UV Refrigerator Storage Compartment Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultraviolet lamps used in refrigerators for sterilization can cause temperature increases, leading to reduced effectiveness, spoilage, and oxidation in stored foods, especially fatty items like meat, due to uncontrollable temperature rises.

Innovation Solution

A control unit is integrated to manage temperature by activating a fan and valve before, during, and after ultraviolet lamp operation, allowing heat transfer between compartments and adjusting fan speed based on temperature sensors to maintain optimal conditions, preventing microbial growth and oxidation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ultraviolet lamp is activated for sterilization, then microbiologic load in storage compartment is decreased, but temperature in storage compartment increases reducing sterilization effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidstorage compartment temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit activates the fan and valve before the ultraviolet lamp operates to pre-cool the storage compartment. This preliminary cooling action prepares the environment for effective sterilization by ensuring the temperature remains below the threshold that would reduce UV lamp effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors temperature via temperature sensors and dynamically adjusts fan speed and valve position based on real-time temperature feedback. This closed-loop control ensures temperature remains within the optimal range for UV sterilization effectiveness throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If ultraviolet lamp operates for prolonged period, then sterilization effectiveness increases, but temperature increase causes food spoilage and oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidfood spoilage and oxidation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit activates cooling measures (fan and valve) before temperature-related damage occurs to food. By preemptively counteracting the harmful thermal effects, the system protects food from spoilage and oxidation while still achieving effective sterilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit maintains continuous cooling operation throughout the ultraviolet lamp operation and extends cooling after lamp shutdown. This continuous protective action ensures temperature remains controlled during the entire sterilization process and during the critical cooling-down phase, preventing food damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Temperature

If fan speed is increased to cool storage compartment, then temperature control improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage compartment temperatureVSAvoidfan energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts fan speed based on real-time temperature conditions rather than operating at constant high speed. The fan runs at variable speeds matched to the cooling demand, optimizing the balance between temperature control effectiveness and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes operational parameters (fan speed, valve position) in response to temperature conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed high values, the system achieves effective temperature control while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.

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

This solution effectively maintains controlled temperatures within the storage compartment, enhancing sterilization effectiveness while preventing spoilage and oxidation, ensuring safe and prolonged storage of food.

Implementation Method 1

at least one ultraviolet lamp that is disposed on the storage compartment and that decreases the microbiologic load in the storage compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the control unit cools the storage compartment before the sterilization process by allowing heat transfer between the fresh food compartment and the storage compartment and by operating the fan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the control unit cools the storage compartment before the sterilization process by allowing heat transfer between the fresh food compartment and the storage compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3066404B1A refrigerator comprising a storage compartment and an ultraviolet lamp

Publication Date: 2019.01.09 ARCELIK AS

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

The refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises at least one fresh food compartment (2) wherein foods to be cooled are placed, a storage compartment (3) placed into the fresh food compartment (2) and wherein foodstuffs are placed to be stored without spoiling, at least one ultraviolet lamp (4) disposed on the storage container (3), providing sterilization, a fan (5) providing circulation of air inside the storage compartment (3), and at least one valve (6) that is disposed on the storage compartment (3) and that enables heat transfer between the fresh food compartment (2) and the storage compartment (3).