discharge and the ADO are coupled to an air stream (e.g., air supply), such that the air stream may be divided between the air curtain discharge and the ADO. The air curtain discharge discharges air to the air curtain return, thus forming an air curtain. The ADO is configured (e.g., structured, etc.) to discharge air towards the air curtain. The air discharged from the ADO aides in maintaining consistency of the air curtain between the air curtain discharge and the air curtain return. This is of particular importance if large open spaces exist in the refrigerated display case, such as the large open spaces that exist when shelves are not located proximate the air curtain.
The refrigerated display case of the present disclosure may also include a deflector. The deflector may aid in directing air from the ADO. In some applications, both the ADO and the deflector may be selectively repositioned such that air discharged by the ADO, and potentially directed by the deflector, may be aimed at a target location. The ADO and the deflector may be selectively repositioned automatically, through the use of a control system, or manually. The refrigerated display case of the present disclosure may even interact with external devices and sensors. In some cases, the refrigerated display case of the present disclosure may anticipate ambient changes and operate the refrigerated display case to optimize efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Referring to
Frame 110 also includes a top panel (e.g., cover, sheet, etc.) 130. Top panel 130 may be configured to cover a portion of frame 110. According to various embodiments, refrigerated display case 100 is configured to produce an air curtain. To form the air curtain, an air stream may be forced through a duct or passage in frame 110. In some embodiments, top panel 130 directly interfaces with the air stream. In other embodiments, top panel 130 covers the duct or passage of the refrigerated display case 100.
Top panel 130 includes at least one advance discharge opening [(ADO)] (e.g., opening, cut-out, vent, channel, etc.) 140. ADO 140 receives (e.g., collects, etc.) an advance portion of air from the air stream and transmits the advance portion into refrigerated display case 100. In an exemplary embodiment, ADO 140 directly interfaces with the air stream such that air is divided into ADO 140 from the air stream. ADO 140 may direct separated air into refrigerated display case 100 in a desirable manner. For example, ADO 140 may be utilized to direct separated air towards the air curtain. In some embodiments, refrigerated display case 100 includes a deflector (e.g., flange, etc.) 150. Deflector 150 may be utilized to direct air from ADO 140. For example, deflector 150 may direct air from ADO 140 into a large open region in refrigerated display case 100.
The air curtain originates from an air curtain discharge 160, and terminates at an air curtain return 170. In many applications, the air curtain generally follows a linear or semi-linear path, on average, between air curtain discharge 160 and air curtain return 170.
Conventionally, refrigerated display cases with air curtains perform undesirably (e.g., lack of efficiency, over cooling, under cooling, etc.) when shelves are not in an optimal position and/or orientation, thus creating an open space in the refrigerated display cases. For example, refrigerated display cases, including refrigerated display case 100, may include large open spaces in front of shelves (e.g., shelf 120). These open spaces may disorganize an air curtain. According to an exemplary embodiment, ADO 140 directs an air stream into the air curtain, through any open space, and between air curtain discharge 160 and air curtain return 170 such that the air curtain is maintained in a desirable manner (i.e., follows a semi-linear trajectory, etc.) between air curtain discharge 160 and air curtain return 170. Similarly, refrigerated display case 100 may incorporate deflector 150 to direct the air stream from ADO 140 and/or to direct the air curtain from air curtain discharge 160. In a general sense, air is discharged from air curtain discharge 160 with a first vector (e.g., a down vector, etc.) and air is discharged from ADO 140 with a second vector (e.g., a down and forward vector, etc.), resulting in the air following a third vector that is related to a product of the first vector and the second vector.
In addition to maintaining the air curtain, air from ADO 140 may provide supplemental cooling to products on shelves 120. In one example, refrigerated display case 100 is used to store and display a first product having a first storage temperature and a second product having a second storage temperature lower than the first storage temperature. Following this example, the second product may be placed on a shelf 120 proximate ADO 140, and the first product is not placed on a shelf proximate ADO 140. In this way, refrigerated display case 100 may utilize additional cooling from ADO 140 to eliminate the need for substantially lowering the temperature of the entire refrigerated display case 100, thus resulting in energy savings.
