A cooling device comprising a knob
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices with integrated knobs for thermostat and light sources face issues such as reduced compartment volume due to knob placement, risk of damage from food storage items, and difficulty in replacing the light source.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with a removable knob featuring a magnet for secure attachment to the compartment wall, allowing for easy repositioning and featuring a light source, electronic circuit box, and temperature indicator, enabling efficient temperature control and illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a knob is integrated into the compartment wall for thermostat and light source functions, then temperature control and illumination are improved, but the compartment volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the knob from the fixed compartment wall structure and makes it a separate, removable component that can be magnetically attached to the wall. This allows the knob to provide temperature control and illumination functions while not permanently occupying space within the compartment volume, thereby resolving the contradiction between functional integration and volume maximization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed knob into a dynamic, movable component that can be freely positioned and removed. The magnetic attachment mechanism enables the knob to be dynamically placed at different locations on the compartment wall, providing functional flexibility while maintaining clear compartment space for food storage.
2Ease of operation
If a knob is placed within the compartment, then temperature control is improved, but the knob may be damaged by food storage receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable knob component from the potential impact zone by making it removable and positionable on the outer wall surface rather than fixed within the compartment. This separation protects the knob from being struck by food storage receptacles while maintaining its temperature control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protective measures by designing the knob as a removable component that can be taken off before placing heavy or sharp food storage items in the compartment. This preemptive approach prevents potential damage before it occurs.
3Illumination intensity
If a knob is integrated into the compartment wall, then light source function is improved, but the light source is difficult to replace when not functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the knob into separable components, with the light source housed within the removable knob assembly. This segmentation allows the light source to be easily accessed and replaced by simply removing the knob from the wall, eliminating the need for complex disassembly procedures and significantly improving repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light source from a fixed, hard-to-reach position and places it within the removable knob component. This extraction makes the light source easily accessible for replacement by simply detaching the knob, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing illumination and enabling easy repair.
4Ease of operation
If a knob occupies space in the compartment, then temperature control function is maintained, but the desired compartment volume is narrowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the knob from the internal compartment space and repositions it as a removable component on the outer wall surface. This extraction eliminates the volume occupation issue while preserving the temperature control function, thereby maximizing the available storage volume within the compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the knob from a two-dimensional plane within the compartment to a three-dimensional position on the outer wall surface. This dimensional relocation allows the knob to maintain its control functions while no longer consuming valuable internal storage space, effectively resolving the volume contradiction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances user convenience by allowing easy mounting and repositioning of the knob, reducing the risk of damage and improving light source accessibility, while maintaining efficient temperature control and illumination.
Implementation Method 1
the knob having at least one magnet so as to be in interaction with the interaction means to ensure that it is mounted on the wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A cooling device (1) comprising at least one compartment having at least a wall wherein foodstuffs desired to be cooled are placed, at least one recess (4) disposed on the wall (3), a knob (5) that is situated on the recess (4) that enables the compartment (2) temperature to be changed by the user and having a light source (6) for illuminating the compartment (2) wherein the compartment (2) comprises at least one interaction means (7) disposed on the back surface of the wall (3) and the knob (5) comprises at least one magnet (8) so as to be in interaction with the interaction means (7) to ensure that it is mounted on the wall (3)