Refrigerator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators lack an efficient and user-friendly sterilization device capable of effectively removing germs and odors from stored food, which can lead to reduced food freshness and safety.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a sterilization device featuring a housing with an ion outlet and air inlet, a blast unit for air suction, an ion generating unit, and a guide portion to direct ionized air for enhanced sterilization and deodorization, along with a control unit that manages operation based on door opening and cold air circulation, ensuring efficient and controlled sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sterilization device is added to the refrigerator, then sterilization and deodorization performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization device merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the ion generating unit produces ions, the blast unit circulates air, and the guide portion directs airflow, all within one housing that attaches to the refrigerator wall. This combination achieves sterilization functionality without requiring multiple separate devices or complex systems.
2Ease of operation
If the sterilization device is made attachable and detachable, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization device is segmented from the main refrigerator body through a detachable mounting design. The housing includes mounting portions that can be attached to or separated from the refrigerator's inner wall, allowing users to easily install or remove the device without permanent installation, while the mounting structure provides sufficient stability during operation.
3Productivity
If the guide portion is designed with a slanted surface, then air flow efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion incorporates a slanted surface that curves downward toward the ion outlet, creating a smooth airflow path. This curved geometry efficiently directs air from the blast unit through the ion generating unit and out the ion outlet, maximizing ion distribution while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 improves sterilization and deodorization performance by evenly distributing ions throughout the storage chamber, enhancing food safety and freshness while simplifying the device's installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
an ion generating unit mounted between the ion outlet and the blast unit so as to generate ions through supply of the air suctioned by the blast unit
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator with a sterilization device. The sterilization device mounted at an upper surface of a storage chamber includes a housing formed, at a front surface thereof, with an ion outlet while being formed, at a base surface thereof, with an air inlet, an ion generating unit arranged in rear of the ion outlet to generate ions, a blast unit slantingly arranged at a position adjacent to the air inlet, and a guide portion formed to protrude at an upper surface of the housing which faces the blast unit, thereby enabling improvement in sterilization efficiency.