Humidity-Control Drawer Venting to Prevent Crisper Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with crisper compartments face issues of condensation on surfaces due to high humidity, leading to water dripping and spoilage of stored foods, while existing methods fail to control humidity effectively without increasing humidity loss.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a separator plate with multiple holes, a shelf above the protector plate with a gap, and inclined air blowing openings between the protector plate and shelf, along with strategically placed inlet and outlet ports on the ceiling, to control air flow and minimize temperature differences, preventing condensation and humidity loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If high humidity rates are provided in the crisper to prevent dehydration, then humidity loss of vegetables and fruits is decreased, but condensation occurs on the surfaces of the crisper leading to water dripping and food spoilage
Solution Approach 1:
The crisper is divided into multiple air flow zones using separator plates with holes, creating distinct regions for humidity control and condensation prevention. The air intake is segmented into multiple openings distributed across the crisper structure, allowing localized control of air flow and humidity distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the crisper are given different air flow characteristics. The separator plates create zones where some areas receive higher air flow for condensation prevention while other areas maintain high humidity for vegetable preservation. The inclined air blowing openings provide localized air injection at specific positions to control temperature gradients.
2Loss of substance
If air flow into the crisper volume is limited to maintain high humidity, then humidity loss is minimized, but condensation forms on surfaces below dew point temperature
Solution Approach 1:
Air is pre-heated or pre-conditioned before entering the crisper volume through the separator plates. The air flow path is designed to warm the air slightly before it contacts the cold surfaces, preventing condensation formation while still maintaining high humidity levels in the storage zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator plates act as intermediary structures between the air intake and the food storage zones. These plates with distributed holes create a buffer zone that allows air to be distributed gradually, preventing direct contact between cold air and cold surfaces that would cause condensation, while still providing sufficient air flow to maintain humidity.
3Loss of substance
If temperature difference between base and ceiling surfaces is minimized to reduce humidity loss, then natural convection is reduced, but air stagnation and condensation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. Multiple air blowing openings and separator plates create active air circulation patterns that adapt to temperature variations. The inclined air blowing openings generate directional air flow that moves dynamically through the crisper, preventing stagnation while maintaining minimal temperature differences.
Solution Approach 2:
Air flow is used as the primary mechanism to control both humidity and temperature distribution. The pneumatic system with multiple air openings and separator plates creates controlled air circulation that prevents condensation through movement while maintaining the temperature uniformity needed to minimize humidity loss from vegetables.
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 design effectively prevents condensation on surfaces and maintains ideal humidity levels, extending the storage life of vegetables by ensuring controlled air intake and distribution, thereby minimizing humidity loss and maintaining relative humidity rates.
Implementation Method 1
an air blowing opening that is arranged on the body, that remains between the protector plate and the shelf and that has an inclined configuration allowing air blowing onto the protector plate
Implementation Method 2
an air blowing opening that is arranged on the body, that remains between the protector plate and the shelf and that has an inclined configuration allowing air blowing onto the protector plate, wherein air, which has been blown through the air blowing opening, rises after hitting a portion of the protector plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2) wherein foodstuffs and beverages are placed; a protector plate (3) placed into the body (2); at least one drawer (4) that is placed under the protector plate (3), wherein fruits and vegetables are placed; a separator plate (6) that is disposed over the protector plate (3) and that has more than one hole (5) enabling the air delivered to the protector plate (3) to at least partially reach the drawer (4); a shelf (7) that is situated above the protector plate (3) so that there is a distance between the protector plate (6) and the shelf (7); and at least one air blowing opening (122) that is arranged on the body (2) and that enables cold air to be blown.