Systems and methods for ultrasound-based atomizer for humidity control in refrigerators

Abstract

A system and method is provided for monitoring the humidity inside a refrigerator and increasing the humidity when desired. In an embodiment, the humidifier is an ultrasonic atomizer that receives supply water from a removable tank that is refilled by a consumer. An adaptive control system monitors the humidity level inside the refrigerator and actuates the ultrasonic atomizer when an increase in humidity is desired.

1 . A system for providing humidity control in a refrigeration product, said system including:
 a refrigeration product, wherein said refrigeration product includes a refrigeration compartment that is refrigerated; and   a humidifier operatively coupled to said refrigeration compartment so that the output of said humidifier is introduced into said refrigeration compartment.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said humidifier is an atomizer. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said atomizer is ultrasound-based. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein said atomizer is a microfilm ultrasound water atomizer. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said humidifier is positioned to direct at least a portion of the output into at least one of a vegetable bin and a fruit bin located in said refrigeration compartment. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said refrigeration product includes a removable liquid container for supplying liquid to said humidifier. 
     
     
         7 . A method for controlling humidity in a refrigeration product, said method including:
 refrigerating the interior of a refrigeration compartment of said refrigeration product; and   positioning a humidifier so that output of said humidifier is introduced into said refrigeration compartment.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said humidifier is an atomizer. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said atomizer is ultrasound-based. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said atomizer is a microfilm ultrasound water atomizer. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said humidifier is positioned to direct at least a portion of the output into at least one of a vegetable bin and a fruit bin located in said refrigeration compartment. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said refrigeration product includes a removable liquid container for supplying liquid to said humidifier. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said humidifier is operated intermittently. 
     
     
         14 . A humidification system for the interior of a refrigeration compartment, said system including:
 a humidifier, wherein the output of said humidifier is introduced into the interior of said refrigeration compartment.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said humidifier is an atomizer. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein said atomizer is ultrasound-based. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein said atomizer is a microfilm ultrasound water atomizer. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said humidifier is positioned to direct at least a portion of the output into at least one of a vegetable bin and a fruit bin located in the interior of said refrigeration compartment. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said humidification system includes a removable liquid container for supplying liquid to said humidifier. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said humidifier is operated intermittently.