Multifunctional radio frequency systems and methods for UV sterilization, air purification, and defrost operations

A system comprising:

• a housing including a first cavity configured to contain a load;
• a defroster at least partially disposed in the first cavity, the defroster being configured to receive a first radio frequency (RF) signal at a first frequency to defrost the load within the first cavity;
• a plasma generator in fluid communication with the housing, the plasma generator being configured to receive a second RF signal at a second frequency, and to perform an air treatment process in response to the second RF signal;
• an RF signal source having a power output for outputting RF signals;
• a switching arrangement configured to selectively electrically connect the defroster and the plasma generator to the power output of the RF signal source;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• cause the switching arrangement to electrically connect one of the defroster and the plasma generator to the power output of the RF signal source,
• when the defroster is electrically connected to the power output of the RF signal source, cause the RF signal source to output the first RF signal at the first frequency,
• when the plasma generator is electrically connected to the power output of the RF signal source, cause the RF signal source to output the second RF signal at the second frequency.

A system comprising:

• a housing including a first cavity configured to contain a load;
• a defroster at least partially disposed in the first cavity, the defroster being configured to receive a first radio frequency (RF) signal at a first frequency to defrost the load within the first cavity;
• an ultraviolet source in fluid communication with the housing, the ultraviolet source being configured to receive a second RF signal at a second frequency, and to perform an air treatment process in response to the second RF signal;
• an RF signal source having a power output for outputting RF signals;
• a switching arrangement configured to selectively electrically connect the defroster and the ultraviolet source to the power output of the RF signal source;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• cause the switching arrangement to electrically connect one of the defroster and the ultraviolet source to the power output of the RF signal source,
• when the defroster is electrically connected to the power output of the RF signal source, cause the RF signal source to output the first RF signal at the first frequency,
• when the ultraviolet source is electrically connected to the power output of the RF signal source, cause the RF signal source to output the second RF signal at the second frequency.