Dual use user interface and door position sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration appliances typically use independent sensors and circuitry for user interfaces and door position detection, which is inefficient and requires multiple systems, whereas there is a need for a combined system that can determine door states and control user interface interactions using touch-sensitive sensors.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration appliance utilizing touch-sensitive sensors as input devices for both user interface controls and door position detection, where the activation or inactivation of sensors indicates door states, allowing a single system to manage both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent sensors and circuitry are used for user interface and door position detection, then each function can be reliably detected, but the device complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the user interface sensor and door position sensor into a single sensor system. The sensor is positioned on the door such that it detects both user interface inputs (when the door is closed) and door position (when the door opens or closes), eliminating the need for separate sensor systems while maintaining detection reliability through contextual interpretation of sensor signals
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor system performs multiple functions: detecting user interface button presses when the door is closed, and detecting door open/closed positions when the door moves. The controller distinguishes between these functions by analyzing the state and pattern of sensor activation, allowing one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors
2Device complexity
If a single sensor system is used for both user interface and door position detection, then device complexity is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors sensor signals and uses feedback from the system state (door position, user interface state) to interpret sensor activations correctly. When the door is closed and the sensor activates, it interprets this as a user interface input; when the door moves and the sensor activates, it interprets this as a door position change, resolving the measurement ambiguity through contextual feedback
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 simplifies the sensor system by using a single system for both user interface interactions and door state detection, enhancing efficiency and reducing complexity while maintaining accurate door state determination and user interface control.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the at least two sensors of the user interface is a capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the at least two sensors of the user interface is an infrared proximity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration appliance including both a user interface and door position sensor. The same devices and sensors are for both functions. The user interface is mounted on a door or mullion in such a way that all or nearly all of the input devices on the user interface are activated simultaneously or nearly simultaneously when a door is closed so that the user interface can distinguish this action from user inputs in which only one or two input devices are activated at a time. Likewise, when all input devices are inactivated nearly simultaneously, the user interface may know that a door has been opened.