Refrigerator and control method thereof

Abstract

This application belongs to the field of refrigerator technology and provides a refrigerator and its control method. The refrigerator includes: a cabinet, in which a refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment, an evaporator, and a controller are provided. The evaporator is used to provide cooling capacity for the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment. A support for placing food is provided above the variable temperature compartment. The controller is configured to: determine the food placement status of the support in response to the refrigerator compartment operating in cooling mode and the variable temperature compartment being at its coldest setting; if the food placement status indicates that food is placed on the support, determine the critical temperature for freezing damage risk corresponding to the type of food and a preset alarm threshold; if the real-time temperature of the support is less than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is greater than or equal to the preset alarm threshold, then trigger the output of an alarm message; wherein, the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is used to quantify the degree of low-temperature damage to the food on the support and is calculated based on the cumulative difference between the real-time temperature and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and the alarm message is used to indicate that the food is at risk of freezing damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of refrigerator technology, and more specifically, relates to a refrigerator and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most refrigerators use a structure where the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature drawer share the same evaporator. When a large amount of low-temperature airflow enters the variable temperature drawer, the cold air can easily diffuse to the glass shelf above the drawer through heat conduction and air convection, causing the surface temperature of the glass shelf to drop sharply, which affects the preservation quality of fruits and vegetables on the glass shelf.

[0003] In related technologies, refrigerators often use passive insulation methods such as adding insulation cotton to mitigate cold transfer, which seriously affects the food preservation quality and user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a refrigerator and its control method, which aims to solve the technical problem in the related art that the food on the glass shelf of the variable temperature drawer of the refrigerator is at risk of freezing damage, which affects the freshness of the food.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to the first aspect of this application, a refrigerator is provided, comprising: The cabinet contains a refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment, an evaporator, and a controller. The evaporator provides cooling to both the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment. A support for placing food is located above the variable temperature compartment. The controller is configured to: In response to the refrigerator compartment operating in refrigeration mode and the variable temperature compartment being at its coldest setting, the food placement status of the carrier is determined; If the food placement status indicates that the food is placed on the carrier, determine the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food. If the real-time temperature of the bearing component is less than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is greater than or equal to the preset alarm threshold, then an alarm prompt message will be triggered. The low-temperature freezing damage integral value is used to quantify the degree of low-temperature damage to the food on the carrier, and is calculated based on the cumulative difference between the real-time temperature and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk. The alarm message is used to indicate that the food is at risk of freezing damage.

[0006] The beneficial effects of the embodiments in this application compared with the prior art are: When the refrigerator compartment is operating in refrigeration mode and the variable temperature compartment is at its coldest setting, food placed on the support structure above the variable temperature compartment is at risk of freezing damage. The system determines whether food is on the support structure based on its placement status, then sets a critical freezing damage risk temperature and a preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food. This avoids invalid alarms when there is no food on the support structure. Furthermore, it matches different critical freezing damage risk temperatures and alarm thresholds to different types of food. By quantifying and accumulating low-temperature damage through low-temperature freezing damage integral values, it can dynamically reflect the degree of freezing damage to the food. This avoids the problems of delayed warnings and easy freezing damage for extremely cold-resistant foods, as well as frequent false alarms for highly cold-resistant foods. This improves the timeliness of freezing damage risk warnings for food on the support structure and enhances the user experience, effectively ensuring the freshness and quality of the food.

[0007] According to a second aspect of this application, a method for controlling a refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a cabinet, an evaporator, and a controller. The cabinet has a refrigerator compartment and a variable temperature compartment, which share an evaporator. A support for placing food is provided above the variable temperature compartment. The method includes: In response to the refrigerator compartment operating in refrigeration mode and the variable temperature compartment being at its coldest setting, the food placement status of the carrier is determined; If the food placement status indicates that the food is placed on the carrier, determine the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food. If the real-time temperature of the bearing component is less than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is greater than or equal to the preset alarm threshold, then an alarm prompt message will be triggered. The low-temperature freezing damage integral value is used to quantify the degree of low-temperature damage to the food on the carrier, and is calculated based on the cumulative difference between the real-time temperature and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk. The alarm message is used to indicate that the food is at risk of freezing damage.

[0008] According to a third aspect of this application, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the processor executes the computer program, the electronic device causes the electronic device to function as a refrigerator as described in any one of the claims.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the refrigerator as described in any one of the claims.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of this application, a computer program product is provided that, when the computer program product is run on an electronic device, causes the electronic device to perform any of the first aspects of the refrigerator described above.

[0011] It is understandable that the beneficial effects of the second to fifth aspects mentioned above can be found in the relevant descriptions in the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of temperature changes during the start-up and shutdown cycle of a cold storage compartment, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an optional refrigerator structure provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an optional refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the component connections of an optional refrigerator provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a low-temperature freezing damage integral value provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator control device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0014] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this application may also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods have been omitted so as not to obscure the description of this application with unnecessary detail.

[0015] It should be understood that, when used in this application specification and the appended claims, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or a collection thereof.

[0016] It should also be understood that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, the " / " used in the specification and appended claims indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. The "and / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0017] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, but are only used for distinguishing descriptions, and the terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0018] As used in this application specification and the appended claims, the term "if" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as "when," "once," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, the phrase "if determined" or "if detected [the described condition or event]" may be interpreted, depending on the context, as meaning "once determined," "in response to determination," "once detected [the described condition or event]," or "in response to detection [the described condition or event]."

[0019] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0020] First, the application background of the embodiments of this application will be explained so that those skilled in the art can understand it.

[0021] In the field of modern multi-door air-cooled refrigerators, especially in mid-to-high-end refrigerators equipped with independent wide-range temperature control, the dual-evaporator structure—where the refrigerator compartment and the variable-temperature compartment share one evaporator while the freezer compartment uses a separate evaporator—has become a mainstream configuration. This structure simplifies the internal hardware layout of the refrigerator, reduces production costs, and meets the basic cooling needs of both the refrigerator and variable-temperature compartments. Some refrigerators employ a single-drawer layout, with a variable-temperature drawer in the refrigerator compartment featuring an ice-temperature function (suitable for storing perishable foods, with an average temperature range of -3°C to 3°C). Above this drawer are support structures (such as shelves or glass shelves), where users typically place leafy greens, berries, and other fruits and vegetables for preservation.

[0022] However, the existing refrigerator structure and operating mode have obvious technical problems: when the user adjusts the variable temperature drawer to the coldest setting, the drawer's air vents are fully open, and cold air is continuously supplied, causing the average temperature inside the variable temperature compartment to drop below 0°C (as low as -1°C); since the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment share the same evaporator, and the variable temperature drawer is close to the upper support, the cold air will be transferred to the support through heat conduction and diffusion through gaps, causing the temperature of the support to drop simultaneously, even below the freezing point of common fruits and vegetables.

[0023] For example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of temperature changes during the start-up and shutdown cycle of a cold storage compartment, specifically during the start-up phase (e.g., 0-24 min). =24min), the average temperature of the variable temperature drawer decreases from 1.2℃ to the lowest temperature during startup -6℃, and the average temperature of the glass shelf decreases from 1.5℃ to the lowest temperature during startup -3.3℃. During the shutdown phase (e.g., 24-96min): the temperature rises back to its initial value from the lowest point. Figure 1 As shown, during the startup phase, the real-time temperature of the glass shelves is significantly lower than the freezing point of common fruits and vegetables, i.e., the frost damage risk line (-1℃).

[0024] Current technologies primarily address the cold transfer problem through passive insulation measures such as adding cotton, but these methods cannot fundamentally and dynamically sense temperature changes in the supporting components, nor can they accurately predict the risk of frost damage to fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, users are often unaware of the impact of variable-temperature drawer cooling on the temperature of the upper supporting components, and different fruits and vegetables have varying frost resistance, making it highly susceptible to frost damage without the user's knowledge. This damage can impair the cellular structure of fruits and vegetables, affecting preservation and reducing the user experience.

