Vegetable Container Airflow Layout for Refrigerator Moisture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration devices lack effective control over moisture levels in storage containers, leading to condensation issues that impair the shelf life of refrigerated goods, especially when highly perspiring items are stored.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration device with a container that has an adjustable closure part allowing air to flow between high and low pressure areas, creating a pressure gradient for enhanced air exchange, which can be adapted to the type of stored goods, and features a lid that lifts from the container shell to facilitate air flow while maintaining access and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a displaceable closure mounted in the front side or lid of the container is used to control moisture release, then the container can allow moist air to escape, but the solution is not very effective and water condenses on the cold wall and collects on the container bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to air flow by creating a pressure gradient from top to bottom of the container. The closure is positioned at the bottom rather than the front or lid, and works in conjunction with a top opening to establish upward air flow through the container, utilizing the vertical dimension to improve moisture removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies pneumatic principles by using a fan to generate pressure differences within the container. The closure at the bottom works with the top opening to create controlled air flow patterns driven by pressure gradients, enabling more effective moisture removal compared to passive mechanical closures.
2Ease of operation
If the closure is positioned at the front side of the container, then it is easily accessible, but the rear wall (coldest wall) is furthest away from the closure and reaches the highest air humidity values
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the closure from the front horizontal plane to the bottom vertical plane of the container. This repositioning, combined with the top opening, creates vertical air flow that reaches the rear wall more effectively, improving humidity distribution uniformity while maintaining operational accessibility at the front.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid is raised to allow air flow through the container, then moisture control is improved, but the container structure and access mechanism become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the moisture control function from the lid mechanism and places it at the bottom of the container. The closure is now a separate component at the bottom that works independently with a top opening, simplifying the lid structure while maintaining effective moisture control through the pressure gradient-driven air flow.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a fan is used to generate pressure gradient for enhanced air exchange, then moisture control effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the fan by using it to create a pressure gradient rather than direct air flow. This indirect use of fan power, combined with the strategic placement of openings at the top and bottom of the container, improves moisture control effectiveness while potentially reducing energy consumption compared to direct ventilation methods.
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 enables effective moisture control and air exchange within the container, preventing condensation and maintaining optimal storage conditions for various types of refrigerated goods, thereby extending their shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
the container communicates in the open position of the closure part with a high pressure area and a low pressure area of the storage room. Due to the simultaneous connection with the high pressure area and the low pressure area, an air flow is driven through the container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a domestic refrigeration device, comprising a storage compartment (5) and a container (7), in particular a vegetable container, separated from the storage compartment (5). At least one closure part (19; 15) of the container (7) can be displaced between an open and a closed position. When the closure part (19, 15) is in the open position, the container (7) communicates with a high pressure area (22) and a low pressure area (23) of the storage compartment (5).