Refrigerator Door Endcap Wireless Module for Better Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator appliance wireless modules placed within the cabinet or on its external surface experience reduced connectivity due to obstructions and are difficult to install or service, as they are often made of metal, which interferes with wireless data transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator appliance door design featuring a wireless module positioned on a plastic endcap with recessed pockets and a cover that secures the module, allowing for easy installation and service, while the module's antenna faces outward for improved connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless module is placed within the cabinet or on its external surface, then the appliance structure is maintained, but wireless connectivity is reduced due to obstructions and metal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless module is extracted from the cabinet interior or metal surface and repositioned on the plastic endcap, removing it from the harmful environment of metal interference and obstructions. This extraction places the wireless module in a location free from the harmful factors that degraded its performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic endcap serves as an intermediary location that mediates between the cabinet structure and the wireless module. The plastic material acts as a non-interfering substrate that supports the wireless module while preventing metal interference, thus improving wireless connectivity without compromising the appliance structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the wireless module is placed within the cabinet, then installation is complicated, but the appliance structure remains intact
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless module is extracted from the complex interior cabinet environment and placed on the accessible endcap, simplifying both installation and servicing. The endcap location provides easy access without requiring disassembly of cabinet components, thereby reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The endcap design with integrated mounting features enables the wireless module to be installed and serviced independently without requiring specialized tools or disassembly of other components. The location and structure of the endcap facilitate self-service installation and maintenance.
3Reliability
If the wireless module is positioned on the endcap, then wireless connectivity is improved, but the module must be externally accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The endcap serves multiple functions: it maintains the aesthetic appearance of the appliance, provides structural support, and serves as the optimal location for the wireless module to achieve both improved connectivity and accessibility. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between connectivity improvement and accessibility requirement.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance door including an outer skin extending between first and second distal edges thereof, and an inner liner disposed adjacent the outer skin such that a space is formed therebetween. A first endcap is disposed at the first distal edge of the outer skin and the first endcap partially enclose the space formed between the outer skin and the liner. A wireless module is positioned on the first endcap and is configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device. The wireless module includes a printed circuit board and an antenna, wherein the antenna faces outwards and away from the first endcap.