[0025] Furthermore, existing refrigerators do not provide targeted warnings based on user habits. If the storage area is not a regular location for storing fruits and vegetables, activating the freezing damage warning function can easily lead to false alarms, further impacting the user experience. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technical solution that can dynamically sense the temperature of the storage area, accurately predict the risk of freezing damage to fruits and vegetables, and provide timely warnings, taking into account the refrigerator's structural characteristics and user habits. This would address the shortcomings of existing refrigerator technologies, improve the refrigerator's preservation performance, and enhance the user experience. This is the application background and development motivation of the embodiments in this application.

[0026] This application provides an example of a refrigerator; please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a schematic structure of a refrigerator provided in this application. It is provided as an example and not a limitation. The refrigerator includes a cabinet 200, within which are a refrigerator compartment 201, a variable temperature compartment 202, an evaporator (installed within the cabinet, not shown in the diagram, but specifically referring to an evaporator shared by the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment), and a controller 204. The evaporator provides cooling to both the refrigerator compartment 201 and the variable temperature compartment 202. A support member 203 for placing food is located above the variable temperature compartment 202. The controller 204 is configured as follows: In response to the refrigerator compartment operating in cooling mode and the variable temperature compartment being at its coldest setting, the food placement status on the support unit is determined. If food is placed on the food placement status indicator carrier, determine the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food. If the real-time temperature of the load-bearing component is less than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is greater than or equal to the preset alarm threshold, then an alarm prompt message will be triggered. Among them, the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is used to quantify the degree of low-temperature damage to the food on the carrier, and is calculated based on the cumulative difference between the real-time temperature and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk. The alarm message is used to indicate that the food is at risk of freezing damage.

[0027] This embodiment discloses a refrigerator, which can be a frost-free refrigerator, such as a multi-door frost-free refrigerator, especially a dual-evaporator refrigerator where the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment share one evaporator and the freezer compartment uses one evaporator, in order to solve the technical problem that existing refrigerators are prone to freezing damage to food on the support components under certain operating conditions, and further improve the refrigerator's preservation performance and user experience.

[0028] In some embodiments, the refrigerator includes a cabinet, which serves as the load-bearing structure of the refrigerator. Inside the cabinet, an insulated partition separates the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment into two relatively independent storage compartments. The refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment share the same evaporator. The evaporator serves as a heat exchange component of the refrigerator's refrigeration system. During the refrigerant circulation driven by the compressor, it continuously absorbs heat and generates cooling capacity. The cooling capacity forms a circulating airflow under the action of a fan, providing cooling protection for both the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment.

[0029] It should be understood that the shared evaporator structure for the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment simplifies the refrigerator's air duct design and piping layout, reduces the number of refrigeration components inside the refrigerator, thereby reducing the overall assembly complexity and production cost of the refrigerator, and can also meet the temperature control requirements of both compartments. It should be understood that the evaporator mentioned in this application embodiment specifically refers to the evaporator shared by the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment. The refrigerator may also have an evaporator for the freezer compartment; that is, the refrigerator in this application embodiment can be a dual-evaporator structure.

[0030] In some embodiments, the variable temperature compartment can be specifically configured as a variable temperature drawer with ice-temperature function. The variable temperature drawer is arranged in a single-layer drawer area of ​​the refrigerator compartment, which does not occupy extra space and is convenient for users to pull out and put in food. Its purpose is to store fresh food that is extremely perishable. The average temperature range in the variable temperature compartment can be stably controlled within the range of -3°C to 3°C. It has a wide range of temperature adjustment capabilities with multiple levels. Users can adjust the variable temperature compartment to the ice-fresh setting (i.e., the lowest setting, the coldest setting, the ice-fresh coldest setting), the zero-degree setting, or the regular refrigerator setting according to their actual preservation needs.

[0031] Taking the variable temperature compartment as an example, when the variable temperature drawer is adjusted to the coldest setting, the electronically controlled air damper inside the variable temperature drawer remains fully open, and a large amount of low-temperature airflow continuously enters the interior of the variable temperature drawer, causing the interior temperature to drop rapidly and stabilize below 0℃. For example, under normal operating conditions, it can be as low as -1℃, thereby achieving deep preservation of the food stored in the variable temperature drawer.

[0032] Above the variable temperature drawer, there is a support structure for placing food. This support structure is the food support structure inside the refrigerator. It can be made of glass shelves, tempered glass shelves, food-grade plastic shelves, or lightweight metal shelves. Among them, tempered glass shelves are the most widely used in actual products due to their high structural strength, smooth and easy-to-clean surface, and visual transparency and beauty. They are also more in line with users' daily habits of placing and taking out fruits and vegetables.

[0033] In some embodiments, the ingredients include at least one of fresh produce, fruits, and vegetables. In practical use, users are accustomed to placing various fruits and vegetables on the support, especially berries such as strawberries and blueberries, and leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and romaine lettuce. These ingredients have high cell water content and fragile tissue structure, making them extremely sensitive to low-temperature environments. They are prone to freezing damage, such as cell freezing and tissue damage, in environments close to or below freezing point.

[0034] In some embodiments, the refrigerator is also equipped with a controller, which serves as the control device for the entire refrigerator. Specifically, the controller may be an MCU main control chip, which establishes electrical connections with various sensors, damper actuators, refrigeration systems, alarm output components, etc. inside the refrigerator. It can receive temperature signals and speed signals collected by various sensors in real time, perform calculations and judgments according to preset freezing damage risk warning logic, and output corresponding control commands to achieve unified management and control of the refrigerator's cooling start / stop, temperature adjustment, freezing damage risk monitoring and alarm prompts.

[0035] The following explanation will focus on the structural characteristics of the refrigerator's variable temperature compartment and the freezer compartment sharing the same evaporator, as well as the cold conduction characteristics of the variable temperature compartment when it is at its coldest setting. It should be understood that the control process is closely related to the operating status of the freezer compartment, the setting of the variable temperature compartment, and the food placement status of the support components, thereby ensuring the rationality and accuracy of the freezer damage risk warning action.

[0036] For example, when the refrigerator compartment is running in cooling mode and the variable temperature compartment is running at its coldest setting, the controller automatically enters the freezing damage risk monitoring process. Under this condition, the evaporator continuously outputs cooling capacity, the damper of the variable temperature compartment is fully open, and the interior maintains a stable negative temperature environment. Because the variable temperature drawer is close to the upper support component and lacks an active insulation structure, the cooling capacity will be transferred upwards through two main pathways: first, through the heat conduction of the variable temperature drawer shell, the low temperature is directly transferred to the upper support component, causing the overall temperature of the support component to decrease; second, through the assembly gap between the variable temperature drawer and the refrigerator body, cold convection is formed, and after the low temperature airflow overflows, a low temperature area is formed near the support component, further lowering the surface temperature of the support component, ultimately causing the temperature of the support component to drop below the freezing point of common food items (such as fruits and vegetables), creating a significant risk of freezing damage to the food.

[0037] After initiating the frost damage risk monitoring process, the controller first determines the placement status of the food on the carrier to avoid invalid warnings in scenarios where there is no food. This determination of food placement status can be implemented using multiple methods to ensure the accuracy of the results and avoid misjudgments.

[0038] For example, one option is to determine the type of food to be placed on the container by user input. The user can manually select and input the type of food to be placed on the container through the touch buttons or knobs on the refrigerator control panel or the interface of the linked mobile APP. After receiving the instruction, the controller can clearly determine that there is food to be preserved on the container. This method has the highest accuracy and is in line with the user's operating habits.

[0039] Another option is to use an image recognition module to determine the location of the food. For example, a high-definition camera can be installed on the inner wall of the refrigerator above the food carrier. The camera can collect image information of the food carrier in real time. After the image signal is transmitted to the controller, the controller can use a preset image recognition algorithm to identify whether there is food in the image and the approximate type of food, thereby determining the placement status of the food. This method does not require manual operation by the user and has a higher degree of intelligence.

