Dynamic Light Regime for Fruit and Vegetable Freshness Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for storing and transporting fruits and vegetables often disrupt their natural circadian rhythm, leading to reduced freshness and nutritional value, with existing systems primarily based on photosynthetic processes that are not entirely effective.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic light regime is applied, comprising a 'wake-up' phase of high-intensity red light followed by a 'day' phase of low-intensity white light, mimicking natural light-dark cycles to maintain freshness and nutritional compounds in fruits and vegetables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant light or constant darkness is applied during storage, then the storage conditions are simple to maintain, but the phytochemical content and freshness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic light-dark cycles (e.g., 12 hours light, 12 hours darkness) during storage to mimic natural circadian rhythms. This periodic illumination pattern enhances phytochemical production and maintains freshness without requiring complex continuous control systems, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the lighting parameters (intensity, duration, spectral composition) according to different storage stages and plant needs. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining constant conditions, the system achieves better freshness maintenance while using relatively simple lighting control.
2Reliability
If high light intensity is applied continuously to maintain freshness, then the phytochemical content increases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous high-intensity lighting, the patent uses periodic illumination with alternating light and dark periods. This approach maintains phytochemical production while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-intensity lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies light at specific intensities and durations that are sufficient to trigger phytochemical production without excessive energy input. By using partial action (intermittent lighting rather than continuous), the system achieves the desired freshness maintenance with lower energy consumption.
3Reliability
If dynamic light regime with multiple phases is applied, then the freshness and nutritional content are enhanced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic light regimes with distinct phases (e.g., wake-up phase with high intensity, day phase with regular intensity, dark phase) that enhance nutritional compound maintenance. These periodic patterns are achieved through relatively simple timing-based control rather than complex real-time adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting period is segmented into distinct phases (wake-up, day, dark phases) with different intensity and spectral characteristics. This segmentation allows each phase to target specific physiological responses while keeping the overall control system manageable through predefined protocols.
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
This approach effectively maintains the freshness and nutritional content of fruits and vegetables by manipulating their circadian rhythm, reducing waste and enhancing their quality during storage and transport.
Implementation Method 1
The lamp is operable to provide illumination with a first light output and a second light output, the first light output having a higher intensity and at least a red-bias spectrum relative to the second light output
Data Source
AI summary
A system to illuminate fruit and/or vegetables in the food storage facility, comprising a lamp (8) and a controller (12). The lamp is operable to provide the illumination with a first light output and a second light output, the first light output having a higher intensity and at least a red-bias spectrum relative to the second light output. Further, the system comprises a controller for controlling the illumination of the fruit and/or vegetables in the food storage facility by controlling the lamp. The controller is configured to apply the illumination in a sequence comprising a period of darkness, followed by the first light output for a first period, then followed by the second light output for a second period.