Vacuum Refrigerator Drawer With Integrated Bag Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack an efficient method to create a vacuum-sealed environment within storage compartments for optimal food preservation, which can lead to spoilage and reduced storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator compartment with a drawer unit that can be operated between air-tight and open positions, equipped with a vacuum source, a sealing unit, and a control system to reduce air pressure and activate a heat sealing bar for sealing bags, ensuring airtight storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum source is integrated into the refrigerator compartment to create vacuum-sealed environment, then food preservation is improved and storage capacity is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum source, sealing unit, and control system are integrated into the refrigerator compartment structure, combining multiple functions (vacuum evacuation, sealing, and control) into a unified system that maintains food without requiring external vacuum sealers
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a storage container and a vacuum chamber, while the sealing unit can seal both the drawer unit and individual bags, making the system versatile for different food preservation needs
2Reliability
If a sealing unit with heat sealing bar is added to the drawer unit, then airtight sealing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing unit is integrated directly onto the drawer unit structure, combining the sealing function with the storage container rather than requiring a separate sealing device
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer unit is designed to be self-sealing through the integrated sealing unit, allowing users to seal bags directly in the drawer without needing external sealing equipment
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drawer unit is designed to operate between air-tight retracted position and open extended position, then storage flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer unit transitions between two distinct positions (retracted and extended) rather than remaining static, allowing dynamic adaptation between sealed storage mode and accessible retrieval mode
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 a vacuum-sealed environment, enhancing food preservation by preventing spoilage and optimizing storage capacity through efficient air evacuation and sealing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum source is in communication with the storage space of the drawer unit and is operable to reduce air pressure inside the drawer unit below atmospheric pressure during an evacuation event
Implementation Method 2
The top portion of the sealable bag is sealed in the heat sealing device
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator comprises a vacuum source and a food storage compartment including a drawer unit having a storage space. The food storage compartment is operable between a substantially air-tight retracted position and an open extended position. A vacuum source is in communication with the storage space of the drawer unit and is operable to reduce air pressure inside the drawer unit during an evacuation event. A sealing unit includes a base connected to the drawer unit. A sealing bracket is hingedly-connected to the base and operable between a raised position and a lowered position, the sealing bracket adapted to abut the base when in the lowered position. A heat sealing bar is disposed on one of the base and the sealing bracket. A control system is operable to activate the vacuum source and initiate the evacuation event when the drawer unit is in the air-tight retracted position.