WO2016087084A1 - A refrigerator comprising a sensor that detects spoilage of food - Google Patents
A refrigerator comprising a sensor that detects spoilage of food Download PDFInfo
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- WO2016087084A1 WO2016087084A1 PCT/EP2015/072525 EP2015072525W WO2016087084A1 WO 2016087084 A1 WO2016087084 A1 WO 2016087084A1 EP 2015072525 W EP2015072525 W EP 2015072525W WO 2016087084 A1 WO2016087084 A1 WO 2016087084A1
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- organic compound
- storage unit
- foodstuff
- compound amount
- measured
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/06—Sensors detecting the presence of a product
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
- F25D2700/121—Sensors measuring the inside temperature of particular compartments
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25D29/008—Alarm devices
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a refrigerator wherein it is determined if the foodstuffs stored therein are spoiled or not.
- the user generally decides that the foodstuff is spoiled by seeing the spoilage signs on the surface of the foodstuff and by smelling the undesired odors in the refrigerator. Although no spoilage signs are seen clearly on the surface of the foodstuff stored in the refrigerator, spoilage and rotting may start in the foodstuff and it becomes difficult for the user to detect if the spoilage has started.
- whether the foodstuff stored in the refrigerator has started to spoil or not is detected by means of sensors and if the foodstuff stored is spoiled, the user is warned to take the spoiled food out of the refrigerator.
- German Patent No. DE19806041 a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and a gas sensor are provided in the foodstuff storage compartment in a cooling device and the values related to the ambient air in the storage compartment monitored by means of the said sensors are compared with the reference values and controlled.
- the aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator wherein the foodstuffs are stored in a safe manner.
- the refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a storage unit wherein only one type of foodstuff such as fruits, vegetables or meat are stored, a gas sensor that detects volatile organic compounds dispersing into the medium from the foodstuff substances, a weight sensor that is disposed on the base of the storage unit and that detects the weight of the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the storage unit and a control unit that compares the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by the weight sensor and the temperature sensor with the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor.
- VOCmax limit organic compound amount
- types and amounts of the gases such as ethylene, ethanol, aldehyde, trimethylamine, etc. that dissipate into the environment when each foodstuff in each class is fresh and spoiled are predetermined by the manufacturer with experimental studies and saved in the control unit.
- the refrigerator of the present invention comprises the control unit that determines whether or not the foodstuff in the storage unit is spoiled by comparing the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer.
- the control unit detects that foodstuff is placed by means of the weight sensor and enables the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) to be measured by the gas sensor and saves the measured value.
- the control unit calculates the ratio of the measured organic compound amount to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) and determines spoilage speed of the foodstuff with respect to the initial state and compares it with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) that is determined according to the weight of the foodstuff and the ambient temperature. If the measured ratio is greater than the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1), it is determined that the foodstuff is spoiled. Thus, a more accurate assessment can be made about spoilage state of the foodstuffs by controlling whether or not the foodstuff is spoiled according to the change rate of the organic compound amount.
- control unit enables the gas sensor to make measurements at intervals predetermined by the manufacturer and the measurement results to be saved and determines whether or not the foodstuff in the storage unit is spoiled by comparing the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor to the organic compound amount (VOCn) measured in the previous measurement with the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) predetermined by the manufacturer.
- the control unit saves the measurements performed by the gas sensor after the foodstuffs are placed into the storage unit.
- the spoilage rate between two measurements is determined by calculating the ratio of the measurements made by the gas sensor to the previous measurement value. If the calculated value is greater than the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) determined with respect to the weight of the foodstuff and the ambient temperature, then it is determined that the foodstuffs are spoiled.
- control unit determines the spoilage rate with respect to the ratio of organic compound amount (VOC), measured by the gas sensor to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit.
- the control unit calculates the ratio of the measured organic compound amount (VOC) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) and determines at which stage spoilage is by comparing the calculated value with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1).
- Lmax1 first maximum increase rate
- control unit provides that the type of foodstuff placed in the storage unit is determined depending on the organic compound type diffusing initially and the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) and the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) of the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) are determined according to the type of foodstuff.
