Vegetable Box Lid Venting for Refrigerator Humidity Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration appliances struggle to effectively control humidity in storage containers, leading to condensation issues that impair the shelf life of refrigerated goods, particularly due to inadequate air exchange and moisture removal.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration device with a container featuring a lid that can be adjusted in height, allowing for improved air exchange and moisture removal by creating a gap around the circumference, and a guide mechanism that ensures stable and self-locking movement, preventing refrigerated goods from blocking air passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding vent is used to control moisture release, then the container structure remains simple, but air exchange effectiveness is insufficient and condensation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is made height-adjustable with multiple stable positions (closed, intermediate, open) to dynamically control the ventilation gap size. This allows the container to adapt to different humidity control needs by adjusting the lid height, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can optimize air exchange effectiveness without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the ventilation gap by adjusting the lid height relative to the tray. By varying the gap size (distance between lid and tray), the air exchange rate and moisture removal effectiveness are controlled. This parameter change approach enables effective moisture control while maintaining a simple structural design.
2Reliability
If the lid is kept closed to maintain humidity, then humidity is preserved, but air exchange is insufficient leading to condensation on cold walls
Solution Approach 1:
The height-adjustable lid enables dynamic control of the ventilation gap, allowing the system to switch between humidity preservation (smaller gap) and condensation prevention (larger gap) modes. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability to different storage conditions and humidity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple stable positions of the lid (closed, intermediate, open) provide discrete feedback states that correspond to different humidity control levels. Users can select appropriate lid positions based on the humidity needs of stored goods, creating a feedback mechanism that balances humidity preservation with condensation prevention.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is made height-adjustable to improve air exchange, then moisture removal effectiveness increases, but the guiding mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding mechanism is designed to be self-locking at specific positions (closed, intermediate, open), allowing the lid to automatically stabilize without requiring additional locking components or complex control systems. The mechanical design of the guide rails and positioning elements enables self-service functionality that maintains ease of operation while achieving effective air exchange control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If refrigerated goods are placed on the lid, then storage flexibility is improved, but air passage blocking occurs reducing ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is positioned close to the horizontal wall, creating a segmented space where the lid serves dual purposes: as a support surface for refrigerated goods and as a ventilation control element. The gap between the lid and tray remains open for air exchange, while goods placed on the lid do not block the circumferential air passages, effectively segmenting the storage function from the ventilation function.
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 design enhances air exchange and dehumidification, reducing the likelihood of condensation and maintaining optimal humidity levels, thereby extending the shelf life of stored goods.
Implementation Method 1
raising the lid, with an otherwise suitable design of the refrigeration unit, allows an airflow to form across the open container, resulting in very rapid and effective air exchange with the surrounding storage space
Implementation Method 2
the air of which is constantly dehumidified by contact with a cold evaporator surface during operation of the refrigeration appliance
Implementation Method 3
the air of which is constantly dehumidified by contact with a cold evaporator surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A refrigeration device includes a housing which surrounds a storage compartment; and a container mounted in the storage compartment and including a drawer and a cover, with the cover being height-adjustable between a closed position of the drawer and an open position. The cover is guided on an obliquely sloping path between the closed position and the open position by ramps adjacent to corners of the cover.