refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack an effective mechanism to maintain the freshness of food by reducing oxygen levels within storage containers, which can lead to food spoilage.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerator incorporates an airtight box with a storage container and a case, featuring a vacuum device and a deformable diaphragm that changes volume in response to internal pressure, creating a vacuum and reducing oxygen levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional storage container with rigid walls is used, then the structural strength is maintained, but the volume cannot change in response to internal pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container employs a diaphragm made of flexible material that can deform in response to internal pressure changes. This diaphragm forms part of the container wall and allows the volume to change when vacuum is applied, while still maintaining structural integrity through the flexibility and elasticity of the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The container transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure where the diaphragm can change shape and volume. The diaphragm's ability to deform dynamically in response to pressure changes enables the container to adapt its volume while maintaining strength through controlled flexibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air is removed from the storage container to create vacuum, then oxygen levels are reduced to prevent food oxidation, but the internal pressure decreases causing container deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum device removes air from the storage container to create a low-pressure environment with reduced oxygen levels. This inert-like atmosphere prevents oxidation of stored food by eliminating the oxygen necessary for oxidative reactions, while the diaphragm accommodates the pressure change.
3Reliability
If the storage container is sealed hermetically, then airtightness is improved, but the container cannot adapt to pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The hermetic seal is maintained through the flexible diaphragm that can deform while maintaining continuity. The diaphragm's flexibility allows it to adapt to pressure changes by changing shape, while still providing an airtight barrier that prevents air leakage and maintains the vacuum environment.
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 prevents food oxidation, extends the storage period of food, and enhances airtightness by allowing the storage container to rise on inclined rails during insertion.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum device configured to draw in air from the interior of the storage container to lower an internal pressure of the storage container
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum portion may include a diaphragm deformable in response to the internal pressure of the storage container
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator comprising a storage compartment; a door that opens and closes the storage compartment; and a sealing box comprising a storage container that stores food therein, and a case that accommodates the storage container. The sealing box comprises a sealing member provided between the storage container and the case so as to seal the interior of the storage container, and a vacuum device that lowers an internal pressure of the storage container by suctioning the air inside the storage container, and the storage container comprises a vacuum part having a volume which changes according to the internal pressure of the storage container.