[0040] Another option is to combine user usage data for determination. The controller reads user usage data from the local storage unit within a preset statistical period (e.g., the most recent 7 days, 15 days, 30 days, etc.). This user usage data is used to indicate at least the frequency of the user placing food on the carrier, the duration of each placement, and the percentage of the carrier as a food placement location within the preset statistical period (i.e., the proportion of the number of times food is placed on the carrier out of all the times the user places food). If the carrier is determined to be the user's preferred food placement location, and the current operating conditions are refrigerator cooling or the coldest setting of the variable temperature compartment, food can be placed on the carrier by default. If the carrier is determined to be a non-preferred / uncommon food placement location, no food can be placed on the carrier, thus avoiding false alarms caused by triggering an alarm when there is no food on the carrier, and conforming to user habits.

[0041] If the controller determines that food is placed on the food placement status indicator carrier, it will further determine the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food. For example, the refrigerator can pre-store various types of common food, as well as the freezing point temperature and preset alarm threshold corresponding to each type of food. The freezing point temperature is used to characterize the critical temperature at which food cells suffer freezing damage. Different foods have significantly different freezing point temperatures. For example, the freezing point temperature of berries such as strawberries and blueberries is about -1℃, the freezing point temperature of leafy green vegetables such as lettuce and spinach is about -0.5℃, while the freezing point temperature of root vegetables such as cabbage and radishes is about -2℃ to -1.5℃, and they are relatively more resistant to freezing.

[0042] In some embodiments, the critical temperature for freezing damage risk is obtained by subtracting a preset safety margin from the freezing point temperature of the food. The safety margin ranges from 0.2℃ to 0.5℃. Its function is to predict the freezing damage risk of the food in advance and avoid false alarms or missed alarms caused by temperature fluctuations. For example, the freezing point temperature of strawberries is -1℃, and the safety margin is 0.2℃. Then, the corresponding critical temperature for freezing damage risk is -1.2℃. When the real-time temperature of the support component drops to -1.2℃ or below, it is considered that the strawberries begin to face the risk of freezing damage.

[0043] It should be understood that the preset alarm threshold is used to characterize the minimum low-temperature freezing damage integral value corresponding to the occurrence of cell freezing damage in food. Its value is positively correlated with the freezing point temperature of the food. The higher the freezing point of the food, the more easily it is frozen. The preset alarm threshold value is smaller. For example, the preset alarm threshold for strawberries is smaller than that for cabbage, ensuring that easily frozen food can be warned in advance.

[0044] After determining the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the preset alarm threshold, the controller continuously collects the real-time temperature of the support component using temperature sensors installed on it. For example, high-precision thermistors can be used to ensure accurate temperature acquisition and fast response. The collected temperature signals are uploaded to the controller in real time. The controller calculates a low-temperature freezing damage integral value based on this real-time temperature and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk. This integral value quantifies the degree of low-temperature damage to the food on the support component. Specifically, it can be calculated based on the difference between the real-time temperature of the support component and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, combined with the cumulative duration of the low-temperature effect. This comprehensively reflects the damage to the food caused by both the intensity and duration of the low-temperature effect. For example, the greater the difference between the real-time temperature of the support component and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and the longer the duration of the difference, the larger the low-temperature freezing damage integral value, and the more severe the low-temperature damage to the food.

[0045] During the operation of the refrigerator compartment in refrigeration mode, the controller continuously monitors and judges the real-time temperature and low-temperature freezing damage integral value of the carrier. If both conditions are met at the same time, namely, the real-time temperature of the carrier is less than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is greater than or equal to the preset alarm threshold, it indicates that the food is currently at a high risk of freezing damage. If it continues to be placed on the carrier, the food cells will freeze, the cell walls will rupture, and the food will taste worse, lose nutrients, or even rot and spoil, making it inedible.

[0046] At this time, the controller immediately triggers and outputs alarm prompts. For example, alarm prompts can be output simultaneously through various means such as local display, audible and visual prompts, and remote APP push, so as to intuitively remind users that the food on the current carrier is at risk of freezing damage. This allows users to adjust the placement of the food or change the operating level of the variable temperature compartment in a timely manner, thereby avoiding the problem of food freezing damage.

[0047] In some embodiments, when a user sets the variable temperature drawer to the coldest setting, the refrigerator compartment is in cooling mode, and strawberries are placed on the support, if the real-time temperature of the support drops to -1.2℃ or below, and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value accumulates to a preset alarm threshold, the controller will immediately trigger an alarm. Through text prompts on the refrigerator control panel and audible and visual reminders from the buzzer, or remote push notifications from a mobile app, the user can be promptly informed that the strawberries placed on the support are at risk of freezing damage and take corresponding measures, effectively preventing the strawberries from freezing. This significantly improves the refrigerator's preservation performance and user experience, and also aligns with the intelligent development trend of refrigerators in smart homes.

[0048] This embodiment, through the aforementioned structural design and control logic, achieves intelligent and scenario-based freezing damage early warning in a frost-free refrigerator where the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment share an evaporator. Compared to the passive insulation method in existing technologies, it can dynamically sense the real-time temperature changes of the supporting components and, combined with the type of food, achieve accurate prediction and early warning of freezing damage risk, thus preventing food from freezing from a proactive protection perspective. Relying on the dual operating conditions of the refrigerator compartment's cooling mode and the coldest setting of the variable temperature compartment to trigger the early warning, it ensures the pertinence of the early warning and avoids ineffective early warnings under non-high-risk operating conditions, thereby improving the refrigerator's intelligence level and user experience.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the controller, in response to the refrigerator compartment operating in cooling mode and the variable temperature compartment being at its coldest setting, determines the food placement status on the support unit and is configured as follows: S301, in response to the refrigerator compartment operating in cooling mode and the variable temperature compartment being at its coldest setting, acquires user usage data for the refrigerator.

[0050] Among them, user usage data is used to indicate at least the frequency, duration, and frequency percentage of users placing food on the carrier within a preset statistical period.

[0051] S302, if the carrier is determined to be a non-standard food placement carrier based on user usage data, then the food placement status indicator is predicted to indicate that no food is placed on the carrier.

[0052] S303, if the carrier is determined to be a commonly used food placement carrier based on user usage data, then the food placement status indicator is predicted to show that food is placed on the carrier.

[0053] After initiating the frost damage risk monitoring process, the controller first determines the food placement status on the carrier. This is to avoid triggering an alarm when no food is placed on the carrier, which could lead to false alarms and negatively impact the user experience. The determination of food placement status can be implemented using a combination of methods to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. For example, the controller can read user usage data from local storage for a preset statistical period (e.g., the last 7, 15, or 30 days). This user usage data at least indicates the frequency with which users placed food on the carrier, the duration of each placement, and the percentage of times the carrier was used as a food placement location (i.e., the proportion of times food was placed on the carrier out of all times the user placed food).

[0054] The controller comprehensively analyzes the user data. If it determines that the carrier is a commonly used food placement device (e.g., the frequency of food placement within a preset statistical period is ≥15 times, the average duration of a single placement is ≥6 hours, and the frequency percentage is ≥60%), it predicts that there is food on the current food placement status indicator carrier, and the controller continues to execute subsequent processes such as frost damage risk assessment and point calculation. If it determines that the carrier is a non-common food placement device based on the user data (e.g., the frequency of food placement within a preset statistical period is <5 times, the average duration of a single placement is <2 hours, and the frequency percentage is <20%), it predicts that there is no food on the current food placement status indicator carrier. In this case, the controller can pause or close the frost damage warning process corresponding to the carrier, reducing unnecessary computational consumption and avoiding false alarms when there is no food, making the overall control more closely match the user's actual usage behavior.

[0055] In some embodiments, it is still as follows Figure 3 As shown, after the controller executes S303, it determines the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food. The controller is configured as follows: S304, receive a type selection instruction for ingredients, wherein the type selection instruction is used to select the type of ingredients.

[0056] S305, determine the freezing point temperature and preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food.

[0057] S306 determines the critical temperature for freezing damage risk of food based on the difference between the freezing point temperature and a pre-set safety margin.

[0058] Among them, the safety margin refers to the temperature compensation value set in advance to predict the risk of freezing damage to food and avoid false alarms or missed alarms caused by temperature fluctuations.

