Refrigerator Airflow Filter Assembly for Food Odor Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods fail to effectively prevent odors from contaminating non-odorous food products in refrigeration appliances, as odor-emitting foods like fish and onions release undesirable smells that can affect other stored items, and sealing or packaging is not always feasible or effective.
Innovation Solution
An odor control apparatus and method involving a frame with a filter medium positioned within the airflow path of refrigeration appliances to remove odorous molecules from the air, using activated carbon or photocatalyst materials to absorb and neutralize odors, with an optional odor sensing system for active control and feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sealed or packaged food products are used to prevent odor emission, then odor contamination of other food products is reduced, but feasibility and effectiveness are compromised due to inability to seal all products and limited effectiveness of sealed packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the odor-emitting food products from the general air space by channeling airflow through a dedicated filter assembly. The filter medium removes odorous molecules from the air stream, effectively separating the odor problem from the storage environment without requiring individual packaging of each food item.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly acts as an intermediary element between the odor-emitting food products and the other stored items. By positioning the filter in the airflow path, it mediates the air quality, allowing cooled air to circulate while blocking odorous molecules from reaching non-odorous food products.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sealed or packaged food products are used to prevent odor emission, then odor contamination of other food products is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional packaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly serves multiple functions within the refrigeration appliance: it filters odorous molecules from air, maintains cooling efficiency by allowing air flow, and prevents odor contamination of stored foods. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate packaging solutions for each food item.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter medium is positioned within the airflow path to remove odorous molecules, then perceived odor levels are reduced, but the airflow path may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium employs porous material structure that allows air molecules to pass through while capturing odorous molecules. The porous design maintains adequate airflow speed by providing numerous passage ways, preventing obstruction of the cooling air circulation while effectively removing odors from the air stream.
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
Significantly reduces perceived odor levels within refrigeration compartments, maintaining the freshness of non-odorous food products by actively filtering and neutralizing odor molecules, providing efficient and user-friendly odor control.
Implementation Method 1
The filter medium is configured to filter air channeled therethrough and remove odorous molecules
Implementation Method 2
using activated carbon or photocatalyst materials to absorb and neutralize odors
Implementation Method 3
The vapor compression cycle system is charged with a refrigerant and configured to transfer heat from air within the airflow path to the refrigerant as the air passes over the evaporator
Implementation Method 4
The vapor compression cycle system includes an evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling odor within a refrigeration appliance is provided. The apparatus includes a frame removably positioned within an airflow path configured to supply cooled air to a food storage compartment of the refrigeration appliance. The frame defines a chamber. A filter medium is positioned within the chamber. The filter medium is configured to filter air channeled therethrough and remove odorous molecules.