U.S. patent application number 15/531063 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-09 for humidity adjustment.
The applicant listed for this patent is KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.. Invention is credited to SHUANG CHEN, QIAO HUA, DONGHAI YU.
Application Number | 20170321908 15/531063 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54780283 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170321908 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HUA; QIAO ; et al. |
November 9, 2017 |
HUMIDITY ADJUSTMENT
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention relate to humidity
adjustment. In some embodiments, a humidity adjustment device is
provided. The humidity adjustment device comprises a container
including a wall for defining an accommodating space. The wall
includes a water separating element for separating a mixture of
water vapor and liquid water, wherein the water separating element
includes a sieve portion adapted to separate the mixture of water
vapor and liquid water, characterized in that the sieve portion
comprises holes whose sizes are in the range of 25-35 microns.
Corresponding apparatus and method are disclosed as well.
Inventors: |
HUA; QIAO; (EINDHOVEN,
NL) ; CHEN; SHUANG; (EINDHOVEN, NL) ; YU;
DONGHAI; (EINDHOVEN, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. |
EINDHOVEN |
|
NL |
|
|
Family ID: |
54780283 |
Appl. No.: |
15/531063 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
December 1, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/078251 |
371 Date: |
May 26, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23B 7/00 20130101; F24F
3/14 20130101; F24F 2003/1435 20130101; F24F 6/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 3/14 20060101
F24F003/14; F24F 6/12 20060101 F24F006/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 3, 2014 |
CN |
PCT/CN2014/092942 |
Jan 6, 2015 |
EP |
15150187.1 |
Claims
1. A humidity adjustment device, comprising: a container including
a wall for defining an accommodating space, the wall including a
water separating element for separating a mixture of water vapor
and liquid water, wherein the water separating element includes a
sieve portion adapted to separate the mixture of water vapor and
liquid water, wherein the sieve portion comprises holes whose sizes
are in the range of 25-35 microns.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the container includes
a supporting structure adapted to support the sieve portion.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the wall is entirely
formed by the sieve portion.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sieve portion
comprises a coating comprising superhydrophobic material.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the container further
includes a bottom adapted to drain away droplets formed in the
container.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the bottom is
perforated or grooved.
7. An apparatus, comprising a humidity adjustment device according
to any of claim 1, further comprising a mist generator for
generating the mixture of water vapor and liquid water.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mist generator
is outside of the container.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the mist generator
is inside of the container.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising at least
one of: a humidity sensor adapted to monitor humidity in the
container or out of the container; and a temperature sensor adapted
to monitor temperature in the container or out of the
container.
11. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a
temperature adjustment device adapted to adjust temperature
associated with the container.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sieve portion
comprises holes whose size is around 30 microns.
13. A method for adjusting humidity, comprising: receiving mixture
of water vapor and liquid water by a humidity adjustment device
according to claim 1; and separating the mixture of water vapor and
liquid water by the sieve portion of the water separating
element.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein separating the
mixture of water vapor and liquid water comprises: separating the
mixture of water vapor and liquid water, such that the water vapor
and water droplets whose sizes are smaller than the size of the
holes of the sieve portion enter into the container and the liquid
water droplets whose sizes are larger than the size of the holes of
the sieve portion stay outside of the container.
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein separating the
mixture of water vapor and liquid water comprises: separating the
mixture of water vapor and liquid water, such that the water vapor
and water droplets whose sizes are smaller than the size of the
holes of the sieve portion exit from the container and the liquid
water droplets whose sizes are larger than the size of the holes of
the sieve portion stay inside of the container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to
humidity adjustment, and particularly, to a device, apparatus, and
method for adjusting humidity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Humidity adjustment is important for storage of food,
plants, medical materials and the like that need a certain degree
of humidity. By way of example, water loss is one of the major
causes that greatly influence the freshness of fruits and
vegetables during storage. To avoid water loss, it is important to
control the degree of humidity and/or the transpiration rate.
[0003] Water vapor is the gaseous phase of water. Unlike other
forms of water, such as liquid water, water vapor is invisible.
