Display Sub-Processor Power Switching for Refrigerator Door Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The separate placement of a sub-processor in home appliances, such as refrigerators, leads to increased power consumption compared to systems with only a main processor, complicating the power control structure.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power control element, such as a switching element or chip module, between the power supply and sub-processor, allowing the main processor to turn the sub-processor on or off based on control signals, specifically controlling the sub-processor's power state in response to door operations and user presence, to reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sub-processor is disposed separately from the main processor to control the display, then the display control function is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sub-processor's power state changeable between on and off based on operational needs. The control signal from the main processor dynamically adjusts the sub-processor's power state, allowing it to be off when not needed and on when display control is required, thus resolving the contradiction between improved display control function and increased power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sub-processor is disposed separately from the main processor, then display control capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the main processor and sub-processor into a coordinated system where the main processor generates control signals and the sub-processor executes display control functions. This combining approach allows the system to achieve enhanced display control capability while managing overall device complexity through functional integration rather than complete separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the processing functions by separating display control tasks from main processing tasks, with the sub-processor dedicated to display control. This segmentation allows the display control capability to be enhanced independently while the main processor focuses on core processing functions, managing overall system complexity through functional division.
3Speed
If the sub-processor remains always on to control display operations, then response speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by turning the sub-processor on only when display control is needed and turning it off when not needed. The main processor periodically activates the sub-processor based on operational requirements, allowing the system to maintain fast display response when needed while minimizing power consumption during periods when display control is not required.
Data Source
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AI summary
A home appliance includes a door sensor; a display; a main processor; a sub-processor configured to control a display operation of the display; and a power control element configured to be connected to the sub-processor, wherein the main processor is configured to: generate a control signal for turning on or off power of the sub-processor based on information sensed by the door sensor, and turn on or off the power of the sub-processor by controlling the power control element according to the control signal.