A freezer thaw monitoring apparatus and method

Abstract

The application provides a freezer thawing monitoring device, and relates to the technical field of freezers, which comprises a water container, an outer cylinder placed in the water container and an inner cylinder placed in the outer cylinder, and further comprises an alarm flashlight, the outer cylinder is provided with a water flow hole in communication with the water container, the inner cylinder is provided with a trigger, the outer cylinder is provided with a trigger switch matched with the trigger, the alarm flashlight is provided with a buzzer and a signal receiver, the signal receiver and the trigger switch and a signal transmitter are a simple remote control switch circuit, the remote control distance is greater than 60 meters, and the device has the beneficial effects of monitoring thawing and reducing economic losses. The application further provides a freezer thawing monitoring method, which has the beneficial effects of monitoring thawing and reducing economic losses.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of freezer technology, and more specifically, to a freezer melting monitoring device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Freezers are devices used to preserve food and other items at low temperatures. They are divided into household and commercial types. Commercial freezers are used in restaurants, bars, food processing plants, and supermarkets.

[0003] Melting ice inside a freezer is a common malfunction. Causes include overheating of the evaporator, condenser failure, electrical wiring faults leading to power outages, and temperature controller malfunctions causing uncontrolled temperature regulation. These can all lead to automatic ice melting. Freezing ice is often difficult to detect, and it can cause spoilage of stored seafood and meat, resulting in financial losses.

[0004] Therefore, existing technologies need to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a freezer melting monitoring device that addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies and provides a solution that has the beneficial effects of monitoring melting and reducing economic losses.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for monitoring the melting of freezers, which addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies and provides a solution that has the beneficial effects of monitoring melting and reducing economic losses.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A freezer melting monitoring device includes a water container, an outer cylinder placed inside the water container, and an inner cylinder placed inside the outer cylinder. It also includes an alarm flashlight. The outer cylinder has a water outlet communicating with the water container. The inner cylinder is equipped with a trigger element and a signal transmitter installed inside the inner cylinder. The outer cylinder is equipped with a trigger switch adapted to the trigger element. The alarm flashlight includes a buzzer and a signal receiver, with the signal receiver electrically connected to the trigger switch.

[0009] Furthermore, in this invention, the inner cylinder is provided with a bottom plate, the bottom plate having a mounting hole aligned with the trigger element, and the trigger switch being disposed in the mounting hole.

[0010] Furthermore, in this invention, the trigger element is a mushroom rivet, and the trigger switch is a thin-film trigger switch.

[0011] Furthermore, in this invention, the top of the inner cylinder is provided with a cap.

[0012] A method for monitoring the melting of a freezer, comprising a freezer melting monitoring device and the following steps;

[0013] S1. Place the outer cylinder in a water container, pour water into the outer cylinder, and then place it in a low-temperature environment to freeze the water;

[0014] S2. After the water freezes, place the inner cylinder with the trigger switch on the ice of the outer cylinder to form a freezer melting monitoring device;

[0015] S3. Place the freezer melting monitoring device in the freezer to be monitored, trigger the switch and alarm flashlight to establish a communication connection.

[0016] The present invention has at least the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0017] This invention provides a freezer melting monitoring device, mainly composed of a water container, an outer cylinder placed inside the water container, and an inner cylinder placed inside the outer cylinder. A trigger element is installed at the bottom of the outer cylinder, and a trigger switch is installed on the bottom plate of the inner cylinder. When the freezer is working normally, the ice supports the inner cylinder, and the trigger element does not contact the trigger switch. At this time, the buzzer of the alarm flashlight does not sound an alarm. When the freezer malfunctions and cannot cool, the ice melts and the inner cylinder descends. The trigger element contacts the trigger switch, and the trigger switch SB1 (closed) is turned on, activating the signal transmitter circuit in the inner cylinder. This circuit emits a high-frequency signal, which is transmitted to the signal receiver on the alarm flashlight. At this time, the buzzer sounds an alarm, and the alarm flashlight lights up, achieving the effect of melting monitoring and reminding people to promptly handle aquatic products, fish, and meat to reduce economic losses.