- the control unit detects the organic compound type diffusing into the medium after the user places the foodstuff into the storage unit and compares the detected organic type with the types of organic compounds predetermined by the manufacturer and determines the foodstuff type placed into the storage unit.
- the control unit determines the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax), the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) and the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) according to the detected foodstuff type depending on the data received from the weight sensor and the temperature sensor.
- control unit enables the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) to be measured again by the gas sensor depending on the data received from the weight sensor.
- the control unit detects that foodstuffs are taken out of the storage unit and determines the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) by performing measurement by means of the gas sensor.
- the storage unit comprises more than one compartment wherein the foodstuffs of types such as meat, fish and chicken are stored separately.
- each compartment there is a gas sensor that detects the organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the compartment, a weight sensor that detects the amount of foodstuffs placed into the compartment and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the compartment.
- the control unit compares the spoilage state of the foodstuff located in each compartment separately with the spoilage state of meat, fish and chicken predetermined by the manufacturer and evaluates them separately.
- control unit enables the user to be informed about the spoilage of the foodstuff by visual and/or audio warning in case that the foodstuff in the storage unit is spoiled.
- Figure 1 – is the schematic view of a refrigerator.
- Figure 2 – is the schematic view of the storage unit related to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the refrigerator (1) comprises a storage unit (3) wherein a single type of foodstuff such as vegetables, fruits or meat is stored, a gas sensor (4) that detects the organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit (3), a weight sensor (5) that detects the amount of foodstuffs placed in the storage unit (3), a temperature sensor (6) that detects the temperature in the storage unit (3) and a control unit (7) that compares the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by means of the measurements of the weight sensor (5) and the temperature sensor (6) with the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) ( Figure 1).
- a storage unit (3) wherein a single type of foodstuff such as vegetables, fruits or meat is stored
- a gas sensor (4) that detects the organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit (3)
- a weight sensor (5) that detects the amount of foodstuffs placed in the storage unit (3)
- a temperature sensor (6) that detects the temperature in the storage unit
- the refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises the control unit (7) that determines whether or not the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) is spoiled by comparing the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit (3) with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer.
- the control unit (7) detects that the foodstuff is placed by means of the weight sensor (5) and enables the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) to be measured by the gas sensor (4) and saves the measured value.
- the control unit (7) calculates the ratio of the measured organic compound amount to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) and compares it with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer. If the measured ratio is greater than the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1), it is determined that the foodstuff is spoiled. Consequently, a more accurate evaluation about the spoilage of the foodstuffs can be made.
- control unit (7) enables the gas sensor (4) to make measurements at intervals predetermined by the manufacturer and the measurement results to be saved and determines whether or not the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) is spoiled by comparing the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) to the organic compound amount (VOCn) measured in the previous measurement with the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) predetermined by the manufacturer.
- the control unit (7) saves the measurements performed by the gas sensor (4), calculates the ratio of the measurements performed by the gas sensor (4) to the previous measurement value and determines that the foodstuffs are spoiled if the calculated value is greater than the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) predetermined by the manufacturer.
- control unit (7) determines the spoilage rate with respect to the ratio of organic compound amount (VOC), measured by the gas sensor (4) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit (3).
- the control unit (7) calculates the ratio of the measured organic compound amount (VOC) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) and determines at which stage spoilage is by comparing the calculated value with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1).
- Lmax1 the first maximum increase rate
- control unit (7) provides the type of foodstuff placed into the storage unit (3) to be determined depending on the organic compound type diffused initially and the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) and the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) of the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) is determined according to the type of foodstuff.
- the control unit (7) detects the organic compound type diffusing into the medium after the user places the foodstuff into the storage unit (3) and compares the detected organic type with the types of organic compounds predetermined by the manufacturer and determines the foodstuff type placed into the storage unit (3).
- the control unit (7) determines the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax), the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) and the second maximum increase (Lmax2) according to the detected foodstuff type and the data received from the weight sensor (5) and the temperature sensor (6).
- the refrigerator (1) comprises the control unit (7) that enables the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) to be measured again by the gas sensor (4) depending on the data received from the weight sensor (5).
