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BR-102024017453-A2 - Mushroom fruiting chamber with controlled visibility and environmental conditions.

BR102024017453A2BR 102024017453 A2BR102024017453 A2BR 102024017453A2BR-102024017453-A2

Abstract

This invention describes a mushroom fruiting chamber, composed of shelves, a glass door, an LED strip lighting system, ventilation, cooling, and condensation water drainage, controlled and monitored in relation to air temperature and humidity parameters, enabling mushroom fruiting under controlled environmental conditions, where environmental parameters can be remotely controlled and monitored. There is also a system for redirecting internal humidification water, which prevents the formation of puddles and possible contamination, as well as allowing the reuse of this condensed water. The design is simple and compact, aiming to provide visibility, portability, and lower cost. Furthermore, it can be assembled by adapting an existing display refrigerator.

Inventors

  • MARLON OLIVEIRA ALVES FOFFANO
  • ELISA D?AVILA COSTA CAVALCANTI
  • DENISE MARIA GUIMARÃES FREIRE
  • PAULO TADEU DIAS POLICASTRO

Assignees

  • UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO DE JANEIRO

Dates

Publication Date
20260310
Application Date
20240826

Claims (7)

  1. 1. Mushroom fruiting chamber CHARACTERIZED by comprising in the internal part (12) a fan (7), followed by an evaporator (5), arranged close to an inlet of the water reuse system (3) and at least one sensor (6); in the external part (13) a panel with a controller (1), a cooling system and a humidification system (9); and a glass door (2).
  2. 2. Chamber, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the cooling system comprises a condenser (10) and the humidification system (9) comprises an ultrasonic humidifier; wherein the humidification system (9) is connected to the water reuse system (3), wherein the water is collected from the inside (12) of the chamber, more specifically from the evaporator (5).
  3. 3. Chamber, according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the humidification system (9) comprises a water sterilization system, with a UVC lamp coupled to the ultrasonic humidifier.
  4. 4. Chamber, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the controller (1) receives data from at least one sensor (6) and activates the cooling system according to the desired parameters, wherein the cooling system comprises the condenser (10) and evaporator (5).
  5. 5. Camera, according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the controller (1) and the panel are connected to the wireless local network connected to the internet (11).
  6. 6. Chamber, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED in that at the rear of the chamber there are two valves (8) that connect the humidification system (9) to the water network, one for the inlet and the other for the outlet.
  7. 7. Chamber, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, CHARACTERIZED by comprising at least one shelf (14) with grids and two LED strips (4) arranged on the sides of the inner part (12).

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION [001] The present invention applies to the field of refrigerators. More precisely, the invention proposes a mushroom fruiting chamber with a door that allows internal viewing and controlled environmental conditions, comprising redirecting condensation water through an internal pipe in the fruiting chamber and allowing the reuse of cultivation water, wherein mushroom growth can be observed through the door and environmental conditions can be monitored and controlled remotely. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION [002] Mushroom cultivation is an activity that requires specific environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, lighting, ventilation, and nutrition. Several patents have been developed to create systems and devices that facilitate and optimize the mushroom production process at different scales and contexts. These patents address aspects such as climate control, humidification, lighting, monitoring, harvesting, preservation, and management of cultivated mushrooms. Some patents also propose solutions for distributed cultivation, home cultivation, and the cultivation of other plants and products besides mushrooms. [003] Because mushroom cultivation demands extreme humidity conditions, water condensation inside the fruiting chamber is common, and this increases the possibility of contamination during cultivation. Furthermore, it is uncommon to find fruiting chambers of small dimensions that are easy to transport for dissemination. [004] Thus, the present invention discloses a ventilation, humidification and condensation water channeling system that provides a system free from internal water accumulation, reducing the risk of contamination by other microorganisms. In addition, the chamber has a compact and mobile design that allows visualization of mushroom growth through the glass door without altering the environmental conditions necessary for growth. STATE OF THE ART [005] Document CN220493790U describes a temperature and humidity control box designed for mushroom cultivation, which introduces a box with a partition dividing it into sections. The box has a humidification mechanism, consisting of a submersible pump connected to atomizing nozzles for uniform mist distribution; a heating mechanism, suction fan and electric heating base with a heating tube, to regulate the temperature inside the box, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor to monitor environmental conditions, and a universal wheel for easy mobility. [006] Unlike the document above, the present invention incorporates a humidification mechanism that uses an ultrasonic nebulizer, providing more efficient humidity control (since it produces small water particles) compared to the system in the Chinese utility model. Furthermore, the temperature control system consists of an evaporator and a condenser, allowing for air cooling, unlike the cited document, which heats the air. The present invention is especially advantageous for regions with average temperatures higher than the optimal mushroom cultivation temperatures. In addition, internet connectivity allows for remote monitoring and control of environmental conditions. This offers an additional layer of convenience and precision in managing the cultivation environment. Finally, the chamber of the present invention has the ability to redirect condensation water for reuse, capturing it directly in the evaporator of the cooling system. This prevents water accumulation in the internal compartment of the fruiting chamber, eliminating the risk of excess humidity that harms mushroom development and promotes contamination. [007] Document US2018359946A1 comprises an apparatus designed for growing vegetables, mushrooms or ornamental plants, which has a containment structure with technical compartments, each forming growing areas equipped with support trays. [008] Unlike the document above, the present invention allows for remote control and monitoring of environmental parameters. Additionally, it has a system that prevents condensation and contamination, and allows for the reuse of condensed water, unlike the illustrative system of the prior art which does not have this feature. The system also prevents water from forming inside the fruiting chamber; it captures water during its formation in the evaporator, preventing condensation and excess water and humidity inside the growing chamber. The compact design and construction, being the size of an existing display refrigerator, offer portability and cost reduction in its large-scale industrial production. The invention also targets specific niches for teaching, scientific dissemination, research, and corporate campaigns, while the cited document describes a generic system for growing vegetables and ornamental plants. [009] Document CN217608687U discloses a utility model featuring a water spraying and recycling device specifically designed for the production of edible mushrooms, focusing on temperature control during cultivation