Refrigeration and/or freezer device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators and freezers, such as wine refrigerators, lack effective and hygienic means for active air humidity regulation, as previous methods like using porous lava rock are unsuitable for controlled humidity adjustment and pose hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator or freezer design featuring a detachable water reservoir and a control unit that allows for active adjustment of humidity levels in a storage zone, with a support grate for holding refrigerated goods, and positive-locking elements for easy assembly and disassembly, ensuring the water reservoir is made of dishwasher-safe materials for hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If porous lava rock is used in the condensate drain to increase humidity, then humidity regulation is improved, but hygiene conditions deteriorate due to the porous structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials (lava rock) to increase humidity in the storage zone, but resolves the hygiene issue by positioning the porous material in the condensation collection area rather than using it as a standalone humidity source, allowing it to be periodically cleaned with condensate water
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-cleaning of the porous lava rock by directing condensation water through it during the defrosting process, automatically hygienizing the humidity-regulating material without manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable water reservoir is introduced for active humidity control, then humidity regulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The humidity control system is segmented into a detachable water reservoir that can be removed and cleaned separately from the main refrigerator unit, simplifying maintenance while preserving active humidity control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The water reservoir serves multiple functions: it provides water for humidity control, acts as a weight indicator for the control unit, and can be cleaned in a dishwasher, reducing the need for separate maintenance systems
3Ease of repair
If the water reservoir is made dishwasher safe for hygiene, then ease of maintenance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water reservoir is designed as an inexpensive, replaceable component that can be disposed of or easily replaced if contaminated, rather than requiring expensive sterilizable materials, maintaining hygiene while controlling costs
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 controlled and hygienic air humidity regulation in the storage zone, allowing users to set desired humidity levels, thereby maintaining optimal storage conditions for items like wine.
Implementation Method 1
at least one water reservoir is detachably arranged in the storage zone... the humidity in the storage zone can be actively adjusted by the device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling and/or freezing appliance, in particular a wine refrigerator, with a cooled interior and at least one storage zone located in the interior and designed for preferably active humidity control, wherein at least one water reservoir (1) is detachably arranged in the storage zone.