Fermented Beverage Refrigerator Sensing Rancidity for Freshness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators fail to effectively prevent rancidity in fermented beverages like wine, which oxidize and spoil when exposed to air, leading to loss of quality and flavor.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator equipped with a rancidity sensor that detects the degree of spoilage in fermented beverages, a communication unit to transmit state information to a remote device, and a controller that adjusts storage conditions, including temperature and location within the fridge, to extend the drinkable period and prevent spoilage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fermented beverage is stored in a conventional refrigerator, then the beverage is kept cool, but the beverage becomes rancid when exposed to air
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator incorporates a rancidity sensor that continuously monitors the state of the fermented beverage and provides feedback to the control unit. When rancidity is detected or predicted, the system automatically adjusts storage conditions by transmitting control commands to modify temperature or transfer the beverage to a different storage space, thereby preventing rancidity without requiring constant user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit predicts the expected date of rancidity based on storage conditions and beverage characteristics. Before rancidity actually occurs, the system transmits position movement guide messages to the external device, advising users to move the beverage to a different storage space or consume it, thus taking preliminary action to prevent spoilage
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the refrigerator monitors and adjusts storage conditions to prevent rancidity, then beverage freshness is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rancidity sensor and control system are integrated into the existing refrigerator structure, allowing the refrigerator to perform multiple functions: conventional cooling, rancidity detection, predictive analysis, and automated storage condition adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices while extending the drinkable period of fermented beverages
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors beverage state, predicts rancidity timing, and adjusts storage conditions without requiring manual user intervention. The control unit autonomously transmits control commands to modify temperature or initiate beverage transfer, making the system self-sufficient in preserving beverage freshness while minimizing user burden
3Reliability
If the refrigerator automatically adjusts temperature and storage position to delay rancidity, then spoilage is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously adjusting storage conditions, the control unit activates temperature adjustment or beverage transfer only when rancidity is detected or predicted within a specific time frame. This partial action approach maintains beverage preservation effectiveness while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during periods when the beverage is stable
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 system effectively informs users of the beverage's state and automatically adjusts storage conditions to delay spoilage, ensuring the beverage remains fresh for a longer period.
Implementation Method 1
The rancidity sensor may sense the degree of rancidity of the fermented beverage using the fermented beverage in a gaseous state
Implementation Method 2
The rancidity sensor may sense the degree of rancidity of the fermented beverage, based on mass of the fermented beverage in the gaseous state absorbed on a plurality of different polymers
Implementation Method 3
a cooling unit configured to cool inside air of the storage space
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a refrigerator of sensing a degree of rancidity of fermented beverage to transmit state information of the fermented beverage to a remote user, and a method of controlling the refrigerator. The refrigerator may include a storage space configured to store fermented beverage, a cooling unit configured to cool inside air of the storage space; a rancidity sensor configured to sense a degree of rancidity of the fermented beverage, and a communication device configured to transmit state information of the fermented beverage created based on the degree of rancidity to a predetermined external device.