WO2025191230A1

WO2025191230A1 - Kitchen cabinet

Info

Publication number: WO2025191230A1
Application number: PCT/GB2024/050711
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fariz Khellaf; Michael LINSKY
Original assignee: Sensio Ltd
Current assignee: Sensio Ltd
Priority date: 2024-03-15
Filing date: 2024-03-15
Publication date: 2025-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-15

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a kitchen cabinet (100) comprising a first compartment (102) comprising a first adjustable light source (108) configured to output light emission at a wavelength selected for plant cultivation, and a second compartment (120) comprising a second adjustable light source (124) configured to output light emission at a wavelength selected for food preservation.

Description

KITCHEN CABINET

Field of the Invention

[01] The present disclosure relates to a kitchen cabinet for food storage. In particular, a dual function kitchen cabinet adapted to perform the functions of food preservation and plant growth.

Background

[02] The preservation of food and the indoor cultivation of plants are subjects of considerable interest in home and culinary applications. Traditional methods of preserving food rely on refrigeration, which can be costly and has limitations in terms of the range of food freshness preservation. In particular, refrigeration is not suitable for all food types, for example many fruits and vegetables. Such items are often just left on a countertop, or in a bowl, while awaiting use.

[03] Meanwhile, indoor plant cultivation, especially herbs, often requires dedicated space and specific lighting conditions that are not typically met in a standard kitchen. Plants kept outside are inconvenient to harvest and use. Plants kept inside often die out.

[04] It is therefore now desired to develop new approaches to kitchen use which addresses these limitations.

Summary

[05] The present invention is defined according to the independent claims. Additional features will be appreciated from the dependent claims and the description herein. Any embodiments which are described but which do not fall within the scope of the claims are to be interpreted merely as examples useful for a better understanding of the invention.

[06] The example embodiments have been provided with a view to addressing at least some of the difficulties that are encountered with current kitchen designs whether those difficulties have been specifically mentioned above or will otherwise be appreciated from the discussion herein.

[07] Suitably, in one aspect of the invention there is provided a kitchen cabinet comprising a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment comprises a first adjustable light source configured to output light emission at a wavelength selected for plant cultivation. The second compartment comprises a second adjustable light source configured to output light emission at a wavelength selected for food preservation. In this way an optimal growth environment for a variety of herbs and small plants may be provided, alongside an ability to extend the freshness of perishable food items, thereby provided a useful dual purpose cabinet to a kitchen user to allow the user to make better use of their kitchen; for example by optimising space available. [08] Each of the adjustable light sources may comprise light emitting diodes ‘LED’s. The LEDs may be configured to output different wavelengths, and therefore be controllable to select a specific wavelength, or may be designed to output a set wavelength, with different LEDs being activated or inactivated to adjust/set a wavelength of light emission from the adjustable light sources. In this way the light sources may be configured to output light which is beneficial for a particular contents of the compartment.

[09] In examples, the first adjustable light source may be configured to output light emission at a wavelength from about 400 nm to about 500 nm, from about 600 nm to about 700 nm, and from about 700 nm to about 800 nm. In a particular example the first adjustable light source may be configured to output light emission at wavelengths from about 500 nm to about 600 nm and form about 570 nm to about 590 nm simultaneously. In another example the first adjustable light source may be configured to output light emission at wavelengths from about 450 nm to 470 nm and at about 660 nm simultaneously. The wavelengths above each have advantages for plant growth as discussed herein.

[10] In examples, the second adjustable light source is configured to output light emission at a wavelength from about 100 nm to about 400 nm (e.g., from about 100 nm to about 280 nm), from about 500 nm to about 600 nm, and from about 800 nm to about and 940 nm. These wavelengths all have advantages for food preservations as discussed herein.

[11] In an example, the cabinet further comprises a controller configured to control operation of the first adjustable light source and second adjustable light source, and may control the light sources responsive to a control signal received from an external electronic apparatus (e.g., mobile phone), which may be received using at least one of Blutooth, Zigbee, or Wifi protocols. In this way the lighting may be conveniently controlled remotely by a user of the electronic device.

[12] In an example, the cabinet further comprises at least one of a heater unit and a humidifier unit which may be used to control a temperature and humidity for the first and second compartments, thereby enhancing plant growth and food preservation. In some examples the units may be controlled via the external electronic device.

[13] Suitably, in a related aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising the aforementioned kitchen cabinet and an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus comprises a user interface configured to receive a user input for controlling an operation of at least one of the first or second adjustable light source of the kitchen cabinet, a communicator configured to remotely communicate with the cabinet controller, and a processor configured to transmit a control signal to the cabinet controller based on the received user input. The system may further comprise a data storage configured to store information on contents of at least one of the first compartment and second compartment, and the electronic apparatus may be configured to control the user interface to display a recommended wavelength of light emission for at least one of the first or second adjustable light source, and/or a recommended temperature and humidity, based on the stored information on the contents of the at least one of the first compartment and second compartment.

