Freezer Storage Assembly for Soft-Freeze Meat Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration appliances lack the ability to maintain specific food items at temperatures different from the freezer compartment, which can lead to ice crystal growth and affect food freshness, particularly for meat products that require a soft freeze state to remain fresh for a longer period.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly within the freezer compartment that includes a second storage compartment with a cooling plate for thermal energy transfer and a fan to direct cool air, along with a temperature sensor and controller to maintain a temperature independent from the freezer compartment, allowing for fast cooling or soft freeze modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If food items are stored at the freezer compartment temperature, then the food items are kept frozen, but ice crystal growth may damage the freshness of the food items
Solution Approach 1:
The freezer compartment is segmented into a main storage area and a separate second storage compartment with independent temperature control. This allows the second compartment to maintain a higher temperature than the main freezer, preventing ice crystal growth on stored food items while the main freezer continues to operate at standard freezing temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific zone (second storage compartment) with different thermal characteristics from the rest of the freezer. This localized area maintains a higher temperature suitable for preventing ice crystal growth, while other areas of the freezer maintain standard freezing conditions for bulk storage.
2Reliability
If food items are stored at the freezer compartment temperature, then the food items are kept frozen, but certain food items require a soft freeze state to remain fresh for a longer period
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is segmented into two independent zones: the main freezer compartment and the second storage compartment with its own temperature control. This enables the second compartment to maintain a higher temperature for soft-freeze storage of items like meat products, extending their freshness without requiring complete freezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter locally in the second storage compartment, maintaining it at a higher level than the main freezer. This parameter change allows food items to be stored in a soft-freeze state, preserving freshness for longer periods while maintaining the ability to freeze items completely if needed.
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
Enables the maintenance of food items at desired temperatures within the freezer compartment, preventing ice crystal growth and extending the freshness of meat products by allowing for independent temperature control within the storage assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling plate is configured to transfer thermal energy between the food item and the cooling plate through conduction
Implementation Method 2
The fan is positioned at a first end of the second storage compartment and configured to draw cool air into the second storage compartment and direct the cool air across the food item
Data Source
AI summary
A storage assembly for a refrigerator having a freezer storage compartment includes a second storage compartment positioned within the freezer storage compartment, and a cooling plate positioned within the second storage compartment. The cooling plate is configured to support a food item and transfer thermal energy between the food item and the cooling plate through conduction. The storage assembly also includes a fan positioned at a first end of the second storage compartment. The fan is configured to draw cool air into the second storage compartment and direct the cool air across the food item.