Humidity indicates the amount of water vapor in the air. The
temperatures of the atmosphere and the water surface determine the
equilibrium vapor pressure. 100% relative humidity (RH) occurs when
the partial pressure of water vapor is equal to the equilibrium
vapor pressure.
[0004] Currently, many humidification technologies, such as
evaporative humidification, ultrasonic humidification, spray
technology, and the like, have been developed to adjust humidity
level. However, with the existing humidification technologies,
water droplets will be brought to surfaces of the fruits and
vegetables, leading to growth of undesired microorganisms and other
adverse effects. Furthermore, the occurrence of water droplets
during storage influences the relative humidity in the air.
[0005] In another aspect, the ideal conditions for preserving
various kinds of food are different. For instance, to preserve
mushroom and spinach, higher RH condition (for example, about 90%)
is required and the temperature is recommended to be lower (for
example, lower than 15.degree. C. but above the temperature of
chilling injury).
[0006] On the other hand, the humidity condition in the air changes
over seasons, from about 30% in winter to about 90% in summer. The
humidity level also varies among different regions. For instance,
the RH condition in southern China is generally higher than that in
northern China. So it is difficult to store fruits and vegetables
just in the air. Moreover, the RH condition in a refrigerator is
always low, for example, about 30%. As such, the humidity condition
in the refrigerator cannot meet the requirements for preserving
those sensitive to water loss.
[0007] FR2517279A1 disclosed an example of prior arts which can
reduce the water droplets formed on the surface of the kept fruits
and vegetables. In the disclosed solution, a film made of
hydrophobic material (GORETEX) and whose pore size is between
0.01-1 micron is arranged to divide the container into two parts.
One is a keeping space for accommodating the fruits or vegetables.
The other one forms a space filled with mixture of water vapor and
water droplets. This film is permeable to water vapor but
impermeable to water drops. Therefore, the water vapor can pass the
film to increase the RH in the keeping space, but the water
droplets can be kept outside of the keeping space. However, the
pore size of the film is so small that all the water droplets are
stopped from penetrating the film (see FIG. 9). As a result, the
humidification efficiency is very low and RH is difficult to be
adjusted.
[0008] In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a
solution capable of adjusting humidity for storage of food, plants,
medical materials and the like efficiently, without causing
undesired water droplets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In order to address the above and other potential problems,
embodiments of the present invention propose a device, apparatus,
and method for adjusting humidity.
[0010] In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide
a humidity adjustment device. The humidity adjustment device
comprises a container including a wall for defining an
accommodating space. The wall includes a water separating element
for separating a mixture of water vapor and liquid water, wherein
the water separating element includes a sieve portion adapted to
separate the mixture of water vapor and liquid water, characterized
in that the sieve portion comprises holes whose sizes are in the
range of 25-35 microns. The water separating element is adapted to
allow the water vapor and water droplets whose sizes are smaller
than the holes of the sieve portion to pass through the wall and
prevent the liquid water droplets whose sizes are larger than the
holes of the sieve portion from passing.
[0011] Surprisingly, it is found that relatively larger water
droplets (whose dimension is larger than 35 microns) are apt to wet
surfaces of objects (like fruits and vegetables) and cause
biological spoilage, but water droplets whose dimension is smaller
than 35 microns will not. As a result, the sieve portion comprising
holes of the claimed sizes can effectively avoid the formation of
water droplet on the surfaces of the kept objects. In another
aspect, FIG. 9 shows the particle distribution of the fine mist
generated by an existing mist generator (e.g. through an ultrasonic
atomization), which ranges from 5 microns to 70 microns. It can be
found that a large portion of the water droplets in the mist can
still pass the sieve portion, so a high humidification efficiency
can be obtained. In an experiment, by choosing a suitable home
ultrasonic atomization and a container of suitable size, the RH
above 90% could be achieved in 10 minutes. Preferably, the size of
the holes of the sieve portion is around 30 microns.
