Refrigerator Door Camera Module With Inertial Angle Triggering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current door movement detection systems in household appliances, such as refrigerators, are inefficient due to the need for manual readjustment of Hall sensors and magnets, leading to misalignment of trigger angles, which affects camera operation and image recording accuracy.

Innovation Solution

Integration of inertial sensors within a camera/sensor module in the door, allowing continuous detection of door movement parameters like angle, direction, and speed, enabling precise triggering of device functions without mechanical adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If Hall sensors and magnets are used for door movement detection, then door opening angle can be detected, but manual readjustment is required when door position changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening angle detection accuracyVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical Hall sensor and magnet system with an inertial sensor that uses MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical readjustment while maintaining detection accuracy, as the inertial sensor can adapt to door position changes through software-based calibration rather than physical repositioning of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from magnetic field-based Hall effect to acceleration-based inertial sensing. This parameter change allows the system to detect door movement and calculate opening angles without requiring precise mechanical alignment, thereby eliminating the need for manual readjustment while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If Hall sensor position is fixed, then trigger angle detection is stable, but cannot adapt to door sagging or position changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger angle detection stabilityVSAvoidadaptation to door position changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static mechanical alignment system to a dynamic inertial sensing system. The inertial sensor continuously monitors door movement and can adapt its reference frame, allowing the system to maintain stable trigger angle detection while adapting to door sagging and position changes through software-based calibration rather than fixed mechanical mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The inertial sensor system performs self-calibration by detecting door movement patterns and establishing reference positions automatically. This self-service capability allows the system to adapt to door position changes without external intervention, maintaining both stability and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If camera is triggered at wrong time due to misaligned trigger angle, then image recording accuracy decreases, but manual readjustment is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera triggering accuracyVSAvoidsensor adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical Hall sensor positioning system with an inertial sensor that uses acceleration data to determine door opening angles. This substitution simplifies the device by eliminating the need for precise mechanical positioning of sensors and magnets, while improving camera triggering accuracy through software-based angle calculation and adaptive calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate and adjustable door movement detection, improving camera triggering and image recording quality, reducing assembly complexity, and enhancing system reliability with reduced risk of incorrect assembly or electrical issues.

Implementation Method 1

at least one door motion sensor having at least one inertial sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertial sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3948119B1Domestic appliance having a camera arranged in a door
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3948119B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3948119B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a domestic appliance (1) comprising: a treatment chamber (2) that can be closed by means of a pivotable door (5); at least one camera (7) arranged in the door (5) for recording images from the treatment chamber (2) when the door (5) is opened; and a door movement sensor for detecting values of at least one parameter of a door movement, wherein the door movement sensor has at least one inertial sensor (8); at least one camera (7) and the at least one inertial sensor (8) are integrated in a camera/sensor module (6) which is arranged in the door (5); the camera/sensor module (6) has a communication device (9), at least for outputting image data from the camera (7) of the camera/sensor module (6); and the domestic appliance (1) is configured to trigger at least one device function upon the detection of at least one trigger value. The invention can be applied particularly advantageously to cooling devices, particularly refrigerators.