Optical Signal Generator for Freshness Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cold storage methods for vegetables and fruits are energy-intensive and can cause cold injury, leading to unsuitable storage conditions and reduced freshness, while existing methods for maintaining freshness at room temperature are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A physical method using an optical signal generator with red, green, and blue light sources producing a pulsed or periodical scanning combined spectrum to slow down the metabolic process of vegetables and fruits, extending their freshness without high energy consumption, by simulating natural light reactions and maintaining suitable temperature and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If cold storage technology is used to maintain freshness of vegetables and fruits, then the duration of freshness is extended, but the energy consumption increases and cold injury may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cold storage system with an optical signal-based system. Optical signal generators emit specific wavelengths of light that interact with plant tissues to slow metabolic processes without requiring mechanical cooling, thereby eliminating high energy consumption and risk of cold injury while extending freshness duration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of light (wavelength, intensity, pulse duration) to optimize their effect on vegetable and fruit metabolism. By using specific optical parameters, the system slows down respiratory rates and metabolic processes at room temperature, achieving cold storage effects without actual temperature reduction
2Duration of action of stationary object
If cold storage technology is used to maintain freshness of vegetables and fruits, then the duration of freshness is extended, but cold injury or cool-damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical cooling with optical field application. The optical signal generators emit light that penetrates plant tissues and affects cellular metabolism directly, avoiding the harmful effects of low temperatures such as membrane damage, enzyme inhibition, and tissue necrosis associated with cold storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary between the storage environment and plant tissues. These light signals act as a mediator that communicates with plant cells to regulate metabolic processes, providing a non-invasive method to extend freshness without the harmful physical stress of cold temperatures
3Use of energy by moving object
If room temperature storage is used for vegetables and fruits, then energy consumption is reduced, but the duration of freshness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional optical signal generation system that can operate at room temperature while performing the freshness-extension function traditionally reserved for cold storage. The system uses multiple wavelengths and pulse patterns to simultaneously address different metabolic processes in various types of vegetables and fruits, providing a universal solution applicable to diverse produce
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 method effectively extends the freshness of vegetables and fruits at room temperature or controlled conditions with lower energy consumption, preventing cold injury and maintaining their metabolic processes at a slow pace, as demonstrated in case studies.
Implementation Method 1
The irradiated vegetables and fruits obtain photon energy needed in light reactions of photosynthesis from the lighting environment of artificial optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A physical method for maintaining the freshness of vegetables and fruits via the technology of the optical signal and optical signal generator are disclosed. By adopting the computer programmable pulsed scanning signal generator, it controls the light-emitting device mounted with red, green and blue light sources group to generate optical signal with pulsed or pulsed periodical scanning combined spectrum. The optical signal irradiates the fresh-cut fruits and vegetables preserved in the storage assembly at room temperature or at controlled temperature and humidity. By regulating the optical signal with periodical pulsed spectrum or pulsed scanning spectrum or periodical pulsed scanning combined spectrum, the irradiated vegetables and fruits obtain photon energy needed in light reactions of photosynthesis from the lighting environment of artificial optical signal which is in bright and dark periodic variation. The metabolism of the cellular tissue is recovered and maintained, and the growth inertia is kept at slow speed. It effectively prolongs the freshness state of vegetables and fruits which are preserved in the storage assembly.