[0012] Furthermore, the sieve portion may comprise a coating
comprising superhydrophobic material, e.g. nano-materials like
titanium oxide available in the market. Like mentioned above, water
droplets whose dimension is larger than 35 microns can wet the
sieve portion and fill the holes, so the humidification efficiency
is significantly decreased. However, a coating comprising
superhydrophobic material can prevent the larger droplets wetting
the sieve portion by "rebounding" them back, which further helps to
prevent the water droplets of undesired dimension from passing.
[0013] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention
provide an apparatus comprising a humidity adjustment device
according to the above aspect, and a mist generator for generating
the mixture of water vapor and liquid water.
[0014] In still another aspect, embodiments of the present
invention provide a method for adjusting humidity. The method
comprises steps of: receiving mixture of water vapor and liquid
water by a humidity adjustment device according to the above
aspect; and separating the mixture of water vapor and liquid water,
to allow the water vapor and water droplets whose sizes are smaller
than the holes of the sieve portion to pass through the wall and
prevent the liquid water droplets whose sizes are larger than the
holes of the sieve portion from passing.
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented to
realize one or more of the following advantages. By providing to
the container of the humidity adjustment device a water separating
element having a sieve portion comprising holes of specific
dimensions which allows the water vapor and water droplets of
desired dimension to pass through and prevents the liquid water
droplets of undesired dimension from passing, it is possible for
the humidity adjustment device to adjust humidity efficiently
without causing undesired water droplets. According to embodiments
of the present invention, the RH condition in the humidity
adjustment device can be adjusted from low level (for example, less
than 30%) to high level (for example, larger than 90%). As such,
freshness of food, plants, medical materials and the like that are
stored by using the humidity adjustment device can be preserved in
an efficient way. Accordingly, it is possible to extend the storage
lifetime of the food, plants, medical materials and the like.
[0016] Other features and advantages of embodiments of the present
invention will also be understood from the following description of
exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, spirit
and principles of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The details of one or more embodiments of the present
invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the
description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the
invention will become apparent from the description, the drawings,
and the claims, wherein:
[0018] FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating a
humidity adjustment device in accordance with exemplary embodiments
of the present invention, respectively;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a humidity
adjustment device in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a humidity
adjustment device in accordance with a still further exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting
humidity in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus in
accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus in
accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0026] FIG. 9 is a statistic diagram showing the particle
distribution of the fine mist generated by an existing ultrasound
mist generator.
[0027] Throughout the figures, same or similar reference numbers
indicates same or similar elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The present invention will now be discussed with reference
to several example embodiments. It should be understood that these
embodiments are discussed only for the purpose of enabling those
skilled persons in the art to better understand and thus implement
the subject matter described herein, rather than suggesting any
limitation on the scope of the subject matter.
[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limited to
the example embodiments. As used herein, the term "water vapor"
refers to the gaseous phase of water. It is one state of water
within the hydrosphere. Water vapor can be produced from the
evaporation or boiling of liquid water or from the sublimation of
ice. Unlike other forms of water, water vapor is invisible. Under
typical atmospheric conditions, water vapor may be continuously
generated by evaporation and removed by condensation. The term
"liquid water" refers to water in a liquid state, such as droplets.
It will be further understood that the terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein,
specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0030] In general, embodiments of the present invention provide a
humidity adjustment device, an apparatus, and a method for adjust
humidity. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention,
a water separating element is arranged in a wall of a container in
the humidity adjustment device. The water separating element
includes a sieve portion comprising holes whose sizes are in the
range of 25-35 microns, preferably around 30 microns, upon
receiving mixture of water vapor and liquid water, allows the water
vapor and water droplets whose sizes are smaller than the holes of
the sieve portion to pass through and prevents the liquid water
droplets whose sizes are larger than the holes of the sieve portion
from passing. In this way, the humidity adjustment device can
adjust humidity with the water vapor and water droplets of desired
sizes. As a result, undesired water droplets will not be caused to
food, plants, medical materials and the like that are stored by
using the humidity adjustment device. Now some exemplary
embodiments of the present invention will be described below with
reference to the figures.
