Refrigerator Vacuum Container System for Extended Food Storage Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration devices do not effectively extend the storage time of food by maintaining low temperatures and negative pressures uniformly across the usable space, leading to potential spoilage and inefficiencies in vacuum generation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration device with a vacuum container system that includes a vacuum pump for generating low pressure, a gas-tight coupling mechanism to prevent air ingress, and a check valve to maintain vacuum integrity, along with a pressure sensor and optional water container for humidity control, allowing for adjustable pressure settings and enhanced storage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a vacuum system is integrated into the refrigeration device to maintain negative pressure in storage containers, then the storage time of refrigerated goods is extended, but the device complexity increases due to additional vacuum generation and maintenance components
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum container is nested within the refrigeration device's usable space, with the coupling mechanism integrated into the device structure. The first part of the coupling is built into the device while the second part attaches to the container, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is pre-configured with a first valve that automatically opens when the container is inserted and a check valve that automatically closes when pressure differential is detected. This preliminary configuration of automatic mechanisms eliminates the need for complex control systems during operation
2Ease of operation
If a detachable coupling mechanism is used to connect the vacuum container to the vacuum pump, then the ease of operation is improved by allowing container removal, but the reliability decreases due to potential air ingress at the connection interface
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the vacuum container and the vacuum pump system. It includes a first valve that mediates the connection state (open when connected, closed when disconnected) and a check valve that mediates pressure differential protection, automatically preventing air ingress without user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-regulating through automatic valve operation. The first valve automatically opens/closes based on connection status, and the check valve automatically closes when pressure in the container drops below atmospheric pressure, eliminating the need for external control systems
3Ease of operation
If the vacuum container is designed with a base part and cover that can be separated or opened, then the ease of operation is improved for loading and unloading goods, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure gas-tight sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface uses a flexible sealing arrangement where the second part of the coupling with its sealing surface mates with the first part's valve mechanism. This flexible sealing approach accommodates minor manufacturing variations while maintaining gas-tight sealing when the container is properly connected
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 enables extended storage times for refrigerated goods by maintaining low temperatures and pressures, preventing air ingress, and ensuring vacuum integrity, thus reducing spoilage and improving storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vacuum container (9) in which refrigerated goods can be stored at low temperatures and low pressure
Implementation Method 2
A check valve can be arranged on the second part of the coupling, which closes when the pressure in the interior of the vacuum container is lower than at the mouth of the second part of the coupling
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A cooling device, in particular a refrigerator, is designed to accommodate vacuum containers (9). The vacuum tanks (9) are connected to a vacuum system of the refrigerator, which is kept under vacuum by a vacuum pump (10). Each vacuum container (9) has a cover (14) and a base (15). Part of a coupling (18) is provided in a protruding edge of the cover, via which the vacuum container (9) can be connected to the vacuum system.