[14] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word "about", even if the term does not expressly appear. The term “about”, or substantially, when used herein means +/- 5% of the stated value. Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein, and the terms “from” and “to” a pair of values are intended to indicate such values are included in the range. Singular encompasses plural and vice versa. Additionally, although the present invention has been described in terms of “comprising”, the processes, materials, and coating compositions detailed herein may also be described as “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of’.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[15] For a better understanding of the present disclosure reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[16] Fig. 1 shows an example kitchen cabinet; and

[17] Fig. 2 shows a system including an example kitchen cabinet and electronic device.

Detailed Description

[18] At least some of the following example embodiments provide an improved kitchen cabinet for food storage.

[19] Figure 1 shows an example kitchen cabinet 100. The cabinet 100 may be of standard dimensions as will be appreciated in the art. For example, the cabinet 100 may have a width of 30cm, 40cm, 60 cm, 80cm and 100cm; preferably 60 cm. The cabinet 100 may have a standard depth of preferably 60 cm, though optionally 50 cm in some cases.

[20] The cabinet 100 comprises a first compartment 102 configured for herb cultivation. Suitably, the compartment may comprise a flat base, or shelf, 104, on which herbs 106 may be arranged in individual pots, as shown. In another example, not shown, the shelf 104 may be arranged as a planter tray, comprising an array of cells into which soil may be inserted and herbs 106 grown. Suitably, the shelf may be removable from the cabinet 100 in order to make access to the herbs and/or planter tray easier.

[21] The first compartment also comprises a light source 108, otherwise termed a first light source herein. The light source 108 is adjustable, in that it can be configured to output light emission at different wavelengths which has been determined to be beneficial to herb cultivation, potentially at different times. [22] In an example, the first source 108 may be configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 400 nm and 500 nm; i.e., blue light. This light spectrum can be beneficial for plant growth by influencing leaf and stem growth, stomatai opening, and, to some extent, flowering and seed production. More preferably, the light source 108 may be configured to output light emission a range of about 450 nm to about 470 nm. This range of emission is particularly beneficial for chlorophyll formation, which is required for photosynthesis.

[23] In another example, the light source 108 may be configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 600 nm and 700 nm; i.e., red light. Such light is useful for stimulating photosynthetic activity in the herbs 106, and influences flowering and vegetative growth. Preferably, the light source may be configured to output light around 660 nm, as this wavelength is the most efficient at driving photosynthesis, especially in leafy greens.

[24] In another example, the light source 108 may be configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 700 nm and 800 nm; i.e., far red light. Light in this wavelength range is at the edge of the visible spectrum and slightly beyond, which can regulate plant processes such as shade avoidance, flowering time, and leaf expansion.

[25] In yet another example, the light source 108 may be configured to output light emission at a combination of wavelengths at the same time; for example, between about 500 nm and 600 nm and between about 570 nm and about 590 nm. Such light emission may be an approximation of a “full spectrum” emission which a herb 106 might usually receive outside. Suitably, such emission mimics natural sunlight, thereby promoting overall plant health and aesthetics. Relatedly, the light source 108 may be configured to output a combination of blue light (about 450 nm to about 470 nm) and red light about 660 nm, as such a combination is particularly beneficial for general plant growth.

[26] Suitably, the light source 108 is configured to be adjustable to change wavelength of the light emission; for example, it may be desirable to change the light emission at different times of day, based on the sort of light a plant might naturally expect.

[27] Suitably, in one example, the light source 108 comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which are configurable to output light at any of the wavelengths mentioned above. In another example, the light source 108 may comprise a set of light sources, with each light source in the set being configured to output light at a different range of wavelengths. In the example shown, the set of light sources comprises two light sources 108a and 108b. Here, each of the light sources 108a and 108b comprise a plurality of LEDs, in particular being formed as parallel strips of LEDs. Suitably, adjusting the wavelength of light emission from the light source 108 may comprise changing the light emission from one or more light source in the set of light sources; e.g., changing one or both of the light sources 108a, 108b.

[28] To control the wavelength of light emission, the cabinet 108 may comprise a controller 110. That is, the controller 110 may be a unit comprising suitable electronic circuity to control the operation of the light source 108; in particular, to control a wavelength of light emission. Changing the wavelength of light emission may include changing a setting used to determine the wavelength at which light is emitted from one or LEDs of the plurality of LEDs, or an entire strip of LEDs 108a, 108b, or indeed to control specific LEDs or one of the set of light sources 108a,b to be turned on or off.

