Space potential generation device, freshness maintaining device using such space potential generation device, and fryer provided with such space potential generation device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food preservation methods using electric fields are limited by the need for multiple electrodes, complex structures, and high current requirements, which increase costs and reduce refrigerator capacity, while also posing safety risks and requiring extensive installation processes.

Innovation Solution

A space potential generation device with a transformer, feedback control circuit, and static electricity discharger covered by an insulating material, which generates a wide electric field without grounding electrodes, allowing for efficient preservation of food without direct contact and reducing installation complexity and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple electrodes are used to form an electric field for food preservation, then the preservation effect is improved, but the device structure becomes complicated and the refrigerator capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood preservation effectVSAvoidelectrode structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential function of electric field generation from the traditional multi-electrode configuration. By using a single high-voltage electrode that generates static electricity, the complex multi-electrode structure is simplified into a single functional element that still achieves the desired preservation effect through electric field generation in the surrounding space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a confined electric field between electrodes to a three-dimensional electric field that extends throughout the surrounding space. The single high-voltage electrode creates an electric field that permeates the storage space, eliminating the need for multiple electrodes to define a confined field region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple electrodes are installed to cover the whole refrigerator, then the preservation coverage is improved, but the installation location is limited and post-installation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreservation coverage areaVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the coverage function from the multi-electrode array and concentrates it in a single high-voltage electrode. This single electrode generates an electric field that extends throughout the surrounding space, providing wide coverage without requiring multiple installation points or complex positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric field coverage transitions from being confined to the space between specific electrode pairs to a three-dimensional field that radiates from the single high-voltage electrode throughout the available space, enabling flexible installation in various locations within the refrigerator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Power

If high current is used to generate the electric field, then the electric field strength is improved, but electromagnetic shielding is required and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric field strengthVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation and safety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the electrical parameters from high current to high voltage with low current. The static electricity discharger generates high voltage (millions of volts) but with extremely low current (microampere level), creating a strong electric field without the harmful electromagnetic radiation associated with high current systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful high current requirement into a beneficial high voltage, low current system. The static electricity discharger naturally limits the current to microampere levels while generating millions of volts, transforming what would be a safety hazard into a safe and effective preservation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Reliability

If electrode shelf boards are installed in the refrigerator, then the preservation effect is improved, but the refrigerator capacity is reduced and facility investment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood preservation effectVSAvoidrefrigerator storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the preservation function from the physical electrode shelf board and implements it through a static electricity discharger that generates an electric field in the surrounding space. This eliminates the need for large physical electrode structures that occupy storage space, as the electric field extends through the available volume without requiring physical presence throughout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

5Reliability

If high voltage of 5000 to 10000 V is applied to large-sized electrode shelf boards, then the preservation effect is improved, but the electricity cost increases and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood preservation effectVSAvoidelectricity consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the voltage and current parameters to achieve the same preservation effect with lower energy consumption. The static electricity discharger generates much higher voltages (millions of volts) but with extremely low current (microampere level), resulting in power consumption in the microwatt range compared to the kilowatt-level consumption of traditional high-voltage, high-current systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device effectively extends the freshness of food by forming a wide electric field with low current, reducing bacteria growth and oxidation, while ensuring safety and ease of installation, without the need for extensive electrode placement or high voltage exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer (4) having a primary coil (2) and a secondary coil (3) magnetically connected to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the static electricity discharger (8) releases a static electricity to the surrounding space so as to form an electric field in the surrounding space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic electricity discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentEP3108752B1Space potential generation device, freshness maintaining device using such space potential generation device, and fryer provided with such space potential generation device
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 GOTO
  • EP3108752B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3108752B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3108752B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A space potential generator according to the present invention includes a transformer formed by magnetically connecting a primary coil and a secondary coil, a feedback control circuit feeding back one terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil to adjust voltage of the secondary coil, an output control portion provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil to impart low frequency vibration to an output of the secondary coil, a static electricity discharger formed of conductive material and provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control portion, the space potential generator does not have a grounding electrode, a weak current flowing through the secondary coil is 0.002 to 0.2 A, the static electricity discharger is covered with an insulating member to discharge predetermined static electricity to surrounding space, and electric field of target voltage is formed in the surrounding space by the discharged static electricity.(FIG. 1)