[0059] In some embodiments, after the controller determines that food is placed on the carrier based on user usage data, it further determines the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food. In this embodiment, the implementation of this process can rely on the refrigerator's built-in food characteristic database. This database pre-stores information on the types of various common fruits and vegetables, as well as the freezing point temperature and preset alarm threshold corresponding to each type of food. The above parameters are all calibrated through a large number of freezing damage tests combined with the actual refrigeration conditions of the refrigerator, ensuring the accuracy and practicality of the parameters.

[0060] It should be understood that different types of food have significant differences in cell structure, water content, and low-temperature resistance, and their corresponding freezing point temperatures also vary. For example, the freezing point temperature of berries such as strawberries and blueberries is about -1℃, the freezing point temperature of leafy green vegetables such as lettuce and spinach is about -0.5℃, while the freezing point temperature of root vegetables such as cabbage, radish, and carrot is about -2℃ to -1.5℃, and their freezing resistance is relatively stronger.

[0061] In this embodiment, the critical temperature for freezing damage risk is obtained by subtracting a pre-set safety margin from the freezing point temperature of the food. The safety margin can range from 0.2℃ to 0.5℃, and its function is to predict the freezing damage risk of the food in advance, avoid false alarms or missed alarms caused by temperature fluctuations, and ensure the timeliness and reliability of the warning. For example, the freezing point temperature of strawberries is -1℃. If the safety margin is 0.2℃, the corresponding critical temperature for freezing damage risk is -1.2℃. When the real-time temperature of the carrier drops to -1.2℃ or below, it is considered that the strawberries are beginning to face the risk of freezing damage, and the controller starts the integral calculation process. If the safety margin is 0.5℃, the critical temperature for freezing damage risk is -1.5℃, which can further improve the advance warning. This is suitable for usage scenarios with large temperature fluctuations. Even when the ambient temperature changes drastically or the refrigerator door is frequently opened, it can still stably identify the real freezing damage risk and avoid misjudgments caused by instantaneous temperature fluctuations.

[0062] In some embodiments, the controller performs the determination of the freezing point temperature corresponding to the type of food and a preset alarm threshold, and is configured as follows: Based on the type of food, a preset food characteristic database is invoked to match the freezing point temperature and preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food.

[0063] The food characteristics database pre-stores various types of food. Each type of food corresponds to a unique freezing point temperature and a preset alarm threshold. The freezing point temperature is used to characterize the critical temperature at which the food will suffer cell freezing damage. The preset alarm threshold is used to characterize the minimum low temperature freezing damage integral value corresponding to the occurrence of cell freezing damage in the food. The preset alarm threshold is positively correlated with the freezing point temperature.

[0064] In some embodiments, the refrigerator or controller may also be equipped with a local storage unit. For example, a food characteristics database is pre-stored in the local storage unit of the controller. The database contains all the types of fruits and vegetables commonly used in daily household use. Each type of food corresponds to a unique set of parameters, which are all calibrated through standardized food freezing damage tests combined with the actual cooling conditions of the refrigerator. During the test, variables such as ambient temperature, humidity, and wind speed are strictly controlled to ensure the accuracy and repeatability of the parameters.

[0065] It should be understood that freezing point temperature refers to the critical temperature at which free water within the cells of food begins to freeze. Its value is determined by the cell structure, water content, and soluble solids content of the food. Different types of food have significantly different freezing point temperatures. For example, berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and mulberries have high cell water content and low soluble solids content, with a freezing point of approximately -1°C. Leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and romaine lettuce have loose leaf tissue and high water content, with a freezing point of approximately -0.5°C. Root vegetables such as cabbage, radishes, and carrots have thick cell walls and relatively high soluble solids content, making them more resistant to freezing, with a freezing point of approximately -2°C to -1.5°C.

[0066] It should be understood that the preset alarm threshold is positively correlated with the freezing point temperature of the food. That is, the higher the freezing point temperature of the food, the more susceptible it is to frost damage, and the lower the corresponding preset alarm threshold; conversely, the lower the freezing point temperature of the food, the stronger its frost resistance, and the higher the corresponding preset alarm threshold. This parameter matching logic enables differentiated early warnings for foods with different frost resistance levels, ensuring that easily damaged foods are warned in advance, while more frost-resistant foods do not trigger frequent alarms due to slight temperature fluctuations. For example, the freezing point temperature of strawberries is -1℃, and the corresponding preset alarm threshold can be set to 50 integral units; the freezing point temperature of cabbage is -2℃, and the corresponding preset alarm threshold can be set to 120 integral units. When the accumulated low-temperature frost damage integral value reaches the corresponding threshold, the controller determines that the food has reached the critical state of cell frost damage and triggers the subsequent alarm notification process.

[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerator also includes a first temperature sensor 401 and a second temperature sensor 402. The first temperature sensor 401 is used to collect the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment, and the second temperature sensor 402 is used to collect the real-time temperature of the support component. The first temperature sensor 401 and the second temperature sensor 402 are respectively connected to the controller 204, as shown in the figure. Figure 3 As shown, the controller is also configured as follows: S307, if the refrigeration mode of the refrigeration compartment is determined based on the real-time temperature of the refrigeration compartment, then the single refrigeration start-up time of the refrigeration compartment is used as the integration period. Based on the critical temperature of freezing damage risk, the real-time temperature of the bearing component is used to perform the cumulative calculation of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value to obtain the final low-temperature freezing damage integral value. S308, if it is determined that the refrigeration mode of the refrigeration compartment is to be stopped based on the real-time temperature of the refrigeration compartment, the cumulative calculation of the low-temperature freezing injury integral value is paused and the current low-temperature freezing injury integral value remains unchanged. After the refrigeration mode of the refrigeration compartment is restarted, the cumulative calculation is continued based on the low-temperature freezing injury integral value when the cumulative calculation was paused, and the final low-temperature freezing injury integral value is obtained.

[0068] Still Figure 3 As shown, the controller is also configured as S309 to trigger the output of alarm information if the real-time temperature of the load-bearing component is less than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is greater than or equal to the preset alarm threshold.

[0069] In some embodiments, both the first and second temperature sensors can be high-precision thermistor sensors to ensure that the collected temperature data is accurate and reliable, providing an accurate data basis for the controller's logic judgment and integral calculation.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first temperature sensor can be arranged in the return air duct of the refrigerator compartment. This position can avoid the instantaneous temperature fluctuations caused by the opening and closing of the refrigerator door and the taking and placing of food, and accurately collect the overall real-time temperature inside the refrigerator compartment, so that the controller can accurately determine the refrigeration operation status of the refrigerator compartment. The second temperature sensor can be arranged in close contact with the central area of ​​the carrier, which is the main area where food is placed. This area can truly reflect the real-time temperature of the environment in which the food is located, and avoid integral calculation errors caused by temperature collection position deviations.

[0071] Both the first and second temperature sensors establish a stable electrical connection with the controller via wires, transmitting the collected temperature signals to the controller in real time. The controller has a built-in signal processing module that performs analog-to-digital conversion and filtering on the received temperature signals to eliminate interference signals and ensure the stability and accuracy of the temperature data.

[0072] The controller determines whether the refrigerator compartment is in cooling mode based on the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment collected by the first temperature sensor. The specific judgment logic is as follows: preset cooling start threshold and cooling stop threshold for the refrigerator compartment. When the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment is higher than the cooling start threshold, the controller determines that the refrigerator compartment needs to start the cooling mode and controls the compressor and evaporator to start working. When the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment is lower than the cooling stop threshold, the controller determines that the refrigerator compartment does not need to continue cooling and controls the compressor and evaporator to stop working, that is, the refrigerator compartment stops running the cooling mode.

[0073] When the controller determines the refrigeration mode of the refrigerator compartment based on the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment, it immediately starts the cumulative calculation of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value, and takes the single refrigeration start-up time of the refrigerator compartment as the integral period. That is, from the start of the refrigeration mode of the refrigerator compartment to the end of the current refrigeration mode, a complete integral period is formed.