In an exemplary embodiment, ADO 140 resembles a louver. In other embodiments, ADO 140 resembles a vent. ADO 140 may also resemble a tunnel and/or a channel. According to some embodiments, ADO 140 is formed via a punching and forming process. In other embodiments, ADO 140 is formed via a stamping process. In some alternative embodiments, ADO 140 is formed via a material removal process (e.g., milling, drilling, machining, etc.).
According to various embodiments, refrigerated display case further includes a mirror (e.g., surface, reflector, etc.) 190. Mirror 190 may be configured to be coupled to frame 110. For example, mirror 190 may be positioned at an angle relative to shelf 120. Refrigerated display case 100 may incorporate more than one mirror 190. Mirror 190 may be incorporated into top panel 130. Mirror 190 may be constructed from glass, plastic, or metallic material. Mirror 190 may be a painted or coated surface. Mirror 190 may be selectively repositioned between various positions configured to redirect an image of shelf 120 to a consumer.
As shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment, angle B is twenty degrees. In other embodiments, angle B is from five degrees to twenty-five degrees, from zero degrees to five degrees, from zero degrees to fifteen degrees, from twenty degrees to thirty degrees, and from twenty degrees to forty-five degrees. In an alternative embodiment, angle B is equal to zero degrees. Other values for angle B are similarly possible. In some embodiments, angle B is determined based on a function of ADO 140. For example, angle B may be based on a percentage of air that is directed through ADO 140 and/or an air speed of the air exiting ADO 140. In one embodiment, angle B is a function of angle A.
In some applications, refrigerated display case 100 includes a plurality of ADOs 140 (e.g., two, three, four, five, etc.). In these applications, each of the plurality of ADOs 140 may be constructed differently or the plurality of ADOs 140 may be identical. For example, ADOs 140 may be increasingly more concentrated (e.g., have a lower distance H between them, etc.) proximate side wall 192. In other applications, refrigerated display case 100 includes a single, elongated ADO 140. Refrigerated display case 100 may include a pattern or arrangement of ADOs 140. For example, refrigerated display case 100 may include a first group of ADOs 140 and a second group of ADOs 140 offset from the first group of ADOs 140 towards air curtain discharge 160.
Deflector 150 may be constructed from plastic (e.g., polymeric, etc.), metallic (e.g., aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc.), or other suitable material. Deflector 150 may be formed via a molding (e.g., injection molding, blow molding, etc.), forming, bending, or other similar process. In one embodiment, deflector 150 is a clear strip of bent plastic. Deflector 150 may be painted or coated. For example, deflector 150 may be clear, transparent, translucent, frosted, or otherwise colored. Deflector 150 may also be reflective (e.g., covered in metallic paint, etc.).
In some applications, refrigerated display case 100 includes a plurality of deflectors 150 (e.g., two, three, four, five, etc.). In these applications, each of the plurality of deflectors 150 may be constructed differently or the plurality of deflectors 150 may be identical. For example, deflectors 150 may be increasingly more concentrated proximate side wall 192. In other applications, refrigerated display case 100 includes a single, elongated deflector 150. Refrigerated display case 100 may include a pattern or arrangement of deflectors 150. For example, refrigerated display case 100 may include a first group of deflectors 150 and a second group of deflectors 150 offset from the first group of deflectors 150 towards air curtain discharge 160.
In some embodiments, ADO 140 and/or deflector 150 are controllable (e.g., selectively repositionable, etc.) between a plurality of positions. For example, ADO 140 may be controllable between an open position and a closed position. Similarly, the angle of deflector 150 may be controlled. For example, deflector 150 may be set such that angle B is between zero degrees and twenty-five degrees. ADO 140 and deflector 150 may be controlled electronically, pneumatically, hydraulically, magnetically, mechanically, automatically, or manually. For example, ADO 140 may be manually adjustable via a fastener hidden behind top panel 130. Deflector 150 may be movable within a track defining several positions such that an operator may locate deflector 150 manually in one of the positions. In addition to opening and closing, in some embodiments, ADO 140 may be translated, rotated, or otherwise selectively repositioned along top panel 130. For example, ADO 140 may slide within a track along the length or width of top panel 130. Still further, ADO 140 may contain a separately controllable air straightener. In some embodiments, portions of ADO 140 and/or deflector 150 may be controlled independent of other portions.