- the control unit (7) controls the foodstuff amount that the weight sensor (5) measures and if the measured foodstuff amount changes, takes measurement again by means of the gas sensor (4) to determine the initial organic compound amount (VOC1).
- the control unit (7) saves the organic compound amount last measured by the gas sensor (4) and adds the value recorded in the next measurement of the gas sensor (4) to the new measured value.
- the storage unit (3) is opened, the organic compound amount discharged out of the storage unit (3) is enabled to be evaluated in the next measurement.
- the refrigerator (1) comprises the storage unit (3) having more than one compartment (2) wherein different types of foodstuffs are stored and more than one gas sensor (4) disposed in each compartment (2).
- Each gas sensor (4) is configured according to the foodstuff type to be measured. For example, gas sensors (4) that are configured differently for meat, chicken and fish are provided.
- in each compartment (2) there is a gas sensor (4) that detects the organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the compartment (2), a weight sensor (5) that detects the amount of foodstuffs placed into the compartment (2) and a temperature sensor (6) that detects the temperature in the compartment (2).
- the control unit (7) evaluates the spoilage state of the foodstuffs placed in each compartment (2) separately ( Figure 2).
- control unit (7) enables the user to be informed about the spoilage of the foodstuff by visual and/or audio warning in the situation the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) is spoiled.
- the amount of organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit (3) is detected by means of the gas sensor (4) and whether or not the foodstuffs are spoiled is determined by evaluating the amount of organic compounds diffusing into the medium and the change in the amount of organic compounds in the course of time and the user is informed of the spoilage status.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a storage unit (3) wherein a single type of foodstuff such as vegetables, fruits or meat is stored, a gas sensor (4) that detects the organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit (3), a weight sensor (5) that detects the amount of foodstuffs placed in the storage unit (3), a temperature sensor (6) that detects the temperature in the storage unit (3) and a control unit (7) that compares the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by means of the measurements of the weight sensor (5) and the temperature sensor (6) with the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4).
Description
The present invention relates to a refrigerator wherein it is determined if the foodstuffs stored therein are spoiled or not.
The foods stored in refrigerators spoiling in the course of time decreases the food quality. The user generally decides that the foodstuff is spoiled by seeing the spoilage signs on the surface of the foodstuff and by smelling the undesired odors in the refrigerator. Although no spoilage signs are seen clearly on the surface of the foodstuff stored in the refrigerator, spoilage and rotting may start in the foodstuff and it becomes difficult for the user to detect if the spoilage has started. In the state of the art embodiments, whether the foodstuff stored in the refrigerator has started to spoil or not is detected by means of sensors and if the foodstuff stored is spoiled, the user is warned to take the spoiled food out of the refrigerator.
In the state of the art German Patent No. DE19806041, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and a gas sensor are provided in the foodstuff storage compartment in a cooling device and the values related to the ambient air in the storage compartment monitored by means of the said sensors are compared with the reference values and controlled.
In the state of the art International Patent Application No. WO2005047788, gas sensors that are disposed in the vegetable compartment and the refrigerator door are disclosed and the user is alerted by visual and audio warnings when the foodstuffs stored in the vegetable compartment start to spoil.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator wherein the foodstuffs are stored in a safe manner.
The refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a storage unit wherein only one type of foodstuff such as fruits, vegetables or meat are stored, a gas sensor that detects volatile organic compounds dispersing into the medium from the foodstuff substances, a weight sensor that is disposed on the base of the storage unit and that detects the weight of the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the storage unit and a control unit that compares the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by the weight sensor and the temperature sensor with the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor. By classifying the foodstuffs to be stored in the storage unit, types and amounts of the gases such as ethylene, ethanol, aldehyde, trimethylamine, etc. that dissipate into the environment when each foodstuff in each class is fresh and spoiled are predetermined by the manufacturer with experimental studies and saved in the control unit.