[29] Suitably, the controller 110 may be configured to control the wavelength of light emission, and optionally time of that light emission, via receipt of a user input. Suitably, in the example of Fig. 1 , the user input may be direct to the control module 1 10 using, for example, buttons, dials, actuators and the like provided on the controller 1 10. The control module 1 10 is shown as a distinct unit couplable to the light source 108, but may also be integral to the light source 108.

[30] Figure 2 shows another example where the controller 110 is configured to respond to a user input received via an external electronic device 112; for example, a mobile phone comprising a suitable display, user interface (Ul), communication module, etc. Here, a user may input a control via a Ul 114, which may be provided by a suitably application (i.e., program) installed on a data storage of the electronic device 1 12 and executable by at least one processor of the electronic device 112. Suitably, the controller 110 may be configured to operate responsive to a control signal received from the external electronic apparatus 112. In particular, the control signal may be transmitted using well established communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Wifi and received by a suitable communication module provided on the controller 110.

[31] In addition to substantially instantaneous control, the electronic device 112 may also facilitate long term control of the light source 108 via the installed application (App for short). For example, the App may provide a Ul by which a user may input a current contents of the first compartment 102. Based on the current contents, the App may communicate with a server to request and retrieve optimum light settings for cultivation of the particular contents. The settings may be shown to the user as a recommendation to be applied manually, or may be applied automatically. Suitable light emission settings may include, for example, a particular wavelength setting and a length of time and/or time of day to emit that wavelength. Suitably, where the light source 108 comprises a set of light sources 108a, 108b, configured for different wavelength ranges, the received settings may include a wavelength and time of operation for each light source in the set. It will be appreciated that where multiple types of contents are stored in the first compartment 102, the received settings may be tailored based on that specific combination of contents, or may be a simple amalgamation of overlapping settings for the different contents.

[32] The electronic device 1 12 may also be configured to provide reminders to the user, via the App 114, to perform actions with regard to the stored contents, such as harvesting herbs 106. The App may also be controlled to monitor a current status of the compartment 102; for example, a temperature or a humidity within the compartment 102. [33] Suitably, the compartment 102 may be provided with at least one sensor 116 coupled to the controller 110; the at least one sensor 116 may comprise a temperature sensor and/or a humidity sensor. Data received from the sensor 116 may be transmitted to the electronic device 112 for display to the user and, optionally, for upload to a server where such data will be taken into account when determining lighting settings to be transmitted via the device 112 to the controller 1 10. Suitably, the electronic device 112 may also receive settings for an environmental unit 118, coupled to the controller 1 10, configured to change the internal environment of the compartment 102. For example, the environment controller 118 may comprise a heater/cooler and a (de)humidifier. Suitably, settings for the environment unit 1 18 may be transmitted by the electronic device 112 to the controller 110 along with lighting settings and displayed to the user as a recommendation to accept or applied automatically upon receipt (and being within communication range of the controller 110).

[34] As shown in both Figures 1 & 2, the cabinet 100 also comprises a second compartment 120. The second compartment is configured for food preservation; e.g., to maintain longevity of contents 122 of the compartment 120, such as salad, or even herbs harvested from the first compartment 102.

[35] The second compartment 120 comprises a second adjustable light source 124 configured to output light emission at a wavelength selected for food preservation. That is, the second adjustable light source 124 functions similarly to the first adjustable light source 108, but is configured emit different wavelength ranges compared to the first light source 108.

[36] Suitably, the second light source 124 may also be formed from a plurality of controllable LEDs. Like the first light source 108, the second light source 124 may be formed from a single strip of variable wavelength LEDs, or may be formed from a set of sources 124a, 124b, such as a pair of LED strips as shown, with each source in the set being configurable to emit different wavelengths of light. Suitably, controlling a set of sources (e.g., LED strips) for the second light source may comprise controlling a subset of the sources to be active and a subset of sources to be inactive.

[37] In one example, the second light source 124 is configured to output light emission at a wavelength between from about 100 nm and 400 nm; i.e., ultraviolet light. In particular, the second light source 124 may be configured to emit light from about 100 to about 280 nm (UVC). UVC has been shown to have germicidal properties so as to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mould, and yeast. A caveat is additional precautions should be put in place when using UVC light as it can degrade certain materials and is harmful to human skin and eyes. Suitably the second light source may be electrically coupled in a series connection to a door 126 of the compartment 120, so that the UV cannot be on while the compartment door 126; it will be appreciated that similar safety means may be employed. UV light in the higher range of about 280 nm to about 400 nm is still germicidal but less dangerous than UVC, and so generally preferred in the present examples. [38] In another example, the second adjustable light source 124 may be configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 500 nm and 600 nm; i.e., green light. Studies have shown that green LED light can reduce the degradation rate of chlorophyll in some leafy greens, which can help maintain freshness.