[0031] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, where schematic
diagrams illustrating a humidity adjustment device in accordance
with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. It
should be noted that though fruits and vegetables will be described
in some embodiments as discussed below, this is merely for the
purpose of illustration. Embodiments of the present invention are
applicable to any kinds of objects or in any situations that need
humidity adjustment.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the humidity adjustment device
comprises a container 100. According to embodiments of the present
invention, the container may be any type of flexible, semirigid, or
rigid container. By way of example, the container may be a plastic
bag, a plastic casing, and so on. According to embodiments of the
present invention, the container may have various shapes, such as
cuboid, sphere, ellipsoid and some other regular or irregular
shapes. In the case that the container has the shape of cuboid, the
container may comprise a wall, for example the wall 101, as well as
a base, for example the base 103. The wall may be formed in various
ways. In some embodiments, the wall may include a group of tubes or
pipes. In some other embodiments, the wall may comprise multiple
layers, like that in a heat exchanger. It is to be noted that the
base is not essential for the container. For example, in the case
that the container has the shape of sphere or ellipsoid, it only
has a wall, without the base.
[0033] The wall 101 defines an accommodating space 104. The
accommodating space may accommodate fruits or vegetables which need
to be stored under a certain level of humidity, as shown in FIG.
1A. According to alternative embodiments of the present invention,
the accommodating space may accommodate mixture of water vapor and
liquid water, as shown in FIG. 1B.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the wall 101 may include a
water separating element 102 for separating mixture 105 of water
vapor and liquid water. The water separating element 102 includes a
sieve portion comprising holes whose sizes are in the range of
25-35 microns, preferably 30 microns, so as to allow the mixture
106 of water vapor and water droplets of desired dimension to pass
through the wall 101 and prevent the liquid water droplets of
undesired dimension from passing through the wall 101. The sieve
portion could be for example made of nylon.
[0035] According to embodiments of the present invention, the
mixture of water vapor and liquid water may be generated by a mist
generator, such as a humidifier, an atomizer, and so on, which is
inside or outside of the container 100. With regard to the
embodiment as shown in FIG. 1A, the mixture 105 may come from a
mist generator (not shown) located outside of the container 100.
When the mixture 105 is processed by the water separating element
102, the water vapor and water droplets whose dimensions are
smaller than the holes of the sieve portion may enter into the
container 100 and the liquid water droplets whose dimensions are
larger than the holes of the sieve portion may stay outside of the
container 100. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B,
the mixture 105 of water vapor and liquid water may be generated in
the container 100. By way of example, the mixture 105 may come from
a mist generator (not shown) located in the container 100. After
being processed by the water separating element 102, the mixture
106 of water vapor and water droplets of desired size may exist
from the container 100 and the liquid water droplets of undesired
size may stay inside of the container 100.
[0036] In some embodiments, the wall of the container may be
partially or entirely formed by the sieve portion. As illustrated
by FIGS. 1A and 1B, the water separating element 102 includes a
sieve portion which forms part of the wall 101. Alternatively, the
wall may be entirely formed by the sieve portion, which will be
further described with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 3.
[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, the sieve
portion comprises a coating comprising superhydrophobic material.
The superhydrophobic material is material having the property of
superhydrophobicity. Superhydrophobicity is a physical property of
a surface whereby the surface is extremely difficult to wet with
water. Generally, the contact angle of a water droplet on a surface
having the property of superhydrophobicity exceeds 150.degree. and
the roll-off angle is less than 10.degree.. In the embodiments, the
super-hydrophobic coating materials are nano-materials, like
titanium oxide, which are available in the market. With the
superhydrophobic material, the nylon or other materials of the
sieve portion can be prevented from wetting and the water droplets
of undesired dimension can be further prevented from passing.
[0038] In some other embodiments, the sieve portion may be a
surface modified mesh that is made of metal, polymer, ceramic or
other solid materials. Moreover, a coating layer may be applied on
the mesh that has superhydrophobic property to prevent water
droplets of undesired dimensions from going through. Since the
liquid water, such as droplets, may range from several micro meters
to thousands micro meters, while the diameter of the water vapor is
of nano meters, almost all larger size of droplets can be blocked
by the sieve portion due to the superhydrophobic properties.