The refrigerator of the present invention comprises the control unit that determines whether or not the foodstuff in the storage unit is spoiled by comparing the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer. When the user places food into the storage unit, the control unit detects that foodstuff is placed by means of the weight sensor and enables the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) to be measured by the gas sensor and saves the measured value. If the organic compound amount measured by the gas sensor is lower than the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax), the control unit calculates the ratio of the measured organic compound amount to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) and determines spoilage speed of the foodstuff with respect to the initial state and compares it with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) that is determined according to the weight of the foodstuff and the ambient temperature. If the measured ratio is greater than the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1), it is determined that the foodstuff is spoiled. Thus, a more accurate assessment can be made about spoilage state of the foodstuffs by controlling whether or not the foodstuff is spoiled according to the change rate of the organic compound amount.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit enables the gas sensor to make measurements at intervals predetermined by the manufacturer and the measurement results to be saved and determines whether or not the foodstuff in the storage unit is spoiled by comparing the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor to the organic compound amount (VOCn) measured in the previous measurement with the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) predetermined by the manufacturer. The control unit saves the measurements performed by the gas sensor after the foodstuffs are placed into the storage unit. The spoilage rate between two measurements is determined by calculating the ratio of the measurements made by the gas sensor to the previous measurement value. If the calculated value is greater than the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) determined with respect to the weight of the foodstuff and the ambient temperature, then it is determined that the foodstuffs are spoiled.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit determines the spoilage rate with respect to the ratio of organic compound amount (VOC), measured by the gas sensor to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit. The control unit calculates the ratio of the measured organic compound amount (VOC) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) and determines at which stage spoilage is by comparing the calculated value with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1). The freshness rate of the foodstuffs is scaled between the fresh state and the spoiled state thus the user can monitor the freshness of the foodstuff.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit provides that the type of foodstuff placed in the storage unit is determined depending on the organic compound type diffusing initially and the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) and the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) of the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) are determined according to the type of foodstuff. The control unit detects the organic compound type diffusing into the medium after the user places the foodstuff into the storage unit and compares the detected organic type with the types of organic compounds predetermined by the manufacturer and determines the foodstuff type placed into the storage unit. The control unit determines the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax), the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) and the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) according to the detected foodstuff type depending on the data received from the weight sensor and the temperature sensor.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit enables the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) to be measured again by the gas sensor depending on the data received from the weight sensor. When the food amount measured by the weight sensor changes, the control unit detects that foodstuffs are taken out of the storage unit and determines the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) by performing measurement by means of the gas sensor.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit comprises more than one compartment wherein the foodstuffs of types such as meat, fish and chicken are stored separately. In this embodiment, in each compartment there is a gas sensor that detects the organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the compartment, a weight sensor that detects the amount of foodstuffs placed into the compartment and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the compartment. The control unit compares the spoilage state of the foodstuff located in each compartment separately with the spoilage state of meat, fish and chicken predetermined by the manufacturer and evaluates them separately.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit enables the user to be informed about the spoilage of the foodstuff by visual and/or audio warning in case that the foodstuff in the storage unit is spoiled.
By means of the present invention, in the refrigerator, whether or not the foodstuffs are spoiled is determined by evaluating the amount and changes of the organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit and the spoilage information is delivered to the user.
The refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
Figure 1 – is the schematic view of a refrigerator.
Figure 2 – is the schematic view of the storage unit related to an embodiment of the present invention.
The elements illustrated in the figure are numbered as follows:
- Refrigerator
- Compartment
- Storage unit
- Gas sensor
- Weight sensor
- Temperature sensor
- Control unit
The refrigerator (1) comprises a storage unit (3) wherein a single type of foodstuff such as vegetables, fruits or meat is stored, a gas sensor (4) that detects the organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit (3), a weight sensor (5) that detects the amount of foodstuffs placed in the storage unit (3), a temperature sensor (6) that detects the temperature in the storage unit (3) and a control unit (7) that compares the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by means of the measurements of the weight sensor (5) and the temperature sensor (6) with the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) (Figure 1).
The refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises the control unit (7) that determines whether or not the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) is spoiled by comparing the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit (3) with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer. When the user places the foodstuff into the storage unit (3), the control unit (7) detects that the foodstuff is placed by means of the weight sensor (5) and enables the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) to be measured by the gas sensor (4) and saves the measured value. If the organic compound amount diffusing into the medium from the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) is lower than the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by the weight of the foodstuff and the medium temperature, the control unit (7) calculates the ratio of the measured organic compound amount to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) and compares it with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer. If the measured ratio is greater than the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1), it is determined that the foodstuff is spoiled. Consequently, a more accurate evaluation about the spoilage of the foodstuffs can be made.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (7) enables the gas sensor (4) to make measurements at intervals predetermined by the manufacturer and the measurement results to be saved and determines whether or not the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) is spoiled by comparing the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) to the organic compound amount (VOCn) measured in the previous measurement with the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) predetermined by the manufacturer. The control unit (7) saves the measurements performed by the gas sensor (4), calculates the ratio of the measurements performed by the gas sensor (4) to the previous measurement value and determines that the foodstuffs are spoiled if the calculated value is greater than the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) predetermined by the manufacturer.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (7) determines the spoilage rate with respect to the ratio of organic compound amount (VOC), measured by the gas sensor (4) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit (3). The control unit (7) calculates the ratio of the measured organic compound amount (VOC) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) and determines at which stage spoilage is by comparing the calculated value with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1). Thus, the user can monitor the freshness of the foodstuff.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (7) provides the type of foodstuff placed into the storage unit (3) to be determined depending on the organic compound type diffused initially and the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) and the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) of the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) is determined according to the type of foodstuff. The control unit (7) detects the organic compound type diffusing into the medium after the user places the foodstuff into the storage unit (3) and compares the detected organic type with the types of organic compounds predetermined by the manufacturer and determines the foodstuff type placed into the storage unit (3). The control unit (7) determines the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax), the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) and the second maximum increase (Lmax2) according to the detected foodstuff type and the data received from the weight sensor (5) and the temperature sensor (6).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises the control unit (7) that enables the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) to be measured again by the gas sensor (4) depending on the data received from the weight sensor (5). When the user opens the storage unit (3), the control unit (7) controls the foodstuff amount that the weight sensor (5) measures and if the measured foodstuff amount changes, takes measurement again by means of the gas sensor (4) to determine the initial organic compound amount (VOC1). In the situation the foodstuff amount does not change after the storage unit (3) is opened, the control unit (7) saves the organic compound amount last measured by the gas sensor (4) and adds the value recorded in the next measurement of the gas sensor (4) to the new measured value. Thus, when the storage unit (3) is opened, the organic compound amount discharged out of the storage unit (3) is enabled to be evaluated in the next measurement.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises the storage unit (3) having more than one compartment (2) wherein different types of foodstuffs are stored and more than one gas sensor (4) disposed in each compartment (2). Each gas sensor (4) is configured according to the foodstuff type to be measured. For example, gas sensors (4) that are configured differently for meat, chicken and fish are provided. In this embodiment, in each compartment (2) there is a gas sensor (4) that detects the organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the compartment (2), a weight sensor (5) that detects the amount of foodstuffs placed into the compartment (2) and a temperature sensor (6) that detects the temperature in the compartment (2). The control unit (7) evaluates the spoilage state of the foodstuffs placed in each compartment (2) separately (Figure 2).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (7) enables the user to be informed about the spoilage of the foodstuff by visual and/or audio warning in the situation the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) is spoiled.
In the refrigerator (1) of the present invention, by means of a control method executed by the control unit (7) and comprising the steps of
- Measuring the organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit (3) by the gas sensor (4),
- Measuring the amount of the foodstuffs in the storage unit (3) by the weight sensor (5),
- Measuring the temperature of the storage unit (3) by the temperature sensor (6),
- Comparing the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) with the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by the manufacturer according to the amount of the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) and the temperature of the storage unit (3),
- Warning the user by determining that the foodstuff is spoiled if the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) is greater than the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by the manufacturer,
- Calculating the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit (3) if the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) is smaller than the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by the manufacturer
- Comparing the calculated ratio with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer,
- Determining that the foodstuff is spoiled and warning the user if the calculated ratio is greater than the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer
- Calculating the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) to the organic compound amount measured in the previous measurement (VOCn) if the calculated ratio is smaller than the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer,
- Comparing the calculated ratio with the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) determined by the manufacturer,
- Determining that the foodstuff is spoiled and warning the user if the calculated ratio is greater than the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) determined by the manufacturer,
it is determined whether or not the foodstuffs placed in the storage unit (3) are spoiled.