[39] In yet another example, the second adjustable light source 124 may be configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 800 nm and 940 nm; i.e., near infrared (NIR) light. NIR light has been reported to have a preserving effect on certain foods by reducing oxidative stress.

[40] Suitably, the second adjustable light source may also be configured to output a combination of light emission at different wavelengths at the same time. In a preferred example, the light source 124 may be configured to output a germicidal wavelength from about 300 nm to about 400 nm to slow bacterial growth along with NIR light to slow ripening. In this example, green light may also be applied simultaneously to maintain freshness of some vegetables.

[41] The second compartment 120 also comprises a controller 228, sensor 130, and environmental control unit 132. These units function substantially the same as their counterparts in the first compartment - for example, sensing temperature/humidity, controlling environment and/or light settings based on control via the external device 112 - and so a detailed repeat description is omitted.

[42] It will however be appreciated that instead of the first and second compartments 102, 120 comprising separate controllers, sensors, etc, that such devices could be shared between compartments. That is, the cabinet 100 may comprise a single controller configured to communicate with the external device and control both the first and second light sources, a single sensor module having peripherals arranged in each of the compartments to provide the desired sensing functionality, and a single heater/humidifier that can separately control the local environment inside the two compartments.

[43] In summary, exemplary embodiments of a kitchen cabinet adapted for dual food growth and preservation have been described. Additionally, the described exemplary embodiments are convenient to manufacture and straightforward to use.

[44] The kitchen cabinet may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[45] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[46] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[47] All of the features disclosed in this specification, and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[48] Each feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[49] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification, or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1 . A kitchen cabinet, comprising: a first compartment comprising a first adjustable light source configured to output light emission at a wavelength selected for plant cultivation; a second compartment comprising a second adjustable light source configured to output light emission at a wavelength selected for food preservation.

2. The kitchen cabinet of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first adjustable light source and second adjustable light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes controllable to emit light at different wavelengths.

3. The kitchen cabinet of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first adjustable light source and second adjustable light source comprise a set of light sources, wherein each light source in the set is configured to emit light at a different range of wavelengths to other light sources in the set.

4. The kitchen cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the first adjustable light source is configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 400 nm and 500 nm.

5. The kitchen cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the first adjustable light source is configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 600 nm and 700 nm.

6. The kitchen cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the first adjustable light source is configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 700 nm and 800 nm.

7. The kitchen cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the first adjustable light source is configured to output light emission at wavelengths between about 500 nm and 600 nm and 570 nm and 590 nm at the same time.

8. The kitchen cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the first adjustable light source is configured to output light emission at wavelengths between about 450 nm and 470 nm and at about 660 nm at the same time.

9. The kitchen cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the second adjustable light source is configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 100 nm and 400 nm.

10. The kitchen cabinet of claim 9, wherein the first adjustable light source is configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 100 nm and 280 nm.

11 . The kitchen cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the second adjustable light source is configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 500 nm and 600 nm.

12. The kitchen cabinet of any preceding claim, wherein the second adjustable light source is configured to output light emission at a wavelength between about 800 nm and 940 nm.

13. The kitchen cabinet of any preceding claim, further comprising a controller configured to control operation of the first adjustable light source and second adjustable light source.

14. The kitchen cabinet of claim 13, wherein the controller comprises a communications module configured to communicatively couple to an external electronic device, and controls a wavelength of light emission output by the first adjustable light source and second adjustable light source responsive to a control signal received from the external electronic apparatus.

15. The kitchen cabinet of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with the external electronic apparatus by at least one of Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Wifi.

16. The kitchen cabinet of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one of a heater unit and a humidifier unit.

17. The kitchen cabinet of claim 16, wherein the heater unit and humidifier unit are configured to separately adjust a temperature and humidity for the first and second compartments.

18. The kitchen cabinet of claim 16 or 17 when also dependent on any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the heater unit and humidifier unit responsive to a control signal received from an external electronic apparatus.

19. A system comprising: the kitchen cabinet of any preceding claim; and an electronic apparatus comprising: a user interface configured to receive a user input for controlling an operation of at least one of the first or second adjustable light source of the kitchen cabinet; a communicator configured to remotely communicate with the cabinet controller; and a processor configured to transmit a control signal to the cabinet controller based on the received user input.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising a data storage configured to store information on contents of at least one of the first compartment and second compartment.

21 . The system of claim 20, wherein the processor is configured to control the user interface to display a recommended wavelength of light emission for at least one of the first or second adjustable light source, based on the stored information on the contents of the at least one of the first compartment and second compartment.

22. The system of claim 20 or 21 , wherein the processor is configured to control the user interface to display a recommended temperature and humidity for at least one of the first or second compartment, based on the stored information on the contents of the at least one of the first compartment and second compartment.