Shared RF Power Architecture for Defrost and Air Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional appliances that incorporate additional functions, such as refrigerators with defrosting and air purification capabilities, become larger and more expensive due to the need for separate equipment, which increases space and cost requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional system that uses a single radio frequency (RF) energy source to power multiple devices, including a defroster, plasma generator, and ultraviolet source, allowing for simultaneous defrosting, air purification, and anti-microbial functionality within a compact appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate equipment is added to provide additional functions (defrosting, air purification), then the functionality and versatility of the appliance is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single RF energy source that can selectively power multiple different devices (defroster, plasma generator, UV source) through a switching arrangement. This allows one component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate equipment, thereby improving versatility without increasing device size proportionally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional devices (defroster, plasma generator, UV source) into a single integrated system that shares a common RF energy source and housing. This merging of previously separate components reduces the overall device complexity and space requirements while maintaining all desired functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate equipment is added to provide additional functions (defrosting, air purification), then the functionality and versatility of the appliance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single RF energy source that can selectively power multiple different devices (defroster, plasma generator, UV source) through a switching arrangement. This allows one component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate equipment, thereby improving versatility without increasing device size proportionally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional devices (defroster, plasma generator, UV source) into a single integrated system that shares a common RF energy source and housing. This merging of previously separate components reduces the overall device complexity and space requirements while maintaining all desired functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate equipment is added to provide additional functions, then the functionality of the appliance is improved, but the available space for food storage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional devices (defroster, plasma generator, UV source) into a single integrated system that shares a common RF energy source and housing. This merging of previously separate components reduces the overall device complexity and space requirements while maintaining all desired functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a single RF energy source that can selectively power multiple different devices (defroster, plasma generator, UV source) through a switching arrangement. This allows one component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate equipment, thereby improving versatility without increasing device size proportionally.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective operation of multiple functions in a single appliance, reducing space and cost requirements while maintaining performance, by using a single RF power source to adjust frequencies and impedance for different devices.
Implementation Method 1
a single source of radio frequency (RF) energy to selectively power different devices within an appliance
Implementation Method 2
time is needed to defrost the food by introduction of ambient heat, for example, before it can be cooked and/or consumed
Implementation Method 3
the second air treatment device may be selected from a plasma generator and an ultraviolet source (a gas-discharge lamp that generates ultraviolet light by exciting plasma using RF power)
Implementation Method 4
an ultraviolet source (a gas-discharge lamp that generates ultraviolet light by exciting plasma using RF power)
Data Source
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AI summary
Example systems have a defrost system that can receive a first RF signal at a first frequency to defrost a load. An air treatment device can receive a second RF signal at a second frequency and perform an air treatment process. An RF signal source has a power output, and a switching arrangement selectively electrically connects the defrost system and the first air treatment device to the power output of the RF signal source. A controller can electrically connect one of the defrost system and the first air treatment device to the power output of the RF signal source. When the defrost system is electrically connected, the RF signal source outputs the first RF signal at the first frequency, and when the first air treatment device is electrically connected, the RF signal source outputs the second RF signal at the second frequency.