In the refrigerator (1) of the present invention, the amount of organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit (3) is detected by means of the gas sensor (4) and whether or not the foodstuffs are spoiled is determined by evaluating the amount of organic compounds diffusing into the medium and the change in the amount of organic compounds in the course of time and the user is informed of the spoilage status.
Claims (8)
- A refrigerator (1) comprising a storage unit (3) wherein a single type of foodstuff such as vegetables, fruits or meat is stored, a gas sensor (4) that detects the organic compounds diffusing into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit (3), a weight sensor (5) that detects the amount of foodstuffs placed in the storage unit (3), a temperature sensor (6) that detects the temperature in the storage unit (3) and a control unit (7) that compares the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by means of the measurement of the weight sensor (5) and the temperature sensor (6) with the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4), characterized by the control unit (7) that determines whether or not the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) is spoiled by comparing the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit (3) with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer.
- A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control unit (7)that enables the gas sensor (4) to make measurements at intervals predetermined by the manufacturer and the measurement results to be saved and- that determines whether or not the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) is spoiled by comparing the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC), measured by the gas sensor (4) to the organic compound amount (VOCn) measured in the previous measurement with the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) predetermined by the manufacturer.
- A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the control unit (7) that determines the spoilage rate with respect to the ratio of organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit (3).
- A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the control unit (7) that enables the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) to be measured again by the gas sensor (4) depending on the data received from the weight sensor (5).
- A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the control unit (7) that provides the type of foodstuff placed in the storage unit (3) to be determined depending on the organic compound type diffused initially and the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) and the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) of the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) are determined according to the type of foodstuff.
- A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the control unit (7) that enables the user to be informed about spoilage of the foodstuff by visual and/or audio warning in the situation the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) is spoiled.
- A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the storage unit (3) having more than one compartment (2) wherein different types of foodstuffs are stored and more than one gas sensor (4) that is disposed in each compartment (2).
- For a refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, a control method characterized by the steps of- Measuring the organic compounds diffused into the medium from the foodstuffs placed into the storage unit (3) by the gas sensor (4),- Measuring the amount of the foodstuffs in the storage unit (3) by the weight sensor (5),- Measuring the temperature in the storage unit (3) by the temperature sensor (6),- Comparing the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) with the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by the manufacturer according to the amount of the foodstuff in the storage unit (3) and the temperature of the storage unit (3),- Warning the user by determining that the foodstuff is spoiled if the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) is greater than the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by the manufacturer,- Calculating the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) to the initial organic compound amount (VOC1) measured when the foodstuff is placed into the storage unit (3) if the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) is smaller than the limit organic compound amount (VOCmax) determined by the manufacturer,- Comparing the calculated ratio with the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer,- Determining that the foodstuff is spoiled and warning the user if the calculated ratio is greater than the first maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer,- Calculating the ratio of the organic compound amount (VOC) measured by the gas sensor (4) to the organic compound amount measured in the previous measurement (VOCn) if the calculated ratio is smaller than the maximum increase rate (Lmax1) determined by the manufacturer- Comparing the calculated ratio with the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) determined by the manufacturer,- Determining that the foodstuff is spoiled and warning the user if the calculated ratio is greater than the second maximum increase rate (Lmax2) determined by the manufacturer.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| TR201414617 | 2014-12-03 | ||
| TRA2014/14617 | 2014-12-03 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2016087084A1 true WO2016087084A1 (en) | 2016-06-09 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2015/072525 WO2016087084A1 (en) | 2014-12-03 | 2015-09-30 | A refrigerator comprising a sensor that detects spoilage of food |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2016087084A1 (en) |
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| CN108592512A (en) * | 2018-04-23 | 2018-09-28 | 佛山市龙生光启科技有限公司 | A kind of fresh-keeping system relying on cloud service |
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| US11156970B2 (en) | 2015-08-05 | 2021-10-26 | Whirlpool Corporation | Foodstuff sensing appliance |
| US11941798B2 (en) | 2020-09-03 | 2024-03-26 | International Business Machines Corporation | Food-product tracking by photogrammetry |
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