A refrigerator comprising a vacuum compartment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerators with vacuum compartments and ultraviolet lamps face issues with food spoilage and color changes in red meat due to excessive oxygen reduction during vacuuming, which limits the use of high-intensity UV radiation for effective sterilization.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator with a control unit that operates the ultraviolet lamp and pump independently, adjusting UV radiation intensity based on oxygen concentration and food type, ensuring effective sterilization without causing color changes by applying UV light before vacuuming and controlling pump operation time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-intensity ultraviolet radiation is applied for effective sterilization, then food storing time is extended, but color changes occur in red meat due to excessive oxygen reduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood storing timeVSAvoidcolor changes in red meat

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ultraviolet lamp is activated before the vacuum pump to perform preliminary sterilization while oxygen is still present, preventing microbial growth before the vacuuming process begins. This sequence ensures sterilization effectiveness without causing color changes during subsequent vacuum storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic operation cycles where the ultraviolet lamp and vacuum pump are activated in alternating sequences rather than simultaneously. The UV lamp operates first for a predetermined time, then the pump operates for a predetermined time, creating periodic action that resolves the contradiction between sterilization and color preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If ultraviolet lamp is operated during vacuuming process, then sterilization is provided, but radiation intensity cannot be adjusted due to high oxygen concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidradiation intensity adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ultraviolet lamp is operated before the vacuum pump creates the vacuum environment, performing sterilization preliminary action when oxygen concentration is still high. This allows the system to provide effective sterilization without needing to adjust radiation intensity during the vacuuming process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically controls the operation timing of the ultraviolet lamp and vacuum pump through a control unit that activates them at different times based on predetermined periods. This dynamic temporal separation allows the UV lamp to operate effectively without simultaneous vacuum conditions that would limit intensity adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If pump operation time is extended to reduce oxygen concentration, then food preservation is improved, but color changes occur in red meat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefood preservationVSAvoidcolor changes in foodstuffs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ultraviolet lamp performs preliminary sterilization before the vacuum pump operates, eliminating the need for extended pump operation times. The predetermined pump operation time is sufficient because the UV lamp has already performed the preservation-critical sterilization function, preventing the need for prolonged vacuuming that would cause color changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic operation where the pump runs for a limited predetermined time rather than continuously. This periodic action, combined with prior UV sterilization, achieves food preservation without extending pump operation time to levels that would cause harmful color changes in red meat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach ensures safe and hygienic food storage with no taste or color changes, extending food shelf life while optimizing UV lamp lifespan and storage quality by coordinating UV sterilization with vacuuming processes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one ultraviolet lamp that is situated on the vacuum compartment and that provides sterilization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a pump that enables the air inside the vacuum compartment to be evacuated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum evacuation: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP2981776B1A refrigerator comprising a vacuum compartment

Publication Date: 2017.11.08 ARCELIK AS

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising at least one fresh food compartment (2) wherein foodstuffs to be cooled are placed, a vacuum compartment (3) situated in the fresh food compartment (2), wherein foodstuffs are placed for being stored without being deteriorated, a pump (4) that enables the air inside the vacuum compartment (3) to be evacuated, and at least one ultraviolet lamp (5) that is situated on the vacuum compartment (3) and that provides sterilization.