[0018] The present invention also provides a method for monitoring the melting of freezers, which is used to monitor the melting of freezers, promptly remind people to handle stored items, and reduce economic losses. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a freezer melting monitoring device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an alarm flashlight provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the freezer melting monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the freezer melting monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 Circuit diagram of trigger switch and signal transmitter provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 The circuit diagram of the signal receiver and buzzer provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Icons: 1-Water container, 2-Outer cylinder, 201-Water outlet, 3-Inner cylinder, 301-Base plate, 3011-Mounting hole, 4-Trigger element, 5-Trigger switch, 6-Alarm flashlight, 7-Cap. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Example 1

[0028] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The image shows an embodiment of the present invention that provides a freezer melting monitoring device for monitoring the melting of the freezer. The specific structure is as follows.

[0029] Combination Figure 1 As shown, the freezer melting monitoring device of this embodiment mainly consists of three parts: a water container 1, an outer cylinder 2, and an inner cylinder 3. The outer cylinder 2 is placed inside the water container 1, and the inner cylinder 3 is placed inside the outer cylinder 2. The water container 1 can be a polypropylene (PP) container, a ceramic bowl, an enamel teacup, or other water-holding vessel.

[0030] In some embodiments of this example, the outer cylinder 2 is made of polypropylene (PP) material, and the outer cylinder 2 is cylindrical with a diameter of 62mm and a height of 67mm. Figure 1 As shown, a water flow hole 201 is opened on the side wall of the outer cylinder 2 to facilitate the flow of water in and out.

[0031] Furthermore, in combination Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a trigger 4 is fixedly installed at the bottom center inside the outer cylinder 2. The trigger 4 adopts the mushroom rivet of the prior art and is installed vertically upward.

[0032] In some embodiments of this example, the inner cylinder 3 may be made of PC material. The inner cylinder 3 is cylindrical with a diameter of 59mm and a height of 75mm. The inner cylinder 3 can be inserted into the outer cylinder 2, and the movement of the inner cylinder 3 is almost unaffected by the outer cylinder 2.

[0033] Furthermore, in combination Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, a base plate 301 is installed inside the inner cylinder 3, and a mounting hole 3011 is opened in the center of the base plate 301. The trigger switch 5 is fixedly installed at the position of the mounting hole 3011. It should be noted that the trigger switch 5 adopts the membrane trigger switch 5 of the prior art. When the inner cylinder 3 is placed inside the outer cylinder 2, the bottom of the trigger switch 5 and the top of the trigger element 4 are vertically aligned.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, a cover 7 is installed on the top of the inner cylinder 3, which covers the top opening of the inner cylinder 3 and protects the internal trigger switch 5.

