Crisper Humidity Control Using Fullness-Based Airflow Valves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cooling devices with crisper compartments fail to maintain optimal humidity levels, leading to condensation and reduced storage life of fruits and vegetables due to direct contact with cold, dry air, causing moisture loss and spoilage.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with a cover-separated crisper, equipped with an air inlet and outlet, a level sensor, and a control unit that adjusts relative humidity based on food fullness, using valves to maintain optimal humidity levels between 90% and 10°C, preventing condensation and extending storage life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the crisper is separated from the freshfood compartment inner volume by a cover to limit air flow, then the temperature difference occurs and condensation forms on the cover lower surface, but this causes water drops on the foods and reduces storage life
Solution Approach 1:
A heating element is introduced as an intermediary component between the crisper and freshfood compartment. This heating element actively warms the cover's lower surface to prevent condensation formation, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of water drops on food while maintaining the temperature difference needed for cooling
2Temperature
If cold air is directly directed into the crisper to cool it, then the temperature decreases, but the relative humidity remains below optimum and foods lose moisture
Solution Approach 1:
Humidity sensors are installed in the crisper to detect the actual humidity level. The control unit receives feedback from these sensors and automatically adjusts the opening degree of the air inlet valve to regulate the amount of cold air entering the crisper, thereby maintaining optimal humidity while achieving the desired temperature
3Quantity of substance
If the air inlet provides controlled cold air flow to maintain humidity, then the humidity balance improves, but the system complexity increases with sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically regulates the air inlet valve based on feedback from humidity sensors, enabling the system to self-adjust and maintain optimal humidity conditions without requiring manual intervention. This automation manages the complexity by making the system self-regulating
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 effectively maintains optimal humidity levels, preventing moisture loss and spoilage, increasing the storage life of fruits and vegetables while reducing frost accumulation and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A first level sensor that is located inside the crisper and that determines an instantaneous fullness rate of the crisper by detecting an upper level of the foods inside the crisper
Implementation Method 2
a first valve that is located on the air inlet and on which an opening rate of the first valve is controlled by the control unit, and a second valve that is located on the air outlet and on which an opening rate of the second valve is controlled by the control unit
Implementation Method 3
The control unit calculates a maximum relative humidity rate in the crisper by using the data acquired from the level sensor
Implementation Method 4
a cover that is placed on the crisper and that separates the crisper from the inner volume of the body
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising a body (2) wherein foods and beverages are placed, a crisper (3) which is placed in the body (2), a cover (4) which is placed on the crisper (3) and separates the crisper (3) from the inner volume of the body (2), at least one air inlet (5) which provides cold air passage into the crisper (3) and at least one air outlet (6) which provides air discharge from the crisper (3).