[0074] In some embodiments, the initial value of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is set to 0; the controller performs an accumulation calculation of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value based on the real-time temperature of the carrier and the critical temperature of freezing damage risk, and is configured to: compare the real-time temperature of the carrier with the critical temperature of freezing damage risk; if the real-time temperature of the carrier is less than or equal to the critical temperature of freezing damage risk, then determine the integrand based on the difference between the real-time temperature of the carrier and the critical temperature of freezing damage risk, and accumulate the low-temperature freezing damage integral value based on the integrand. In some embodiments, the controller is also configured to maintain the low-temperature freezing damage integral value unchanged if the real-time temperature of the carrier is greater than the critical temperature for freezing damage risk.

[0075] In some embodiments, if no alarm message is triggered within a single integration cycle, the low-temperature freezing damage integral value within that single integration cycle is cleared to zero, and the next integration cycle is started to re-execute the cumulative calculation for the new single integration cycle. If an alarm message is triggered within a single integration cycle, the current low-temperature freezing damage integral value remains unchanged until an intervention adjustment operation is received, at which point the low-temperature freezing damage integral value within that single integration cycle is cleared to zero, and the next integration cycle is started to re-execute the cumulative calculation for the new single integration cycle.

[0076] In some embodiments, the initial value of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is defaulted to zero after the refrigerator performs system power-on initialization or completes a full integral cycle reset. This ensures a consistent calculation starting point for each integral cycle and avoids historical data interfering with the current freezing damage risk assessment. During the integral cycle of the refrigerator compartment operating in cooling mode, the controller continuously compares the real-time temperature of the carrier component collected by the second temperature sensor with the pre-determined critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and executes differentiated integral processing logic based on the comparison results.

[0077] When the real-time temperature of the carrier is less than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage, it indicates that the food is in a low-temperature environment where freezing damage is likely to occur. The controller adds the degree of low-temperature damage in the current cycle to the low-temperature freezing damage integral value according to the preset integrand function, so that the integral value increases synchronously with the duration and magnitude of low temperature, truly reflecting the cumulative freezing damage impact on the food.

[0078] When the real-time temperature of the load-bearing component is greater than the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, it indicates that the current ambient temperature is insufficient to pose a threat of freezing damage to the food. The controller will no longer perform cumulative calculations and will directly maintain the current value of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value to avoid invalid integration leading to false alarms.

[0079] During one integration cycle, the controller determines the critical temperature for freezing damage risk to the food. and the real-time temperature of the carrier collected by the second temperature sensor. The integrand is determined as follows: By setting this integrand, the low-temperature freezing damage integral value will only accumulate positively when the real-time temperature of the load-bearing component is lower than the critical temperature for freezing damage risk. When the real-time temperature of the load-bearing component is higher than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, the integrand value is 0, and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value remains unchanged. This effectively avoids incorrect integration caused by temperature fluctuations and ensures the relevance and accuracy of the integral calculation.

[0080] First, for the purpose of describing the embodiments of this application and for ease of understanding, the following parameters are defined: The real-time temperature (°C) of the bearing at time t, or the minimum value of the real-time temperature.

[0081] Freezing point temperature (°C) can be obtained by matching the type of food from a food characteristics database.

[0082] Safety margin, with a value range of 0.2~0.5℃.

[0083] : Critical temperature for risk of freezing damage (°C).

[0084] : The single start-up time (in minutes) of the refrigerator compartment in cooling mode, for example, =24min.

[0085] Q: Low-temperature freezing damage integral value.

[0086] Q0: Preset alarm threshold, also known as low temperature freezing damage alarm threshold.

[0087] It should be understood that Q0 represents the actual freeze resistance of different foods. It can also be adjusted by considering the refrigerator's cooling cycle, temperature fluctuation range, and cold energy conduction characteristics to ensure that it can provide early warnings without causing false alarms due to normal temperature fluctuations. For example, taking fruits and vegetables as an example, they can be divided into multiple types or grades according to their freeze resistance, with different types or grades corresponding to different Q0 values.

[0088] The Q0 threshold for various fruits and vegetables is matched with their freezing point temperature: the higher the freezing point and the more easily fruits and vegetables are damaged by freezing, the smaller the Q0 value; the lower the freezing point and the stronger the freeze resistance of fruits and vegetables, the larger the Q0 value. The above thresholds are all calibrated through freezing damage tests combined with the actual cooling conditions of the refrigerator, and are pre-stored in the food characteristic database. After the user selects the type of fruits and vegetables, the corresponding Q0 value is automatically matched and applied.

[0089] In some embodiments, to achieve early warning, a safety margin can be introduced, defining a critical temperature for frost damage risk: = - For example, if we take the freezing point temperature of common fruits and vegetables... =-1℃, safety margin =0.2℃, then the critical temperature for frost damage risk is: =-1℃-0.2℃=-1.2℃. For example, when the real-time temperature of the glass shelf is below the critical temperature for frost damage risk. At that time, it was determined that the fruits and vegetables on the glass shelves were at risk of freezing damage.

[0090] To quantify the cumulative degree of freezing damage risk, a cumulative integral formula for low-temperature freezing damage is introduced: , or Q=Q+( )· .

[0091] The integral region refers to the process during the refrigeration mode of the refrigerator compartment, specifically the refrigeration phase of a single start-up of the refrigerator compartment, covering the process of sufficient cold energy transfer, and is the integrand function. Ensure that the real-time temperature of the glass shelves is below the critical temperature for frost damage only. Only then does the integral value of low-temperature freezing damage, Q, accumulate positively, avoiding misjudgments caused by temperature fluctuations. It should be understood that the integral value of low-temperature freezing damage, Q, represents the combined effect of the intensity and duration of low temperature, such as... Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value shows that, with the real-time temperature of the glass shelf changing from 1.2℃ → -6℃ → 1.2℃, and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk changing from 1.5℃ → -3.3℃ → 1.5℃, the magnitude of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value Q can be intuitively reflected in situations such as... Figure 5 The preset alarm threshold Q0 in the shaded area (gray shaded area) is the low temperature damage alarm threshold, which represents the minimum cumulative amount of low temperature at which the food is just frozen.

[0092] In some embodiments, after a single integration cycle, measured in units of the single refrigeration start-up duration of the refrigerator compartment, ends, the controller executes a corresponding reset strategy based on whether an alarm message was triggered during this cycle. If the low-temperature freezing damage integral value does not reach the preset alarm threshold during the integration cycle, and no alarm message is output, it indicates that the food has not reached a dangerous freezing damage level during this integration cycle. The controller automatically resets the accumulated low-temperature freezing damage integral value for this integration cycle to zero. When the refrigerator compartment enters refrigeration mode again, the integration calculation is restarted from the initial value of zero, ensuring that each integration cycle is independent and the judgment logic is clear.

[0093] In some embodiments, if the low-temperature freezing damage integral value reaches a preset alarm threshold within the integral period and triggers an alarm message, the controller will keep the current integral value unchanged and continue to remind the user that there is a risk of food freezing damage until the controller receives the corresponding intervention and adjustment operation from the user. For example, the intervention and adjustment operation includes, but is not limited to: the user moving the food to other suitable temperature areas, adjusting the operating level of the variable temperature compartment, or alarm confirmation command (such as manually turning off the alarm).

[0094] After detecting effective intervention and adjustment operations, the controller will reset the low-temperature freezing damage integral value of the current integral cycle to zero, complete the risk management process of the current cycle, and start a new independent integral cycle calculation when the cold storage room re-enters the refrigeration mode, thereby achieving accurate, orderly and user-friendly freezing damage risk monitoring and early warning control.

[0095] In some embodiments, the alarm message may include the type of food, the current temperature of the support, and the risk level of freezing damage, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerator may also include a local alarm component 403 and a communication component 404. The controller is configured to trigger the output of alarm information and is configured to: control the local alarm component of the refrigerator to output alarm information, and / or upload the alarm information to the cloud server through the communication component of the refrigerator.

[0096] In some embodiments, the local alarm group 403 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the operation panel, buzzer component, and light component; the cloud server is used to push alarm notification information to user terminals that have been pre-bound to the refrigerator.

