Food conditioning device with temperature control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fruits stored in refrigerators often face temperature issues, either being exposed to hot environments or preserved at low temperatures that accelerate degradation, and are frequently overlooked due to their placement in non-visible areas within closed refrigerators.
Innovation Solution
A compact, translucent food conditioning device utilizing two Peltier effect thermoelectric tablets for temperature control between 12° C. and 18° C., combined with a microcontroller and fan system to maintain optimal fruit freshness and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If fruits are stored in refrigerators at low temperatures, then preservation is extended, but chemical reactions accelerate and degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional low-temperature refrigeration to controlled-temperature storage at 12-18°C. The thermoelectric module enables precise temperature regulation within this optimal range, changing the storage temperature parameter to simultaneously extend preservation duration and reduce degradation rates by decelerating harmful chemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics through active temperature control using a thermoelectric module with fan-assisted cooling. Unlike static refrigerator storage, this device dynamically adjusts temperature to maintain the optimal 12-18°C range, responding to environmental conditions while preserving fruits and minimizing degradation through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If refrigerators remain closed for storage, then preservation is maintained, but fruits are removed from field of vision and forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning from hidden storage inside closed refrigerators to visible countertop placement. This dimensional change moves fruit storage from the interior third dimension of refrigerators to the accessible surface dimension of countertops, maintaining preservation through controlled temperature while eliminating the visibility problem entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact controlled-temperature device serves as an intermediary between the cold storage environment and the visible kitchen space. It mediates by providing refrigeration functionality in a form factor that can be placed on countertops, acting as a bridge that delivers preservation benefits while maintaining visual accessibility and reminding users of stored fruits.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact device is used for fruit storage, then space is saved and visibility is improved, but temperature control capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential refrigeration function from large refrigerator systems and isolates it into a compact standalone device. By taking out only the necessary temperature control capability using a thermoelectric module and minimal cooling components, the design achieves effective fruit preservation in a small footprint suitable for countertop placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical refrigeration systems with solid-state thermoelectric cooling. This substitution eliminates bulky compressors and refrigerant systems, enabling precise temperature control in a compact form factor while maintaining the ability to preserve fruits at the optimal 12-18°C range through electrical control of the thermoelectric module.
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 device effectively decelerates fruit degradation by maintaining optimal temperature and ensuring fruits remain visible, enhancing consumption and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The object developed by the present patent document is device which is refrigerated by means of the thermoelectric tablet technology, using the Peltier Effect
Implementation Method 2
combined with a microcontroller and fan system to maintain optimal fruit freshness
Data Source
AI summary
A compact device for the temperature conditioning of foods while allowing the food to be visible and using little physical space. The device features both heating and cooling functions, but is preferably used for cooling fruits, vegetables, accessory fruits, roots and others. The device is compact, having a translucent cover, thus offering better visibility and increasing food consumption. Preferably developed with polymeric material, the body has the function of protecting all the internal constituents of the device. The base of the device is responsible for thermal stability, keeping low or high temperature in the compartment for longer periods. The bowl of the device is responsible for holding food within the cooled or heated area and the food conditioning cover is made of a translucent material, with the function of keeping thermal stability.