Multifunctional radio frequency systems and methods for UV sterilization, air purification, and defrost operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional appliances that incorporate additional functions, such as refrigerators with defrosting, air purification, and anti-microbial 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) power source to power multiple devices, including an RF defroster, ultraviolet (UV) light source, and plasma source, allowing for various functions like rapid defrosting, air purification, and anti-microbial functionality within a compact and cost-effective framework.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate equipment is added to provide additional functions (defrosting, air purification, anti-microbial), then functional versatility is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single refrigerator appliance to perform multiple functions (refrigeration, defrosting, air purification, anti-microbial treatment) through integrated systems. The control system coordinates multiple subsystems including heating elements for defrosting, UV lighting for purification, and plasma generation for anti-microbial effects, all managed through a unified control architecture that shares sensors and processing resources across functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate equipment is added to provide additional functions (defrosting, air purification, anti-microbial), then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional subsystems into a single integrated appliance structure. The control system consolidates management of temperature control, defrosting heating elements, UV lighting modules, and plasma generation components through a unified control architecture. This integration allows shared use of microprocessors, sensors, and power management circuits across multiple functions, reducing overall component count and manufacturing complexity compared to separate appliances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate equipment is added to provide additional functions (defrosting, air purification, anti-microbial), then functional versatility is improved, but available food storage space decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidfood storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing functional components in distributed locations throughout the refrigerator interior rather than concentrating equipment in one area. Heating elements for defrosting are positioned along interior walls, UV lighting modules are distributed across shelves, and plasma generation components are placed in specific zones. This distributed arrangement allows functional operations to occur locally where needed while maximizing overall food storage volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 multiple functions to be performed in smaller spaces and at lower costs by sharing a common RF power source, enhancing the efficiency and versatility of appliances like refrigerators and air purification systems while maintaining compactness.

Implementation Method 1

a defrost system...configured to receive a first radio frequency (RF) signal...to defrost the load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

a first air treatment device...configured to receive a second RF signal...to perform an air treatment process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma generation through ionization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentUS11346599B2Multifunctional radio frequency systems and methods for UV sterilization, air purification, and defrost operations

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 NXP USA INC

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.