Referring now to
In some applications, it may be desirable to control aspects of refrigerated display case 100 (e.g., ADO 140, deflector 150, etc.), during operation of refrigerated display case 100. In one example, cooling loads on refrigerated display case 100 may fluctuate. For example, cooling loads on refrigerated display case 100 may be greater during the day than at night. Further, cooling loads on refrigerated display case 100 may vary based on the time of day. For example, cooling loads on refrigerated display case 100 may be greater during certain hours of the day where shopping is more likely to occur (e.g., five o'clock, etc.). During periods of time where consumers interact with refrigerated display case 100 more frequently, the cooling load on refrigerated display case 100 is increased. Control system 500 may be utilized to mitigate temperature fluctuation of refrigerated display case 100 and/or to facilitate energy savings.
According to various embodiments, controller 510 is configured to control ADO 140 and deflector 150 according to a control scheme. For example, ADO 140 may be fully opened during times when consumer interaction with refrigerated display case 100 is likely to be highest (e.g., when a store is open, etc.) and only partially open during times when consumer interaction with refrigerated display case 100 is not likely to be highest (e.g., when a store is closed, etc.). Similarly, deflector 150 may be controlled such that air from ADO 140 is directed differently.
In some applications, controller 510 communicates with external device 570. For example, controller 510 may provide a user interface on external device 570 for controlling ADO 140 and/or deflector 150. An operator may incrementally adjust either of ADO 140 and deflector 150 by interacting with external device 570. Similarly, the operator may select an operating mode of refrigerated display case 100 through external device 570.
External device 570 may be a mobile device, a smart phone, a personal electronic device, a computer, a laptop, a building management system, a network controller, a server, and any other similar devices. For example, external device 570 may be a common control server that is connected to other refrigerated display cases 100 such that a plurality of refrigerated display cases 100 may be individually controlled. In another example, external device 570 is a building control server that is connected to heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment in addition to refrigerated display case 100. Following this example, refrigerated display case 100 may be controlled to anticipate increases in ambient temperature (e.g., temperature surrounding refrigerated display case 100, etc.) due to a corresponding temperature increase provided by the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment. Similarly, the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment may be controlled to anticipate an increased cooling need of refrigerated display case 100.
Controller 510 may receive information (e.g., temperature, velocity, mass air flow (MAF), humidity, etc.) from sensor 580. Sensor 580 may be located at various locations within refrigerated display case 100. For example, sensor 580 may be located proximate ADO 140 or deflector 150. Information from sensor 580 may inform control of ADO 140 and/or deflector 150. In one example, sensor 580 may determine a temperature of products on shelf 120 and ADO 140 may open in response to the temperature being less than a threshold temperature. Further, controller 510 may transmit information from sensor 580 to external device 570.
According to one embodiment, control system 500 is configured to implement machine learning according to a control scheme. For example, control system 500 may monitor the temperature of products on shelf 120 while incrementally controlling at least one of ADO 140 and deflector 150 such that a desired temperature is obtained, thereby resulting in an optimal combination of ADO 140 and deflector 150. In this way, control system 500 may account for reconfigurations of refrigerated display case 100 (e.g., movement of shelf 120, etc.), increased usage patterns of refrigerated display case 100, changes in ambient temperature, and other similar factors. External device 570 may be utilized to alternate between a machine learning mode and a manual override mode.
In another embodiment, control system 500 is utilized to control refrigerated display case 100 according to an external event. The external event may be detection of motion, light, proximity sensor, removal of products, and/or opening and closing of a door of refrigerated display case 100. For example, control system 500 may determine that consumer interaction is more likely based on sensed motion and thereby adjust ADO 140 and/or deflector 150.