[0097] In some embodiments, the alarm notification information may, but is not limited to, adopt a multi-dimensional information combination form, enabling users to quickly understand the risk of food freezing damage upon receiving the notification. For example, but not limited to, the type of food is used to accurately identify the fresh food currently at risk of freezing damage, making it easy for users to quickly locate the corresponding placement location; the current temperature of the carrier reflects the real-time low-temperature environment of the food in numerical form, allowing users to clearly understand the degree of temperature abnormality; for another example, the freezing damage risk level can be divided into three levels: slight, moderate, and severe, which can be graded and labeled according to the ratio of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value to the preset alarm threshold, allowing users to intuitively judge the degree of harm and reasonably arrange the handling priority.

[0098] After triggering an alarm notification, the controller synchronously or selectively activates the local alarm and remote push mechanisms according to a preset strategy. In some embodiments, in local alarm scenarios, the refrigerator's control panel can be controlled to clearly display the complete alarm content in the form of highlighted text, pop-ups, or icons. Larger fonts and brighter colors can also be used to facilitate quick user identification. The refrigerator's buzzer component can be controlled to use intermittent alerts, with the frequency linked to the level of freezing damage risk; the higher the risk level, the shorter the alert interval, balancing the alerting effect with avoiding continuous noise interference to the user. The refrigerator's lighting component can be controlled to use specific colored lights with flashing frequencies to provide visual warnings; for example, flashing yellow corresponds to medium risk, and solid red corresponds to severe risk, allowing users to identify the risk status without needing to approach the panel. Multiple local alarm components can work independently or in combination to adapt to different usage scenarios such as noisy kitchens and varying lighting conditions.

[0099] In some embodiments, in remote push scenarios, the refrigerator's communication components encrypt and upload alarm information, including food type, real-time temperature, and risk level, to a cloud server via a wireless network. The cloud server then pushes the alarm information to the user's bound mobile phone, tablet, or other smart terminals based on pre-stored device binding relationships. This is delivered to the user in the form of application notifications, SMS reminders, etc., so that the user can be aware of the risk of freezing damage even when not at the refrigerator, thus preventing food from being continuously damaged by freezing due to the user's absence or negligence.

[0100] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: stop outputting alarm notification information in response to detecting an intervention adjustment operation within a first preset time period; and control the local alarm component and / or communication component to continuously output alarm notification information until an intervention adjustment operation is detected if no intervention adjustment operation is detected within the first preset time period.

[0101] In this embodiment, the controller starts a timer while outputting alarm notification information to monitor intervention and adjustment operations within a first preset time period in real time. For example, intervention and adjustment operations include the user moving food to other suitable temperature zones, adjusting the operating level of the variable temperature compartment, or issuing alarm confirmation commands (such as manually turning off the alarm).

[0102] If, within the first preset time period, the system detects that the user has performed an intervention operation such as adjusting the operating level of the variable temperature compartment or issuing an alarm confirmation command through touch commands on the control panel or confirmation operations via the terminal APP, and / or detects through the camera that the user has moved the food to another suitable temperature area, it indicates that the user is aware of the risk and will take corresponding measures. The controller will immediately and synchronously stop the audible and visual prompts of the local alarm component and the information push to the cloud, and return to the normal monitoring state.

[0103] If no intervention or adjustment is received within the first preset time period, the controller determines that the user has not yet perceived the risk of food freezing damage. To prevent the freezing damage from worsening, the controller will maintain the local alarm output intensity and keep the cloud server continuously pushing alarm information to the user's terminal until at least one intervention or adjustment operation is successfully detected before terminating all alarm actions. Through continuous and multi-channel reminders, the controller maximizes the chances that the risk of freezing damage can be detected and dealt with by the user in a timely manner, effectively improving the safety of food preservation and the user experience.

[0104] In some embodiments, it is still as follows Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerator also includes a third temperature sensor 405, which is located inside the variable temperature compartment to collect the real-time temperature inside the compartment and is connected to the controller 204. The controller is further configured to: Receive the real-time temperature of the variable temperature chamber; If the real-time temperature of the variable temperature chamber remains below the preset ice temperature threshold for a second preset time period, and the real-time temperature of the load-bearing component approaches the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, then the time interval for accumulating the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is shortened to increase the frequency of accumulating the low-temperature freezing damage integral value per unit time.

[0105] In some embodiments, the third temperature sensor can be embedded in the middle of the inner wall of the variable temperature drawer. This position avoids the instantaneous temperature fluctuations caused by opening and closing the drawer door and taking food out and putting it in. It can also uniformly sense the overall temperature inside the variable temperature room, avoiding judgment errors caused by sampling position deviation. The temperature sensor in this application adopts a waterproof and anti-condensation design, which is suitable for the low temperature and humid working environment inside the variable temperature room and extends its service life.

[0106] It should be understood that the preset ice temperature threshold is the critical temperature at which the variable temperature compartment enters the ice temperature preservation state. Its value range can be set from -3℃ to 0℃. The specific value can be calibrated according to the overall cooling performance of the refrigerator and the design purpose of the variable temperature compartment. For example, it can be set to -1℃. This threshold is used to characterize that the variable temperature compartment has entered a high-risk state that is likely to cause a sudden drop in the temperature of the upper supporting components.

[0107] It should still be understood that the second preset duration is the time standard for the controller to determine that the temperature of the variable temperature chamber is continuously at an abnormally low temperature. The value range can be set to 3-5 minutes to avoid misjudgment caused by instantaneous fluctuations in the temperature of the variable temperature chamber. This ensures that the subsequent integral interval adjustment logic is triggered only when the temperature of the variable temperature chamber is continuously at a low temperature, thus avoiding frequent adjustments to the integral frequency from affecting the controller's computing efficiency.

[0108] It should also be noted that the real-time temperature of the support component "approaching" the critical temperature for freezing damage means that the difference between the real-time temperature of the support component and the critical temperature for freezing damage is within a preset approach range (which can be set to 0-0.3℃). For example, if the critical temperature for freezing damage is -1.2℃, when the real-time temperature of the support component is -1.1℃ or -1.2℃, it is determined to be approaching the critical temperature. This state indicates that the food is on the edge of the risk of freezing damage. If the variable temperature chamber continues to be in a low-temperature state, the real-time temperature of the support component will further decrease, and the risk of freezing damage to the food will increase rapidly. At this time, it is necessary to adjust the frequency of integral calculation to more accurately capture the changes in the low-temperature freezing damage integral value.

[0109] The third temperature sensor establishes a stable electrical connection with the controller via wires, transmitting the real-time temperature of the variable temperature chamber to the controller. After receiving the real-time temperature of the variable temperature chamber collected by the third temperature sensor and the real-time temperature of the support component collected by the second temperature sensor, the controller continuously monitors and makes logical judgments on the two temperature parameters. When it is detected that the real-time temperature of the variable temperature chamber is continuously lower than the preset ice temperature threshold for a second preset time period, and at the same time the real-time temperature of the support component approaches the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, it indicates that the current food is in a highly sensitive stage where the risk of freezing damage is rapidly increasing. The original integral calculation time interval (for example, it can be 10s-30s) can no longer accurately capture the rapid changes in the integral value, which may lead to a lag in the prediction of freezing damage risk and untimely alarms.

[0110] At this point, the controller automatically triggers a strategy to shorten the integration calculation time interval, reducing the original integration time, for example, from 10s-30s to, for example, 5s-10s, thereby increasing the frequency of accumulating low-temperature freezing damage integral values ​​per unit time. By increasing the integration calculation frequency, the low-temperature freezing damage integral values ​​are accumulated more accurately and quickly, truly reflecting the rate at which food suffers low-temperature damage during high-risk stages. This avoids missed or misjudged freezing damage risks due to delayed integration calculations, ensuring that the controller can promptly capture changing trends in food freezing damage risks. When the integral value reaches the preset alarm threshold, an alarm message is triggered immediately, giving users more time to intervene and adjust, and minimizing the probability of food freezing damage.

[0111] If the real-time temperature of the variable temperature compartment is subsequently detected to be higher than the preset ice temperature threshold, or the real-time temperature of the support component is far from the critical temperature for freezing damage risk (the difference is greater than the preset approach range), the controller will automatically restore the accumulation calculation time interval of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value to the initial set value. This balances the accuracy of integral calculation with the computing efficiency of the controller, achieving dynamic and adaptive integral calculation control, and further improving the accuracy and intelligence level of the refrigerator freezing damage early warning.