[0039] According to embodiments of the present invention, the
container 100 may include a supporting structure (not shown) that
is adapted to support the sieve portion. For example, in the case
that the sieve portion is flexible, the supporting structure may
play a supporting role. The supporting structure may be implemented
by any suitable technologies, either currently known or to be
developed in the future, which will not be detailed here. It is to
be noted that the supporting structure is optional. In some example
embodiments, the sieve portion may work well without the supporting
structure.
[0040] According to embodiments of the present invention, the water
separating element, for example the sieve portion, may have several
spatial relationships with the wall. In an embodiment, the water
separating element may be arranged on a portion of the wall, as
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the water separating element
may be implemented as a layer of the wall. There may be no air gap
between the wall and the water separating element. In an
alternative embodiment, the water separating element may be
arranged on the entire wall, as shown in FIG. 3 below. In another
alternative embodiment, the water separating element may be
arranged inside the container and keep a certain distance from the
top of the wall, which will be described with reference to the
embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a humidity
adjustment device in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment
of the present invention. The humidity adjustment device as shown
in FIG. 2 may be considered as an embodiment of the humidity
adjustment device described above with reference to FIG. 1A.
However, it is noted that this is only for the purpose of
illustrating the principles of the present invention, rather than
limiting the scope thereof.
[0042] In this embodiment of FIG. 2, the humidity adjustment device
comprises a container 200. The container 200 includes a wall 201
that defines an accommodating space. The wall 201 includes a water
separating element 202 for receiving mixture 205 of water vapor and
liquid water. As shown in FIG. 2, the water separating element 202
is located in the container and keeps a certain distance from the
top of the wall. As such, the accommodating space is divided into
two subspaces 208 and 209, by the water separating element 202.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the water
separating element 202 is comprised by the wall 201. In this
regard, although the water separating element 202 is not arranged
on the top of the wall 201, it still belongs to a part of the wall
201.
[0043] The mixture 205 of water vapor and liquid water may be
leaded to the container 201 through a tube 204. One end of the tube
204 may be connected with an inlet on the container, and the other
end of the tube 204 may be exposed to the mixture 205 or connected
with an external mist generator that generates the mixture 205. In
this way, the mixture 205 may enter into the container, for
example, the subspace 208, through the tube 204. In the subspace
208, the water separating element 202 receives the entered mixture
205 and only allows the mixture 206 of water vapor and water
droplets of desired dimension to pass through. In this way, the
water vapor and water droplets of desired dimensions may enter into
the subspace 209.
[0044] Water vapor may condense into undesired droplets due to a
number of factors, such as temperature decrease, equilibration, and
so on. For example, water vapor may condense on a surface when the
surface is cooler than the dew point temperature, or when the water
vapor equilibrium in air has been exceeded. In this regard, the
container 200 may include a bottom 203 adapted to drain away
droplets formed in the container. The bottom 203 may be perforated
or grooved, such that outlet(s) or hole(s) 207 may be formed on the
bottom to drain away the undesired droplets.
[0045] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a schematic
diagram illustrating a humidity adjustment device in accordance
with a still further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The humidity adjustment device as shown in FIG. 3 may be considered
as an embodiment of the humidity adjustment device described above
with reference to FIG. 1B. However, it is noted that this is only
for the purpose of illustrating the principles of the present
invention, rather than limiting the scope thereof.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the mixture 305 of water vapor and
liquid water is generated in the container 300. By way of example,
the mixture 305 may come from a mist generator (not shown) located
in the container 300. After being processed by the water separating
element 302, the mixture 306 of water vapor and water droplets of
desired dimensions may exist from the container 300 and the liquid
water droplets of undesired dimensions may stay inside of the
container 300.
[0047] The liquid water staying inside the container 300 may be
useless and undesired. In this regard, the container 300 may
include a bottom 303 adapted to drain away the liquid water.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the bottom 303
may be perforated or grooved, such that outlet(s) or hole(s) 307
may be formed on the bottom to drain away the undesired
droplets.