In an alternative embodiment, control system 500 is configured to control a buttery valve positioned upstream of ADO 140 and not upstream of air curtain discharge 160. The butterfly valve may be configured to selectively throttle how much of the air stream is provided to ADO 140. Similarly, the butterfly valve may be position upstream of air curtain discharge 160 and not upstream of ADO 140. In this configuration, the butterfly valve may selectively throttle how much air is provided to air curtain discharge 160.
According to various embodiments, memory 540 stores instructions for execution by processor 530, ADO circuit 550, and/or deflector circuit 560. ADO circuit 550 may be configured to directly control ADO 140 and deflector circuit 560 may be configured to directly control deflector 150. In addition to controlling ADO 140 and deflector 150, it is understood that control system 500 is operable to control other characteristics of refrigerated display case 100 such as a desired temperature, fan speed, coolant temperature, power level, and other similar characteristics.
Refrigerated display case 100 may incorporate ADOs 140 and other devices, structures, and mechanisms that assist in maintaining the air curtain. ADO 140 and deflector 150 may incorporate additional devices such as lighting fixtures (e.g., light emitting diodes, etc.), air straighteners, and other similar devices.
According to an alternative embodiment, ADO 140 and/or air curtain discharge 160 is configured to include a fluid misting device (e.g., water misting nozzle, etc.) for introducing fluid into the air curtain. This alternative embodiment may be particularly useful when refrigerated display case 100 is utilized to display fresh produce (e.g., fruits, vegetables, etc.) and other similar products. In this embodiment, fluid may be delivered to the fresh produce through the air curtain. For example, control system 500 may control the fluid misting device, ADO 140, and deflector 150 to be operable between a misting mode and non-misting mode. In the non-misting mode, the fluid misting device is turned off and not providing fluid while ADO 140 and deflector 150 cooperate to maintain the air curtain as previous described. In the misting mode, the fluid misting device is turn on and providing fluid to ADO 140, while ADO 140 and deflector 150 cooperate to direct air entrained with fluid towards fresh produce on shelf 120. Control system 500 may operate refrigerated display case 100 in the misting mode at regular intervals (e.g., every three hours, etc.). Further, control system 500 may operate refrigerated display case 100 in the misting mode according to information from sensor 580 and/or instructions from external device 570.
Processing circuit 520 may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital-signal-processor (DSP), circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. In some embodiments, processing circuit 520 is configured to execute computer code stored in memory 540 to facilitate the activities described herein. Memory 540 may be any volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium capable of storing data or computer code relating to the activities described herein. According to an exemplary embodiment, memory 540 includes computer code modules (e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code, machine code, etc.) configured for execution by processing circuit 520. Memory 540 may include various modulation schemes corresponding to ADO 140 and deflector 150. In some embodiments, processing circuit 520 represents a collection of processing devices (e.g., servers, data centers, etc.). In such cases, processing circuit 520 represents the collective processors of the devices, and memory 540 represents the collective storage devices of the devices.
Refrigerated display case 100 may be utilized by a variety of different refrigeration applications. For example, refrigerated display case 100 may be utilized in commercial refrigerators, residential refrigerators, industrial refrigerators, refrigerated display cases, freezers, chest freezers, air conditioning units, refrigerated vehicles, refrigerated tractor trailers, refrigerated compartments, refrigerated packages, and other similar applications.
The embodiments described herein have been described with reference to drawings. The drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems, methods and programs described herein. However, describing the embodiments with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the disclosure any limitations that may be present in the drawings.
The present disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and expression of design elements, etc., described herein and as such may vary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
As used herein, the singular forms include the plural reference and vice versa unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “or” is inclusive unless modified, for example, by “either.” For brevity and clarity, a particular quantity of an item may be described or shown while the actual quantity of the item may differ. Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing measurements used herein should be understood as modified in all instances by the term “about,” allowing for ranges accepted in the art.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although any known methods, devices, and materials may be used in the practice or testing of the inventive concepts, the methods, devices, and materials in this regard are described herein.
The foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from this disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in deposit to explain the principals of the disclosure and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/382,071, which was filed on Aug. 31, 2016, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62382071 | Aug 2016 | US |