[0112] In some embodiments, to adapt to users' needs for preserving various new types of food, compensate for the limitations of the food categories in the initial database, further improve the applicability and accuracy of freezing damage warnings, and avoid warning failures due to incomplete coverage of food categories, the controller is also configured to: In response to the database update command, the refrigerator receives new parameters and stores them in the refrigerator's food characteristics database. The new parameters include: the type of new food, the freezing point temperature corresponding to the type of new food, the preset alarm threshold, and the safety margin.

[0113] For example, database update commands can be triggered in multiple ways. They can be manually issued by the user through the settings interface of the refrigerator's control panel, sent by the user through a smart terminal APP bound to the refrigerator, or received by the refrigerator through a communication component from the cloud server. This adapts to the operating habits of different users and improves the convenience of update operations.

[0114] In some embodiments, the database update command needs to carry complete authentication information. After receiving the database update command, the controller first verifies the legality of the database update command. Only after the verification is successful will the subsequent process of receiving and storing new parameters be started, so as to prevent illegal commands from tampering with the food characteristic database and ensure the security and integrity of the parameters in the database.

[0115] In some embodiments, the newly added parameters must also meet preset specifications to ensure that they are consistent with the original parameters in the food characteristic database in terms of format and logic, so as to facilitate the controller's subsequent quick calling and matching: the type of the newly added food must be clearly defined (such as mango, avocado, okra, etc.) to avoid vague descriptions; the freezing point temperature, preset alarm threshold and safety margin corresponding to the newly added food must conform to the physical characteristics of the food, and the parameter values ​​must be within a preset reasonable range (for example, the preset reasonable range for freezing point temperature can be -3℃ to 0℃, and the preset reasonable range for safety margin can be 0.2℃ to 0.5℃). If the parameters entered by the user exceed the corresponding preset reasonable range, the controller will automatically issue a parameter abnormality prompt, reminding the user to correct the parameters based on the preset reasonable range and resubmit, to ensure the validity of the newly added parameters.

[0116] Once the controller receives new parameters that meet the requirements, it initiates a data processing flow to classify and encode the new parameters. It associates and binds the type of new food with its corresponding freezing point temperature, preset alarm threshold, and safety margin, ensuring that each new food type corresponds to a unique set of parameters. This avoids parameter overlap and confusion, and maintains consistency with the storage logic of existing food parameters in the database. The food characteristic database is stored in the controller's local storage unit, which has a power-off retention function. This ensures that even if the refrigerator is powered off and restarted, the new parameters will not be lost, guaranteeing the stability of the updated database.

[0117] After the new parameters are stored, the controller automatically generates an update completion feedback message, which is sent to the user via the refrigerator control panel or smart terminal APP, informing the user that the new parameters have been successfully entered into the database. Simultaneously, the controller can also update the database index information, including the newly added food type in the parameter matching index. This ensures that when the user selects the new food type or the controller determines that the new food is placed on a support, it can quickly retrieve the corresponding freezing point temperature, preset alarm threshold, and safety margin from the database, and properly execute processes such as calculating the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and accumulating low-temperature freezing damage points, achieving accurate freezing damage warnings for the new food.

[0118] In addition, the controller also supports the subsequent modification and deletion of newly added parameters. Users can adjust the stored new parameters by issuing corresponding commands to further adapt to the user's personalized preservation needs. This enables the food characteristic database to dynamically adapt to the usage scenarios of different users, improving the flexibility and practicality of the refrigerator freezing damage early warning system.

[0119] This application provides an example of a refrigerator control method. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a refrigerator control method provided in an embodiment of this application. It is intended as an example and not a limitation. This method can be applied to or operated in a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet, an evaporator, and a controller. The cabinet contains a refrigerator compartment and a variable temperature compartment, which share a single evaporator. A support for placing food is located above the variable temperature compartment. Please refer to... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes: S601, in response to the refrigerator compartment operating in cooling mode and the variable temperature compartment being at its coldest setting, determines the food placement status of the support unit.

[0120] S602, if food is placed on the food placement status indicator carrier, determine the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food.

[0121] S603 If the real-time temperature of the load-bearing component is less than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is greater than or equal to the preset alarm threshold, then an alarm message will be triggered.

[0122] Among them, the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is used to quantify the degree of low-temperature damage to the food on the carrier, and is calculated based on the cumulative difference between the real-time temperature and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk. The alarm message is used to indicate that the food is at risk of freezing damage.

[0123] It is understood that the embodiments of the refrigerator control method and any implementation thereof correspond to the embodiments of the refrigerator and any implementation thereof. The technical effects corresponding to the embodiments of the refrigerator control method and any implementation thereof can be found in the above-mentioned technical effects corresponding to the refrigerator embodiments and any implementation thereof, and will not be repeated here.

[0124] It should be understood that the sequence number of each step in the above embodiments does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0125] Corresponding to the refrigerator control method in the above embodiment, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator control device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device can be implemented as part or all of a computer device by software, hardware, or a combination of both. This computer device can be... Figure 8 The electronic device shown.

[0126] The refrigerator includes a cabinet, an evaporator, and a controller. The cabinet contains a refrigerator compartment and a variable-temperature compartment, which share a single evaporator. Above the variable-temperature compartment is a support structure for placing food. (See reference...) Figure 7 The refrigerator's control device includes: The first determining unit 701 is used to determine the food placement status of the carrier in response to the refrigerator compartment operating in refrigeration mode and the variable temperature compartment being in the coldest setting.

[0127] The second determining unit 702 is used to determine the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food if food is placed on the food placement status indicator carrier.

[0128] The alarm unit 703 is used to trigger the output of alarm prompt information if the real-time temperature of the bearing component is less than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is greater than or equal to the preset alarm threshold.

[0129] Among them, the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is used to quantify the degree of low-temperature damage to the food on the carrier, and is calculated based on the cumulative difference between the real-time temperature and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk. The alarm message is used to indicate that the food is at risk of freezing damage.

[0130] It is understood that the refrigerator control device embodiments and any implementation methods correspond to the refrigerator control method, refrigerator embodiments, and any implementation methods, respectively. The technical effects corresponding to the refrigerator control device embodiments and any implementation methods can be found in the aforementioned technical effects corresponding to the refrigerator control method, refrigerator embodiments, and any implementation methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0131] It should be noted that the refrigerator control device provided in the above embodiments is only an example of the division of the above functional modules. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0132] The functional units and modules in the above embodiments can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. Furthermore, the specific names of the functional units and modules are only for easy differentiation and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0133] It should be noted that the information interaction and execution process between the above-mentioned devices / units are based on the same concept as the method embodiments of this application. For details on their specific functions and technical effects, please refer to the method embodiments section, and they will not be repeated here.

[0134] This application also provides an electronic device, which includes one or more processors and a memory; The memory is coupled to one or more processors. The memory is used to store computer program code, which includes computer instructions. One or more processors invoke the computer instructions to cause the electronic device to perform the aforementioned refrigerator control method.

[0135] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device 800 can be a mobile phone, smart screen, tablet computer, wearable electronic device, in-vehicle electronic device, augmented reality (AR) device, virtual reality (VR) device, laptop computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), projector, or a communication device such as a server, storage device, or base station, or a smart car, etc. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations on the specific type of electronic device.

[0136] The memory 801 can be used to store computer programs 802 and modules. The processor 803 executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory 801. The memory 801 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, application programs required for at least one function (such as sound playback function, image playback function, etc.), etc.; the data storage area may store data created according to the use of the electronic device (such as audio data, telephone book, etc.). In addition, the memory 801 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

[0137] The processor 803 may include one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), and a baseband processor. The processor can serve as the nerve center and command center of the wireless router. The processor 803 can generate operation control signals based on instruction opcodes and timing signals to control instruction fetching and execution. The memory 801 can be used to store executable program code, including instructions. The processor 803 executes various functional applications and data processing of the network device by running the instructions stored in the memory. The memory 801 may include a program storage area and a data storage area, such as storing data for audio signals to be played. For example, the memory may be Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDR) or Flash memory.

