A refrigerator detecting the malfunction of the UV light source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerators with UV light sources for disinfection do not have a mechanism to detect malfunctioning UV light sources, leaving users unaware if the disinfection process is effective, as the UV light operation is hidden and cannot be visually verified, potentially leading to undetected malfunctions and ineffective disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a UVC light source, an inverter for power supply, and a sensor system that measures temperature and operational parameters to determine if the UV light source is functioning, coupled with a control unit and wireless communication module to alert the user or technical service of any malfunctions, ensuring continuous disinfection capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the UV light source is operated only when the door is closed to prevent user exposure to UV rays, then user safety is improved, but the user cannot visually verify whether the UV light is active, leading to inability to detect malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system that indirectly detects UV light operation without requiring direct visual observation. The sensor detects operational parameters (temperature, current, voltage) of the UV light source and transmits this information to the control unit, which then notifies the user. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling malfunction detection while maintaining door-closed operation for safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor continuously monitors UV light operational parameters and sends data back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and generates notifications to the user about the UV light's operational status. This closed-loop feedback system allows users to know whether the UV light is functioning without needing to visually verify it, thus maintaining safety while providing information.
2Device complexity
If no detection mechanism is installed to simplify the device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of disinfection function deteriorates due to undetected malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical visual verification systems with electronic sensing and control systems. Instead of requiring mechanical access or visual inspection mechanisms, the system uses electronic sensors to detect operational parameters (temperature, current, voltage) and electronically communicates the status to the user. This substitution maintains simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV light system performs self-diagnosis through the integrated sensor that automatically monitors its own operational parameters. The sensor detects temperature, current, and voltage levels, and the control unit automatically processes this data to determine if the UV light is malfunctioning. This self-service capability enables reliable malfunction detection without adding complex external detection mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the UV light source is hidden inside the compartment to ensure safety, then user protection is improved, but the ability to detect and measure UV light operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary sensor system that indirectly measures UV light operation without requiring direct observation of the UV light itself. The sensor detects operational parameters (temperature, current, voltage) that correlate with UV light operation and transmits this information to the control unit. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by enabling detection while maintaining the hidden, safe configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct optical detection methods with electronic parameter sensing. Instead of attempting to visually or optically detect the UV light through the compartment, the system uses electronic sensors to detect electrical and thermal parameters that indicate UV light operation. This substitution makes detection easier while maintaining the safe hidden configuration.
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 system effectively detects UV light source malfunctions and alerts users or service providers, ensuring the disinfection process is maintained, providing users with assurance of clean and safe food storage by preventing undetected failures.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor which measures temperature is disposed in the box. Said sensor detects the temperature value of the inverter when the latter is in operation
Implementation Method 2
at least one UV light source (4) which is positioned so as to emit light into the compartment (3)... the UV light source is a source which emits light at the UVC wavelength. The UVC light sources emit a light in the range of 160-280 nm
Implementation Method 3
an inverter for the operation of the UV light sources. The inverter converts the power received from the control unit to a voltage value suitable for the operation of the UV light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2); a compartment (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the foodstuffs are placed; at least one UV light source (4) which is positioned so as to emit light into the compartment (3); and a control unit (7) which controls the operation of the UV light source (4), wherein the refrigerator further comprises a sensor (8) which detects at least one of the operational parameters of the UV light source (4), and a control unit (7) which compares the data received from the sensor (8) with the parameter values predetermined by the producer for the case where the UV light source (4) is not functioning so as to decide whether the UV light source (4) is functioning or not.