AC electric field-assisted refrigerating container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerating containers with electric field forming panels fail to uniformly distribute an electric field to the vicinity of the wall surface and corners, leading to inadequate freshness maintenance of stored items due to low electric field intensity and the need for multiple panels to prevent electric shock.
Innovation Solution
An AC electric field-assisted refrigerating container with a metal outer casing, a dielectric inner casing, insulated electrodes, and a transformer to generate a uniform AC electric field within the storage chamber, using fewer electrodes and a voltage-resistant insulated cable for efficient discharge and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electric field forming panels are attached to the wall surface to prevent electric shock, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage chamber is divided into multiple regions with electrodes strategically positioned at corners and along walls. Each electrode operates independently to create localized electric fields that collectively cover the entire space, eliminating the need for multiple large panels while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes serve dual functions: generating electric fields for freshness maintenance and providing safety through controlled voltage distribution. The insulating material on electrodes provides both electrical isolation and structural support, reducing the need for separate safety components
2Ease of manufacture
If electric field forming panels are attached to wall surfaces, then installation is simplified, but electric field intensity in corners and near walls becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Electrodes are positioned specifically at corners and along wall surfaces where electric field intensity is naturally lowest. The insulating material thickness and electrode geometry are locally optimized to maximize field strength in these critical regions while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching panels to the two-dimensional wall surface, electrodes are positioned in three-dimensional space at corners and along edges. This spatial redistribution ensures comprehensive coverage of the storage chamber volume, particularly in previously underserved corner regions
3Use of energy by moving object
If high voltage is applied to generate strong electric field, then freshness-keeping function is improved, but risk of electric shock increases
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating material is introduced as an intermediary between the high-voltage electrodes and the storage chamber environment. This material provides electrical isolation that prevents direct contact and electric shock while allowing the electric field to penetrate through and maintain freshness of stored items
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage that poses a shock hazard is converted into a beneficial electric field for freshness maintenance. The insulating material transforms the dangerous high voltage into a safe, controlled electric field that extends throughout the storage chamber, turning the harmful electrical energy into a useful preservative force
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 a uniform and intense AC electric field is maintained throughout the storage chamber, effectively extending freshness-keeping capabilities to all areas, including corners and near the walls, using fewer electrodes and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerating container is configured to cause AC discharge from the insulated electrodes to form an AC electric field inside the storage chamber
Implementation Method 2
electrons are supplied to the inner container casing formed of the dielectric panel, and then flow throughout the inner container casing, thereby allowing the electric field to be uniformly distributed throughout the inside of the storage chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An AC electric field-assisted refrigerating container comprises: an outer container casing made of metal and having a storage chamber thereinside; an inner container casing formed of a dielectric panel and disposed inside the outer container casing; cooling means to cool an inside of the storage chamber; a plurality of insulated electrodes each formed by densely covering an entire circumference of an electrode plate with an insulator and disposed on an inner wall of the inner container casing; and a transformer for supplying an AC of 10 to 20 VA, at a voltage of 2000 to 4000 V and a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz, wherein the transformer has a ground terminal; wherein the refrigerating container is configured to cause AC discharge from the insulated electrodes to form an AC electric field inside the storage chamber, wherein, as a result of the AC discharge, electrons are supplied to the inner container casing formed of the dielectric panel, and then flow throughout the inner container casing, thereby allowing the electric field to be uniformly distributed throughout the inside of the storage chamber, while being maintained in terms of intensity thereof and, wherein the dielectric panel is a woody panel.