[0138] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions; when the computer-readable storage medium is used on an electronic device, it causes the electronic device to execute the aforementioned refrigerator control method.

[0139] The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or can include one or more data storage devices such as servers or data centers that can be integrated with media. The available medium can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media, or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0140] This application also provides a computer program product containing computer instructions, which, when run on an electronic device, enables the electronic device to execute the aforementioned refrigerator control method.

[0141] The computer storage medium and computer program products provided in the embodiments of this application are used to execute the refrigerator described above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects corresponding to the refrigerator described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0142] In the above embodiments, implementation can also be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, Digital Subscriber Line, DSL) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD), etc., and the storage medium can also include combinations of the above types of memory.

[0143] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0144] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments claimed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0145] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus / network devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus / network device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0146] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0147] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The cabinet contains a refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment, an evaporator, and a controller. The evaporator provides cooling to both the refrigerator compartment and the variable temperature compartment. A support for placing food is located above the variable temperature compartment. The controller is configured to: In response to the refrigerator compartment operating in refrigeration mode and the variable temperature compartment being at its coldest setting, the food placement status of the carrier is determined; If the food placement status indicates that the food is placed on the carrier, determine the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food. If the real-time temperature of the bearing component is less than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is greater than or equal to the preset alarm threshold, then an alarm prompt message will be triggered. The low-temperature freezing damage integral value is used to quantify the degree of low-temperature damage to the food on the carrier, and is calculated based on the cumulative difference between the real-time temperature and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk. The alarm message is used to indicate that the food is at risk of freezing damage.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller executes the determination of the critical temperature for freezing damage risk corresponding to the type of food ingredient and the preset alarm threshold, and is configured as follows: Receive a type selection instruction for the ingredient, wherein the type selection instruction is used to select the type of the ingredient; Determine the freezing point temperature and preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food ingredient; The critical temperature for freezing damage risk of the food is determined based on the difference between the freezing point temperature and the preset safety margin. The safety margin refers to the temperature compensation value preset in advance to predict the freezing damage risk of the food and avoid false alarms or missed alarms caused by temperature fluctuations.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller executes the determination of the freezing point temperature corresponding to the type of food ingredient and the preset alarm threshold, and is configured as follows: Based on the type of the ingredient, a preset ingredient characteristic database is invoked to match the freezing point temperature and preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of the ingredient from the ingredient characteristic database; The food ingredient characteristic database pre-stores various types of food ingredients. Each type of food ingredient corresponds to a unique freezing point temperature and a preset alarm threshold. The freezing point temperature is used to characterize the critical temperature at which the food ingredient suffers cell freezing damage. The preset alarm threshold is used to characterize the minimum low-temperature freezing damage integral value corresponding to the occurrence of cell freezing damage in the food ingredient. The preset alarm threshold is positively correlated with the freezing point temperature.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ingredients include at least one of fresh produce, fruits, and vegetables. The controller, in response to the refrigerator compartment operating in refrigeration mode and the variable temperature compartment being at its coldest setting, determines the food placement status of the carrier and is configured as follows: In response to the refrigerator compartment operating the cooling mode and the variable temperature compartment operating the coldest setting, user usage data of the refrigerator is acquired, wherein the user usage data is used to indicate at least the frequency, duration, and frequency percentage of food placed on the carrier by the user within a preset statistical period. If the user data determines that the carrier is a commonly used food placement device, then the predicted food placement status indicates that the food is placed on the carrier; If the user data determines that the carrier is a non-standard food placement device, then the predicted food placement status indicates that no food is placed on the carrier.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The refrigerator further includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is used to collect the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment, and the second temperature sensor is used to collect the real-time temperature of the support component. The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are respectively connected to the controller, and the controller is further configured to: If the refrigeration mode of the refrigeration compartment is determined to be in operation based on the real-time temperature of the refrigeration compartment, then the single refrigeration start-up time of the refrigeration compartment is used as the integration period, and the real-time temperature of the carrier is used to perform the cumulative calculation of the low-temperature frost damage integral value based on the critical temperature of the frost damage risk, so as to obtain the low-temperature frost damage integral value. If it is determined that the refrigerator compartment has stopped operating the refrigeration mode based on the real-time temperature of the refrigerator compartment, the cumulative calculation of the low-temperature freezing injury integral value is paused and the current low-temperature freezing injury integral value remains unchanged. After the refrigerator compartment restarts the refrigeration mode, the cumulative calculation is continued based on the low-temperature freezing injury integral value at the time of the pause in the cumulative calculation to obtain the low-temperature freezing injury integral value.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The initial value of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is set to 0; the controller performs an accumulation calculation of the low-temperature freezing damage integral value based on the critical temperature of freezing damage risk and the real-time temperature of the carrier, and is configured to: compare the real-time temperature of the carrier with the critical temperature of freezing damage risk; if the real-time temperature of the carrier is less than or equal to the critical temperature of freezing damage risk, then determine the integrand based on the difference between the real-time temperature of the carrier and the critical temperature of freezing damage risk, and accumulate the low-temperature freezing damage integral value based on the integrand; The controller is also configured to: if the real-time temperature of the carrier is greater than the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, then keep the low-temperature freezing damage integral value unchanged; If the alarm message is not triggered within the single integration cycle, the low-temperature freezing damage integral value within the single integration cycle is cleared to zero, and the next integration cycle is started to re-execute the cumulative calculation for the new single integration cycle. If the alarm message is triggered within the single integration cycle, the current low-temperature freezing damage integral value remains unchanged until an intervention adjustment operation is received, at which point the low-temperature freezing damage integral value within the single integration cycle is cleared to zero, and the next integration cycle is started to re-execute the cumulative calculation for the new single integration cycle.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The alarm message includes the type of food, the current temperature of the support, and the risk level of freezing damage. The controller is configured to trigger and output the alarm message. The local alarm component of the refrigerator is controlled to output the alarm notification information, and / or the alarm notification information is uploaded to the cloud server through the communication component of the refrigerator. The local alarm component includes at least one of an operation panel, a buzzer component, and a light component. The cloud server is used to push the alarm notification information to user terminals that have been pre-bound to the refrigerator. The controller is further configured to: stop outputting the alarm message in response to detecting an intervention adjustment operation within a first preset time period; and control the local alarm component and / or the communication component to continuously output the alarm message in response to not detecting the intervention adjustment operation within the first preset time period until the intervention adjustment operation is detected.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The refrigerator also includes a third temperature sensor, which is used to collect the real-time temperature inside the variable temperature compartment and is connected to the controller, which is further configured to: Receive the real-time temperature of the variable temperature chamber; If the real-time temperature of the variable temperature chamber remains below the preset ice temperature threshold for a second preset time period, and the real-time temperature of the support component approaches the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, then the time interval for accumulating the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is shortened to increase the frequency of accumulating the low-temperature freezing damage integral value per unit time.

9. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: In response to a database update command, new parameters are received, including: the type of new ingredient, the freezing point temperature, preset alarm threshold, and safety margin corresponding to the type of new ingredient; The newly added parameters are stored in the food characteristics database of the refrigerator.

10. A method for controlling a refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes a cabinet, an evaporator, and a controller. The cabinet contains a refrigerator compartment and a variable-temperature compartment, which share an evaporator. A support for placing food is located above the variable-temperature compartment. The method includes: In response to the refrigerator compartment operating in refrigeration mode and the variable temperature compartment being at its coldest setting, the food placement status of the carrier is determined; If the food placement status indicates that the food is placed on the carrier, determine the critical temperature for freezing damage risk and the preset alarm threshold corresponding to the type of food. If the real-time temperature of the bearing component is less than or equal to the critical temperature for freezing damage risk, and the low-temperature freezing damage integral value is greater than or equal to the preset alarm threshold, then an alarm prompt message will be triggered. The low-temperature freezing damage integral value is used to quantify the degree of low-temperature damage to the food on the carrier, and is calculated based on the cumulative difference between the real-time temperature and the critical temperature for freezing damage risk. The alarm message is used to indicate that the food is at risk of freezing damage.

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