[0035] Furthermore, the signal transmitter is also installed inside the inner cylinder 3, and the trigger switch 5 has a two-core flat wire crystal plug, which connects to the signal transmitter. Combined with... Figure 5As shown, the signal transmitter circuit consists of an IC1 NE555 chip and peripheral circuits such as R1 (5.1kΩ), R2 (62kΩ), and C1 (0.01uΩ) forming an astable multivibrator. The IC1 NE555 chip is a commonly used timing integrated circuit with functions such as timing control and pulse modulation. SB1 is the power switch for the signal transmitter circuit. This SB1 power switch comes from the thin-film trigger switch 5 inside the inner cylinder 3 and is connected to a two-pin flat wire crystal connector, directly connected to the power switch of the signal transmitter circuit. Pins 8 and 4 of the IC1 NE555 chip are connected to the power supply VCC, and pin 1 is grounded (GND). The oscillation frequency of the oscillator is determined by the charging and discharging time constant of capacitor C1, which is also used to generate the switching time length. R1 and R2 charge and discharge capacitor C1. When the circuit is working, C1 is charged through R1 and R2. The voltage of capacitor C1 rises, and when the voltage rises to 2 / 3 VCC, pin 6 of the IC1 NE555 chip connected to it also reaches the same voltage. At this point, the internal circuitry of the NE555 chip begins to operate, outputting a low level (0V) at pin 3 of the IC1 NE555 chip. Simultaneously, pin 7 of the IC1 NE555 chip also goes low (0V). Because pin 7 of the IC1 NE555 goes low, the current flowing from the positive terminal of the power supply VCC flows directly into pin 7 of the IC1 NE555 through resistor R1. Current always flows from the high-level end to the nearest and least obstructed low-level end; since the current flows into pin 7 of the IC1 NE555, no current flows through resistor R2 to charge capacitor C1. Instead, capacitor C1 discharges through resistor R2 into pin 7 of the IC1 NE555. When the voltage across capacitor C1 is less than 1 / 3 VCC, pin 2 of the IC1 NE555 connected to it also drops below this value (1 / 3 VCC power supply voltage). At this point, the IC1 NE555 chip starts operating, causing pin 3 (OUT) of the IC1 NE555 to output a high level. Simultaneously, pin 7 of the IC1 NE555 chip is no longer low. The circuit returns to its initial operating state, and C1 is recharged through R1 and R2, cycling in sequence. The voltage of C1 remains between 1 / 3VCC and 2 / 3VCC. Since the power supply voltage VCC is 12V DC, the voltage of C1 is between 4V and 8V, yet it outputs a stable square wave to pin 3 of the IC1NE555 chip. Adjusting the value of R2 or C1 can adjust the period of the square wave.

[0036] The square wave signal output from pin 3 of IC1 NE555 chip is fed into the input terminal IN of IC2TWH630 (wireless remote control transmitter) via resistor R3 (47K) to modulate the radiated high-frequency signal and then emit a radio high-frequency signal.

[0037] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the freezer melting monitoring device in this embodiment also includes an alarm flashlight 6, which contains a signal receiver and a buzzer. The signal receiver is used to receive signals emitted by the signal transmitter.

[0038] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the signal receiver circuit consists of IC3 TWH631 (infrared remote control receiver module, or remote control receiver head), IC4 LM567 (frequency decoder), and peripheral circuitry. The V+ terminal of IC3 TWH631 is connected to the power supply VCC, the V- terminal is grounded (GND), and the OUT output terminal is connected to pin 3 (IN input) of IC4 LM567. The IC4 LM567 integrated circuit has the function of decoding specific frequencies in the input signal and is widely used in remote control, monitoring, and communication fields.

[0039] Pin 4 of IC4 LM567 is connected to the power supply VCC, pin 3 is the IN input, and the external capacitor (2.2uF) connected to pin 1 is the single-stage low-pass filter capacitor for the outer loop. The external capacitor connected to pin 2 determines the capture bandwidth of the phase-locked loop; the larger the capacitance, the narrower the loop bandwidth. The capacitance of the external capacitor connected to pin 1 should be at least twice that of the capacitance of pin 2. Pin 7 is grounded (GND). The resistors and capacitors R and C connected to pins 5 and 6 of IC4 LM567 determine the center frequency of the internal voltage-controlled oscillator. Pin 8 of IC4 LM567 outputs a high level, turning on the Q8050 NPN transistor, which drives the relay J to control the siren circuit to emit sound and light.

[0040] Relay J has two sets of contact switches, J1 and J2. J1 controls the audio oscillation circuit for the whistle sound; J2 controls the light source. When relay J is turned on, J1 and J2 switch simultaneously (i.e., their contacts open and close at the same time). J1 controls the audio oscillation circuit to operate, while J2 controls the light source to also illuminate. BL is the buzzer, RL is a small light bulb, and SB is the circuit power switch. K is used as a flashlight switch for everyday applications.

[0041] The whistle circuit consists of a simple audio oscillator composed of Q1, Q2, R5, and C5. The capacitance of capacitor C5 and its charging and discharging can change the oscillation frequency. R6 is a pull-down resistor, providing a stable voltage to the base of the 9013 transistor Q1. Q1 and Q2 form a complementary circuit; Q1 is an NPN transistor, and Q2 is a PNP transistor. Both transistors require a current amplification factor B > 50. The components are assembled and debugged according to the circuit diagram. The BL buzzer then sounds a loud whistle, accompanied by the automatic illumination of the alarm flashlight 6.

