Temperature adjustment apparatus and storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dew condensation occurs in storage chambers at lower temperatures when air is circulated between chambers at different temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A temperature adjustment apparatus that transfers heat between storage chambers without air flow, allowing for independent temperature control and inhibiting dew condensation, and includes modes for rapid cooling and air circulation to manage carbon dioxide and ethylene concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air is circulated between storage chambers at different temperatures, then heat exchange is achieved, but dew condensation occurs in the lower temperature chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into separate freezing chamber and refrigeration chamber with independent air circulation systems. Each chamber has its own air flow paths and temperature control mechanisms, preventing mixed air circulation that causes dew condensation while maintaining independent temperature optimization for each chamber type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an air barrier or partition between the freezing chamber and refrigeration chamber that allows thermal interaction while preventing direct air mixing. This intermediary structure enables heat exchange control without allowing moisture-laden air from the warmer chamber to contact the colder chamber surfaces where dew condensation would occur
2Quantity of substance
If air is circulated between storage chambers, then carbon dioxide and ethylene concentrations can be adjusted, but dew condensation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate air circulation systems for the freezing chamber and refrigeration chamber, allowing independent control of gas compositions (CO2, ethylene, oxygen levels) in each chamber while preventing air mixing that would cause temperature fluctuations and dew condensation on storage items
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different air composition control strategies to different chambers based on their specific storage requirements. The refrigeration chamber can maintain higher CO2 and lower ethylene for fresh produce, while the freezing chamber uses different gas ratios, with each chamber's air composition optimized locally without affecting the other chamber through air mixing
3Speed
If heat is exchanged by flowing air between chambers, then rapid cooling is achieved, but temperature control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control function into separate systems for the freezing chamber and refrigeration chamber, with independent cooling mechanisms and air circulation paths. This segmentation allows the freezing chamber to provide rapid cooling capability while the refrigeration chamber maintains precise temperature control, without the temperature fluctuations that would result from mixed air circulation between chambers
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
Inhibits dew condensation, rapidly cools higher-temperature chambers, and reduces ethylene and carbon dioxide concentrations, while maintaining controlled atmosphere storage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
causing heat to be exchanged between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber without flowing air therebetween
Implementation Method 2
causing heat to be exchanged between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber by flowing air therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature adjustment apparatus configured to transfer heat in a first storage chamber to a second storage chamber, and adjust the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber to different temperatures is provided. The temperature adjustment apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform control in a first driving mode of causing heat to be exchanged between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber without flowing air therebetween. For example, the control unit further performs control in a second driving mode of causing heat to be exchanged between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber by flowing air therebetween. For example, the control unit performs control in the second driving mode in response to a rise in the concentration of carbon dioxide or ethylene in the first storage chamber or the second storage chamber.