Curved Crisper Lid Structure to Prevent Condensation Rewetting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration devices cause dehydration of perishable goods due to low humidity, and condensation on the lid leads to rewetting, which promotes bacterial growth and reduces shelf life.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration device with a sloping, curved lid that directs condensation water to a drip edge, preventing it from recontacting the goods, combined with a tray design that includes a moat to catch dripping water and maintain humidity, and an adjustable lid for air exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the lid is cooled at the top to achieve homogeneous temperature distribution, then temperature homogeneity is improved, but moisture condenses on the cover and drips back onto the refrigerated goods reducing shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with a curved, domed shape instead of a flat surface. This curvature causes condensation water to naturally drain toward the lowest point (front edge) due to gravity, preventing water accumulation and dripping onto the refrigerated goods while maintaining effective cooling across the container
2Strength
If the lid is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then structural stability is improved, but the lid may deform and reduce the gradient or change drip direction
Solution Approach 1:
The domed curvature of the lid provides inherent structural rigidity that resists deformation while maintaining the intended drainage gradient. The curved geometry distributes stresses more effectively than a flat lid, ensuring the lid maintains its shape and drip direction under various loading conditions
3Reliability
If the lid is designed with a sloping surface to direct condensation water, then rewetting prevention is improved, but the lid requires sufficient rigidity to maintain the slope without deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The curved domed design inherently provides both the sloping surface needed for water drainage and the structural rigidity to maintain that slope. The curvature creates a self-reinforcing structure where the shape itself resists deformation, eliminating the need for additional strengthening measures while ensuring reliable condensation water direction
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
Minimizes rewetting of refrigerated items, improves shelf life by maintaining humidity and preventing bacterial growth, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of access.
Implementation Method 1
The sloping nature means that water droplets that settle on the surface of the cover migrate in the direction of the slope to the locally lowest point of the surface and finally drip off or flow off from it
Implementation Method 2
In order to stiffen the lid, it is expedient that the sloping surface is curved in at least one spatial direction, preferably even in two, i.e. that it is at least cylindrical and preferably even spherically curved
Implementation Method 3
Since the condensed water remains in the container in this way, it can evaporate again, thereby contributing to the humidity in the container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a domestic refrigeration device, comprising a built-in container provided with an drawer (1) open on an upper side and a cover (2) covering said upper side. A lower surface of the cover (2) is sloping at least on the largest part (13; 16) of the surface thereof.