A refrigerator comprising an illuminated crisper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators fail to accurately simulate the real sunlight cycle in their crisper compartments, leading to reduced freshness and vitamin retention in stored vegetables and fruits.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a moving illumination module that includes a motor, shaft, light source, and a glass with color gradations, which rotates to simulate the sunlight cycle by sweeping through shades of blue, whitish blue, red, and black, mimicking morning, noon, and afternoon light conditions, with a control unit managing the motor to replicate a 24-hour day cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple light sources in different colors are operated simultaneously to simulate sunlight, then the freshness and vitamin retention of vegetables and fruits is improved, but the complexity of the illumination system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple LED light sources, each emitting at different wavelengths (blue, green, red). These segmented light sources can be independently controlled and activated in specific sequences to simulate sunlight transitions, reducing the need for a single complex light source while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system transitions from static simultaneous operation to dynamic sequential operation. The control unit activates different LED wavelengths in a time-dependent sequence (blue first, then green, then red) to mimic natural sunlight progression, allowing the system to adapt its composition over time rather than maintaining constant complexity.
2Reliability
If light sources operate continuously to maintain freshness, then the vitamin retention is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system employs periodic action by activating different LED wavelengths in alternating time intervals rather than continuous operation. The sequence (blue LED → green LED → red LED) creates periodic illumination cycles that simulate natural sunlight patterns, maintaining effectiveness while reducing total energy consumption compared to continuous full-spectrum illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
Different wavelengths are applied at different times rather than simultaneously, creating a time-based local quality distribution. Each LED wavelength is activated only when needed to simulate specific phases of sunlight, optimizing energy usage by avoiding redundant illumination while maintaining the beneficial effects on produce preservation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the illumination module is fixed in position, then the installation simplicity is improved, but the uniformity of light distribution to vegetables and fruits decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination module incorporates a movable component (mirror or reflector) that can dynamically adjust its position or angle. This dynamic element redistributes the light from the fixed LED sources across different areas of the crisper, achieving uniform light distribution without requiring multiple fixed light sources or complex installation arrangements.
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 solution effectively maintains the freshness and vitamin values of vegetables and fruits by simulating a natural sunlight cycle, enhancing storage duration and energy efficiency by directing light only during daylight hours.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source (4) which emits light into the crisper (3)
Implementation Method 2
a glass (6) which is positioned so as to cover the light source (4) and which has at least two colors to simulate the sunlight
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2); a crisper (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the vegetables and fruits are placed; at least one light source (4) which emits light into the crisper (3); and a glass (6) which is positioned so as to cover the light source (4) and which has at least two colors to simulate the sunlight, characterized by a shaft (9) which is connected to the glass (6) or the light source (4), a motor (8) which enables the shaft (9) to be moved, and a control unit (10) which enables the motor (8) to trigger the shaft (9) such that the light source (4) sweeps the colors on the glass (6) in an order predetermined by the producer.