Refrigerator with filter module for sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators fail to effectively remove bacteria and allergens from storage rooms, leading to poor sanitation and potential contamination of food, and lack features for automatic sterilization and odor control.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a filter module comprising sterilization filters, a UV lighting source, and a sensor unit that includes a steam generation unit, along with a control unit to manage the sterilization process, detects contamination sources, and displays information to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional refrigerators are used for storing food, then food can be preserved at low temperature, but bacteria and allergens cannot be effectively removed leading to poor sanitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a filter module that transforms the air quality parameters within the refrigerator. The sterilization filter changes the purity parameter by removing bacteria and allergens from the air, while the deodorization filter changes the odor concentration parameter. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the low temperature parameter for food preservation while simultaneously improving the sanitation parameter through filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter module acts as an intermediary between the stored food and the air circulation system. It mediates by filtering the air that circulates around the food, removing harmful bacteria and allergens without directly contacting the food itself. This intermediary approach allows the refrigerator to maintain food preservation while eliminating sanitation issues caused by airborne contaminants.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sterilization functions are added to the refrigerator, then sanitation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single filter module assembly. The sterilization filter and deodorization filter are combined in one modular unit that can be installed in the air circulation path without requiring separate complex systems. This merging approach reduces device complexity by integrating bacteria removal, allergen removal, and odor elimination functions into a unified component rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter module is designed as a replaceable, relatively simple component that can be periodically changed rather than a permanent complex system. This approach allows the refrigerator to gain sterilization functionality through a simple, inexpensive filter assembly that can be replaced when needed, avoiding the complexity of built-in permanent sterilization systems while still achieving effective bacteria and allergen removal.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If continuous sterilization is performed, then sanitation is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deodorization function operates periodically rather than continuously, activating at predetermined time intervals to eliminate odors. This periodic operation maintains sanitation by regularly removing odor-causing substances while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation. The system balances odor control effectiveness with energy efficiency by using short, intermittent deodorization cycles.
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 refrigerator effectively sterilizes food and air, maintains storage room cleanliness, reduces allergens, and selectively performs sterilization based on food introduction and temperature changes, reducing power consumption and ensuring food freshness.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sterilization filters arranged in the housing
Implementation Method 2
at least one UV lighting source to irradiate an ultraviolet light toward air inside the storage room
Implementation Method 3
a photocatalyst filter to filter the air having the UV light irradiated thereto
Implementation Method 4
a steam generation unit to spray high-temperature steam toward the air drawn into the filter duct
Implementation Method 5
a fan to blow the air inside the storage room into the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator is able to store foods at a low temperature and to effectively remove bacteria of the foods stored in a storage room, to maintain the storage room clean.