[0042] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0043] When the freezer is working properly, the ice supports the inner drum 3, and the trigger 4 does not contact the trigger switch 5. At this time, the buzzer of the alarm flashlight 6 does not sound an alarm. When the freezer malfunctions and cannot cool, the ice melts and the inner drum 3 descends. The trigger 4 contacts the trigger switch 5, and the trigger switch SB1 (closed) is turned on, causing the signal transmitter circuit in the inner drum 3 to work and emit a high-frequency signal. The signal is then transmitted to the signal receiver on the alarm flashlight 6, at which point the buzzer sounds a siren, and the alarm flashlight 6 automatically lights up.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] This embodiment provides a method for monitoring the melting of a freezer, using the freezer melting monitoring device of Embodiment 1, and includes the following steps:

[0046] S1. Place the outer cylinder 2 in the water container 1, pour 80ml to 100ml of clean water into the outer cylinder 2, and then place it in a low-temperature environment (such as a freezer) to make the water freeze;

[0047] S2. After the water freezes, the inner cylinder 3, with its cylindrical base featuring a recessed "cylindrical" shape at its center, is fitted with a trigger switch 5. The inner cylinder 3 is placed on the frozen surface of the outer cylinder 2, forming a freezer melting monitoring device. At this point, the monitoring device is in a "three-cylinder integrated" combined state, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown;

[0048] S3. Place the complete set of "three-in-one" freezer melting monitoring equipment in the freezer that needs to be monitored for ice melting, and put it into an automatic duty, handling, and monitoring state.

[0049] The trigger switch (SB1) 5 inside the inner tube 3 is directly connected in parallel to the two-core flat wire crystal plug, and is connected to the transmitter power switch to maintain a constant remote control signal connection with the signal receiver on the alarm flashlight 6.

[0050] When the freezer malfunctions, the ice will gradually melt. Under the influence of gravity, the inner drum 3 will gradually sink as the ice melts until the trigger switch 5 touches the trigger element 4 at the bottom of the outer drum 2. At this point... Figure 4 As shown, when the membrane trigger switch (SB1) 5 (closed) is turned on, the signal transmitter circuit is activated and emits a high-frequency signal. The signal receiver on the alarm flashlight 6 receives the signal, emits a siren, and the alarm flashlight 6 automatically lights up.

[0051] The present invention also provides a method for monitoring the melting of freezers, which is used to monitor the melting of freezers, promptly remind people to handle stored items, and reduce economic losses.

[0052] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention provide a freezer melting monitoring device and method, which have the beneficial effects of monitoring melting and reducing economic losses.

[0053] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A freezer melting monitoring device, characterized in that, The device includes a water container, an outer cylinder placed inside the water container, and an inner cylinder placed inside the outer cylinder. It also includes an alarm flashlight. The outer cylinder has a water outlet communicating with the water container. The inner cylinder is equipped with a trigger element. The outer cylinder is equipped with a trigger switch adapted to the trigger element. The alarm flashlight is equipped with a buzzer and a signal receiver, the signal receiver being electrically connected to the trigger switch. The trigger element uses a mushroom-shaped rivet, and the trigger switch is a membrane trigger switch. The top of the inner cylinder is provided with a cap. The inner cylinder has a bottom plate with mounting holes aligned with the trigger element, and the trigger switch is located in the mounting holes.

2. A method for monitoring thawing in a freezer, characterized in that, It includes the freezer melting monitoring device as described in claim 1, and further includes the following steps; S1. Place the outer cylinder in a water container, pour water into the outer cylinder, and then place it in a low-temperature environment to freeze the water; S2. After the water freezes, place the inner cylinder with the trigger switch on the ice of the outer cylinder to form a freezer melting monitoring device; S3. Place the freezer melting monitoring device in the freezer to be monitored, trigger the switch and alarm flashlight to establish a communication connection.

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