Refrigerator Storage Container Pressure Cycling for Produce Freshness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators with continuous vacuum pump operation for air pressure control in storage containers lead to increased energy costs and spoilage of vegetables and fruits due to transpiration, while also not allowing for user-controlled air pressure settings.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with an air pressure controllable storage container that uses a controller to periodically activate and deactivate the vacuum pump to maintain optimal internal air pressure, allowing user selection of air pressure control modes and displaying the current state, thereby reducing energy consumption and preventing spoilage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vacuum pump is continuously operated to maintain air pressure in the storage container, then the freshness of stored vegetables and fruits is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the vacuum pump at predetermined time intervals to temporarily reduce air pressure in the storage container, then deactivates it to allow pressure to return to normal. This periodic operation maintains freshness benefits while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the vacuum pump is continuously operated to maintain air pressure, then transpiration of stored stuffs is prevented, but the lifespan of the vacuum pump is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By operating the vacuum pump periodically with on/off cycles rather than continuously, the accumulated runtime of the pump is reduced. This decreases wear and tear on the pump mechanism, extending its operational lifespan while still achieving the beneficial effect of preventing transpiration during the low-pressure periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container automatically returns to normal air pressure when the vacuum pump is deactivated, eliminating the need for continuous pump operation. The system uses the natural pressure equalization property to maintain functionality without constant energy input or pump runtime.
3Reliability
If the vacuum pump is continuously operated to control air pressure, then freshness is maintained, but user control over air pressure settings is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The air pressure control system transitions from a static continuous operation mode to a dynamic controllable mode. The controller allows users to select different operation modes (continuous operation, periodic operation with adjustable intervals, or manual control), enabling the system to adapt to different user preferences and storage needs while maintaining freshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to change operational parameters such as the timing and duration of vacuum pump activation. By adjusting these parameters, users can control the air pressure profile in the storage container according to different stored items' requirements, providing both freshness maintenance and user flexibility.
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 solution effectively maintains the freshness of stored vegetables and fruits by periodically adjusting air pressure, extends the lifespan of the vacuum pump, and enhances user convenience through customizable settings.
Implementation Method 1
turning on a vacuum pump to change the inside of the storage container into a low vacuum state such that the inside of the vegetable changer remains under pressure lower than the external atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
the inside of the chamber is hermetically closed from the outside to maintain pressure which is different from external air pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator having an air pressure controllable storage container is allowed to control air pressure of the storage container to be temporarily lower than initial air pressure by turning on and off a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump sucks internal air of the storage container, and a controller turns on the vacuum pump such that internal air pressure of the storage container is lower than the initial air pressure, and turns off the vacuum pump such that the internal air pressure is restored to the initial air pressure.