Refrigerator Grain Dispenser With Humidity-Sealed Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cooling appliances lack specialized storage containers for grain and legumes, leading to reduced usage volume, health risks due to moisture accumulation from metabolic activities, and inconvenient access for users, who must transfer contents manually for cooking.
Innovation Solution
A grain dispensing unit is integrated into the cooling appliance, featuring a detachable container with a pivotable dispenser and air sealing mechanism to control humidity and allow easy access to stored granular foodstuffs, enabling single-handed operation and minimizing moisture-related issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grain and legumes are stored in hermetically sealed containers inside cooling appliances, then shelf life is extended by controlling humidity, but the containers occupy inner volume and reduce overall usage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage container and dispensing mechanism into a single integrated unit that mounts directly inside the cooling appliance. The container with dispenser assembly merges multiple functions (storage, sealing, dispensing) into one component, providing hermetic sealing for shelf life extension while occupying minimal space within the appliance interior.
2Reliability
If grain and legumes are stored in hermetically sealed containers, then humidity control is improved, but metabolic water vapor condenses inside the container causing health issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a desiccant material placed inside the container to absorb excess moisture generated by metabolic activities of stored grain and legumes. This porous hygroscopic material passively controls humidity levels by adsorbing water vapor, preventing condensation while maintaining the hermetic seal for extended shelf life.
3Reliability
If grain and legumes are stored in air tight containers, then shelf life is prolonged, but users must remove and transfer contents to secondary containers for cooking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service dispensing system where the user simply presses a button or lever on the container, and the grain or legumes automatically dispense through an integrated chute or opening. This eliminates the need to remove the entire container or manually transfer contents to secondary containers, providing convenient access while maintaining sealed storage.
4Reliability
If grain and legumes are aired regularly to maintain nutritional value, then quality is preserved, but additional manual work is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a breathable membrane or filter material in the container design that allows passive gas exchange between the stored grain/legumes and the external environment. This enables continuous aeration to maintain nutritional quality without requiring user intervention, as the membrane automatically regulates airflow while preventing moisture and contaminant ingress.
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 grain dispensing unit provides controlled storage conditions, prolongs shelf life, and simplifies access to grain and legumes, reducing user workload and health risks by maintaining a regulated atmosphere and allowing for easy dispensing without manual transfer.
Implementation Method 1
A chute is provided on the dispenser and is configured to allow the grain to flow under the influence of gravity in the open position of the dispenser
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling appliance (1) comprising; a body (2), a door (3) having an inner liner (4), a grain dispensing unit (5) adapted to be detachably mounted onto the inner liner (4) comprising; a container (6) for storing the grain.