[0048] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a flowchart
illustrating a method 400 for adjusting humidity in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The method 400 may
be performed by the humidity adjustment device according to
embodiments of the present invention, for example those discussed
with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIGS. 2 to 3, as well as
various modifications, adaptations to the foregoing exemplary
embodiments.
[0049] The method 400 begins at step S401, where a mist of a
mixture of water vapor and liquid water is received by the humidity
adjustment device according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0050] At step S402, the mixture of water vapor and liquid water
may be separated, such that the water vapor and water droplets of
desired dimensions are allowed to pass through the wall and the
liquid water droplets of undesired dimensions are prevent from
passing. According to embodiments of the present invention, the
mixture of water vapor and liquid water may be separated by the
water separating element. In an exemplary embodiment, the mixture
of water vapor and liquid water may be generated outside of the
container. In this case, the water vapor and water droplets of
desired dimensions enter into the container and the liquid water
droplets of undesired dimensions stay outside of the container.
Alternatively, the mixture of water vapor and liquid water may be
generated in the container, and the water vapor and water droplets
of desired dimensions exit from the container and the liquid water
droplets of undesired dimensions stay inside of the container.
[0051] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention,
with respect to the fact that water vapor may condense into
undesired droplets, the method 400 may further comprise an optional
step of draining away droplets formed in the container. For
example, the droplets may be drained away through a perforated or
grooved bottom of the container in the humidity adjustment
device.
[0052] According to embodiments of the present invention, the
humidity adjustment device may be applied in various applications.
By way of example, the humidity adjustment device in accordance
with embodiments of the present invention may be used by a
freshness keeper, a humidifier, a refrigerator, a refrigeration
house, and any suitable application either currently known or to be
developed in the future, which will not be detailed here. In some
embodiments, the humidity adjustment device may be installed in a
closed storage box. The humidity adjustment device installed in the
storage box may achieve an appropriate high humidity level, which
is suitable for fruits or vegetables that prefer high moisture.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, the humidity adjustment device
may be implemented as an independent humidity control chamber
designed for a refrigerator. The humidity level of fruits or
vegetables stored in the humidity control chamber of the
refrigerator may be adjusted by consumers. Still further, in some
other embodiments, the humidity adjustment device may be installed
in the upper layer of refrigerator, which may generate a gradient
humidity level, from higher level to lower level. As such,
consumers can arrange fruits or vegetables depending on the
relative humidity level. Now some exemplary embodiments of the
applications will be described below with reference to FIGS.
5-8.
[0053] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a schematic
diagram illustrating an apparatus 500 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5,
the apparatus 500 comprises a humidity adjustment device including
a container 100. Furthermore, apparatus 500 comprises a mist
generator 501 for generating mixture of water vapor and liquid
water.
[0054] According to embodiments of the present invention, the mist
generator may be inside or outside of the container of the humidity
adjustment device. For example, FIG. 5 shows a mist generator 501
that is outside of the container 100, which generates the mixture
105 of water vapor and liquid water. The mist generator 501 may
generate mixture of water vapor and liquid water continuously or
intermittently, such that the relative humidity in the container
could be maintained at a required level. When the mixture 105 is
processed by the water separating element 102, the liquid water of
undesired dimensions may stay outside of the container 100 and the
water vapor and liquid water of desired dimensions may enter into
the container 100. In this way, the apparatus 500 may be
implemented as a freshness keeper, for example, wherein humidity of
fruits or vegetables stored in the container 100 may be well
controlled.
[0055] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus 600
in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus 600 comprises a
humidity adjustment device including a container 200. Furthermore,
apparatus 600 comprises a mist generator 601 for generating mixture
of water vapor and liquid water.
[0056] Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the embodiment of
FIG. 6 shows a mist generator 601 that is outside of the container
200. When the mixture 205 generated by the mist generator 601 is
processed by the water separating element 202, the liquid water of
undesired dimensions may stay outside of the container 200 and the
water vapor and liquid water of desired dimensions may enter into
the container 200. In this way, the apparatus 600 may be
implemented as a freshness keeper as well, wherein humidity of
fruits or vegetables stored in the container 200 may be well
controlled.
