Storage container and refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerators cause juice loss and nutritional deterioration in frozen food due to large ice crystals formed during freezing, which rupture cells, and they lack uniform magnetic field distribution for optimal preservation.

Innovation Solution

A storage container with a magnetic field device comprising a magnetic conductive plate and first and second magnetic field generators on either side, generating a magnetic field that limits water molecule freedom, inhibiting ice crystal growth and enhancing uniform field distribution for improved preservation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional freezing is used to store meat, then the storage temperature can be maintained, but large ice crystals form that rupture cells causing juice loss and nutritional deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreezing temperatureVSAvoidjuice loss
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic field parameter to change the physical state of water during freezing. By applying a magnetic field (B≥0.3T) during the freezing process, the crystallization behavior of water is modified, resulting in smaller ice crystals that do not rupture cell structures, thereby preventing juice loss while maintaining freezing temperature

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the phase transition of water from liquid to solid under magnetic field influence. The magnetic field affects the hydrogen bonding network during freezing, guiding the formation of finer ice crystal structures rather than large crystals, thus preserving food quality during the phase change process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Device complexity

If a single magnetic field generator is used, then the device structure is simple, but the magnetic field distribution is non-uniform reducing preservation effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field device structureVSAvoidmagnetic field distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the magnetic field generation system into multiple independent generators (first and second magnetic field generators) positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each generator to contribute to specific zones, achieving uniform overall magnetic field distribution while keeping each generator's structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple magnetic field generators and a magnetic conductive plate into an integrated magnetic field device. The generators work together with the conductive plate to distribute and enhance the magnetic field, achieving uniform field distribution through the synergistic combination of multiple components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 magnetic field device reduces juice loss and maintains food taste by forming small ice crystals, lowers refrigeration temperature to inhibit bacterial growth, and ensures uniform magnetic field distribution for enhanced food freshness.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field device disposed inside the storage space and/or on an outer wall of the storage space to generate a magnetic field in the storage space... generating a magnetic field that limits water molecule freedom, inhibiting ice crystal growth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field effect: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic field device comprises a first magnetic field generator, a second magnetic field generator, and a magnetic conductive plate... improving the uniformity of magnetic field distribution in the storage space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic conduction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4692697A1Storage container and refrigerator
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 QINDAO HAIER REFRIGERATOR CO LTD
  • EP4692697A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4692697A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4692697A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present application provides a storage container and a refrigerator. The storage container comprises: a storage body forming a storage space; a magnetic field device disposed inside the storage space and/or on an outer wall of the storage space to generate a magnetic field in the storage space, wherein the magnetic field device comprises a first magnetic field generator, a second magnetic field generator, and a magnetic conductive plate, and wherein the first magnetic field generator and the second magnetic field generator are disposed on two sides of the magnetic conductive plate respectively. The first magnetic field generator and the second magnetic field generator can generate a magnetic field acting on the storage space, thereby affecting the food ingredients in the storage space, thus improving the preservation effect of food ingredients.