Refrigerator Door Camera Module With Inertial Trigger Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances, such as refrigerators, face challenges in accurately detecting door movements due to the fixed installation of Hall sensors and magnets, leading to misalignment of trigger angles, which affects camera operation and image recording quality.
Innovation Solution
Integration of inertial sensors within a camera/sensor module in the door allows for continuous and precise detection of door movement parameters like angle, direction, and speed, enabling adjustable trigger values without mechanical changes, and reducing assembly complexity and potential system failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Hall sensors and magnets are used for door movement detection, then the trigger angle can be detected, but the system requires manual readjustment when door position changes occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Hall sensor and magnet system with an inertial sensor that uses accelerometer and gyroscope technology to detect door movement. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical readjustment of fixed components while maintaining trigger angle detection capability through software-based parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of trigger angle parameters through software configuration rather than requiring physical repositioning of sensor components. The inertial sensor system allows trigger values to be modified electronically, making parameter changes simple and flexible without mechanical intervention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If Hall sensors are fixedly installed, then the trigger angle detection is stable, but the system cannot easily adapt to door position changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed mechanical sensor installation is replaced with a movable inertial sensor module that can be positioned flexibly within the door structure. The system maintains stability through software calibration while enabling adaptability through repositionable sensor placement and programmable trigger parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static, fixed sensor system to a dynamic system where the inertial sensor can be repositioned and recalibrated. The trigger parameters become dynamic and adjustable through software, allowing the system to adapt to changing door positions while maintaining operational stability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple components (Hall sensor, magnet) are installed separately, then the trigger angle detection is achievable, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the accelerometer and gyroscope into a single integrated inertial sensor module, replacing the separate Hall sensor and magnet components. This merging reduces the number of parts to be assembled and positioned, simplifying the overall system while maintaining accurate trigger angle detection through sensor fusion algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inertial sensor module serves multiple functions: detecting door opening angle, determining door movement direction, and measuring door opening speed. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate components, reducing assembly complexity while enhancing measurement capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If the camera is triggered at a fixed trigger angle, then the camera operation is simple, but the image recording quality is reduced when trigger angle misalignment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables flexible adjustment of camera trigger parameters through software configuration of the inertial sensor system. Trigger values can be precisely calibrated to match the optimal camera activation point, ensuring high image recording quality while maintaining simple camera operation through programmable triggers rather than fixed mechanical switches.
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
This solution provides precise control of appliance functions based on multiple trigger values, compensates for assembly tolerances, and allows for flexible camera operation and lighting adjustments, enhancing image recording quality and user friendliness.
Implementation Method 1
the door movement sensor has at least one inertial sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A domestic appliance, which may be a cooling device, such as a refrigerator, includes: a treatment chamber that can be closed by a pivotable door; at least one camera arranged in the door for recording images from the treatment chamber when the door is open; and a door movement sensor for detecting values of at least one parameter of a door movement. The door movement sensor has at least one inertial sensor. At least one camera and the at least one inertial sensor are integrated in a camera/sensor module which is arranged in the door. The camera/sensor module has a communication device, at least for outputting image data from the camera of the camera/sensor module. The domestic appliance is configured to trigger at least one device function upon the detection of at least one trigger value.