Movable Sheet Electrode Fixing for Stable Cold Storage Electric Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric field generating devices used in mobile-type storage, such as shipping containers, face instability in generating an electric field due to swinging sheet electrodes.

Innovation Solution

The device includes a fixing member that immovably fixes a movable electrode at its use position, and a supporting member that allows the electrode to be wound up or contracted for housing, ensuring stable electric field generation even in mobile storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sheet electrode stuck on a screen is used, then the electrode can be easily installed and stored, but the electrode position becomes unstable due to swinging in mobile-type storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installation and storageVSAvoidstability of electric field generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is designed to be movable between two states: extended along the center of the storage container for use, and wound up into a compact form for storage or non-use periods. This dynamic configuration allows the electrode to transition between operational and storage positions, solving the contradiction between ease of storage and operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is pre-positioned along the center line of the storage container before use begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the electrode is correctly located to minimize distance variations with inner wall surfaces before the storage operation starts, thereby ensuring stable electric field generation from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the electrode is positioned centrally to reduce distance differences with wall surfaces, then electric field uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases due to movable and fixing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of electric field distributionVSAvoidcomplexity of electrode support and fixing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode system is divided into functional segments: the electrode itself, the supporting member that enables movement, and the fixing member that secures position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving the desired central positioning and electric field uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting member acts as an intermediary between the electrode and the storage container, enabling the electrode to be positioned centrally and maintained in that position. The fixing member serves as another intermediary that secures the electrode at the desired location, reducing direct complexity in the electrode design itself while achieving precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the electrode remains extended during storage, then electric field generation is maintained, but the electrode obstructs storage space for non-perishable goods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous electric field generationVSAvoidavailable storage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode dynamically changes its configuration based on operational requirements: it extends along the center of the storage container when perishable goods require electric field treatment, and winds up into a compact form when the storage space needs to be maximized for non-perishable goods or during non-operational periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode system serves multiple functions: it generates electric fields for preserving perishable goods when extended, and becomes a compact, non-obstructive element when wound up for storing other types of cargo. This multi-functionality allows the same device to adapt to different storage needs without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration allows for stable electric field generation within the storage, reducing variations in electric field strength and maintaining freshness consistently across different storage locations.

Implementation Method 1

an electrode and a voltage applying device that applies a voltage to the electrode and generates an electric field in an indoor space of the storage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field generation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3984377B1Electric field generating device and cold storage provided with same
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3984377B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3984377B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3984377B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electric field generating device (30) includes an electrode (31) and a voltage applying device (32) that applies a voltage to the electrode (31). The electric field generating device (30) is configured to generate an electric field in an indoor space (S) of a container (5). The electric field generating device (30) is provided with a supporting member (33) that supports the electrode (31) to be movable between a predetermined use position at which an electric field can be generated in the indoor space (S) of the container (5) and a predetermined housing position that differs from the use position, and a fixing member (34) that fixes the electrode (31) immovably at the use position.