[0057] In practice, water vapor in the container 200 may condense
into undesired droplets. For example, water vapor may condense on a
surface when the surface is cooler than the dew point temperature,
or when the water vapor equilibrium in air has been exceeded. To
well control temperature and the equilibrium of water vapor inside
the container 200, the apparatus 600 may optionally comprise a
humidity sensor 602 adapted to monitor humidity in the container or
out of the container and/or a temperature sensor 603 adapted to
monitor temperature in the container or out of the container.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, to better control the humidity of fruits
or vegetables stored in the container 200, the humidity sensor 602
and the temperature sensor 603 may monitor the humidity and
temperature in the container 200, respectively. It is to be noted
that the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor may monitor the
humidity and temperature out of the container, which will be
described with respect to embodiment of FIG. 8 below.
[0059] Alternatively, the apparatus 600 may comprise a temperature
adjustment device 604 adapted to adjust the temperature associated
with the container. In some embodiments, the temperature adjustment
device 604 may utilize data monitored by the temperature sensor
603, to continuously or intermittently raise or lower temperature
associated with the container. The temperature associated with the
container may, for example, comprise temperature in the container,
temperature out of the container, temperature of the wall of the
container, temperature of the bottom of the container and so
on.
[0060] Alternatively, the apparatus 600 may comprise a water
processing device 605 adapted to collect and process liquid water
prevented by the water separating element. The water processing
device 605 may be implemented by any suitable technologies, either
currently known or to be developed in the future, which will not be
detailed here. It is to be noted that the aforesaid devices 602-605
are optional for the apparatus according to embodiments of the
present invention. In some embodiments, the apparatus can be
implemented without these optional devices.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus 700
in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 700 comprises a
humidity adjustment device including a container 100. Furthermore,
apparatus 700 comprises a mist generator 701 for generating mixture
of water vapor and liquid water.
[0062] The mist generator 701 may generate mixture of water vapor
and liquid water continuously or intermittently, such that the
relative humidity in the container could be maintained at a
required level. When the mixture is processed by the water
separating element 102, the water vapor and water droplets of
desired dimensions may exit from the container and the liquid water
droplets of undesired dimensions may stay inside of the container.
In this way, fruits and vegetables may be stored in the apparatus
700 and outside of the container 100. The apparatus 700 may be
implemented as a storage box, a freshness keeper, a refrigerator, a
refrigeration house, and so on.
[0063] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus 800
in accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus 800 comprises
a humidity adjustment device including a container 300.
Furthermore, apparatus 800 comprises a mist generator 801 for
generating mixture of water vapor and liquid water.
[0064] Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the embodiment of
FIG. 8 shows a mist generator 801 that is inside of the container
300. When the mixture generated by the mist generator 801 is
processed by the water separating element 302, the water vapor and
water droplets of desired dimensions may exit from the container
300 and the liquid water droplets of undesired dimensions may stay
inside of the container 300. In this way, the apparatus 800 may be
implemented as a storage box, a freshness keeper, a refrigerator, a
refrigeration house, and so on.
[0065] According to embodiments of the present invention, the
apparatus 800 may optionally comprise a humidity sensor 802, a
temperature sensor 803, a temperature adjustment device 804, and a
water processing device 805. The devices 802-805 are similar to the
devices 602-605 discussed above, which will not be detailed
here.
[0066] It is to be noted that the above examples are shown only for
illustration purpose, without suggesting any limitations on the
scope of the subject matter described herein. The apparatus 500-800
may comprise other units or devices implemented by any suitable
technologies, either currently known or to be developed in the
future, which will not be detailed here.
[0067] Various modifications, adaptations to the foregoing
exemplary embodiments of this invention may become apparent to
those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing
description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Any and all modifications will still fall within the
scope of the non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of this
invention. Furthermore, other embodiments of the inventions set
forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which
these embodiments of the invention pertain having the benefit of
the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
drawings.
[0068] Therefore, it will be appreciated that the embodiments of
the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments
disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended
to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although
specific terms are used herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *