UV-LED Refrigerator Reflector Layout for Uniform Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack an effective means to remove harmful substances and bacteria, compromising the sanitation of stored food and drinks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of ultraviolet LEDs within the refrigerator, strategically positioned to emit light onto internal surfaces, combined with reflective materials and a power controller for optimized light distribution and sterilization, ensuring uniform coverage and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional refrigerators are used without additional sterilization means, then the device complexity remains low, but harmful substances and bacteria cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple UV-LED modules with different wavelengths (UVC for sterilization, UVB for deodorization, UVA for color preservation) into a single integrated sterilization system within the refrigerator. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate sterilization devices while achieving comprehensive removal of harmful substances and bacteria through the synergistic effect of different UV wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV-LED sterilization system performs multiple functions simultaneously: sterilization (killing bacteria), deodorization (removing odors), and color preservation (preventing food discoloration). This multi-functionality allows a single device to address various harmful factors without requiring additional specialized equipment, thus improving sanitation capabilities while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
2Reliability
If UV-LED modules are strategically positioned with reflectors to achieve uniform light distribution, then the sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved reflectors positioned around the UV-LED modules to redirect and distribute ultraviolet light uniformly across the refrigerator interior surfaces. The curved geometry of the reflectors ensures that light reaches all areas including corners and crevices, maximizing sterilization effectiveness without requiring multiple light sources or complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes multi-dimensional light distribution by positioning UV-LED modules at various heights and angles within the refrigerator space, combined with reflectors that redirect light in multiple directions. This spatial arrangement ensures comprehensive coverage of all interior surfaces, achieving uniform sterilization through three-dimensional light propagation rather than simple linear illumination.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple UV-LED modules with different wavelengths are used to achieve comprehensive sterilization and deodorization, then the removal of harmful substances is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that operates different UV-LED modules periodically or selectively based on the refrigerator's operational state. For example, UVC modules for sterilization may operate during specific cycles, while UVB modules for deodorization are activated when odors are detected. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation of all modules, while still achieving comprehensive removal of harmful substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different UV wavelengths to specific areas or conditions within the refrigerator based on local needs. For instance, UVC is concentrated in areas with high bacterial risk, UVB is directed toward odor-prone zones, and UVA is focused on food storage areas requiring color preservation. This localized application optimizes energy usage by activating only the necessary modules in specific regions rather than uniformly illuminating the entire space.
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
Effectively removes harmful substances and bacteria, maintaining the sanitation of stored food and drinks while minimizing energy consumption through controlled UV light operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first ultraviolet LED being disposed on the first base, and configured to emit ultraviolet lights to the inner curved surface of the reflector; and a second ultraviolet LED being disposed on the second base, and configured to emit ultraviolet lights to the inner curved surface of the reflector
Implementation Method 2
a reflector disposed between the first wall surface and the second wall surface, and comprising an inner curved surface and an outer surface disposed on the first wall surface and the second wall surface
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator with an ultraviolet LED may be provided that includes: a first wall surface; a second wall surface; a reflector disposed between the first wall surface and the second wall surface, and comprising an inner curved surface and an outer surface disposed on the first wall surface and the second wall surface; a first base disposed on a first end of the inner curved surface of the reflector; a second base disposed on a second end of the inner curved surface of the reflector; a first ultraviolet LED being disposed on the first base, and configured to emit ultraviolet lights to the inner curved surface of the reflector; and a second ultraviolet LED being disposed on the second base, and configured to emit ultraviolet lights to the inner curved surface of the reflector.