External Sensor Attachment for Refrigerator Door State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators without a communication function cannot transmit usage information to a communication terminal, limiting the functionality of existing watch-over systems.
Innovation Solution
A usage notification device is attached to the exterior of a refrigerator, comprising a door open/closed recognition unit and a wireless communication unit to transmit usage information to a communication terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a refrigerator is not provided with a communication function, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the ability to transmit usage information to a communication terminal is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system is segmented into two independent parts: a sensor unit attached to the refrigerator that detects door open/closed states, and a communication terminal that receives notifications. This allows the refrigerator itself to remain simple without built-in communication functions, while still achieving notification capability through the attached sensor unit that communicates with external terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary sensor unit is introduced between the refrigerator and the communication terminal. This sensor unit detects the door state and transmits information to the terminal, serving as a mediator that enables notification functionality without requiring the refrigerator to have inherent communication capabilities.
2Loss of information
If a communication function is built into the refrigerator, then usage information can be transmitted automatically, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication function is extracted from the refrigerator body and placed in an external sensor unit. This extraction allows the refrigerator to maintain its simple structure while the notification capability resides in the separate, attachable sensor unit that contains the communication interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit autonomously detects door open/closed states and automatically transmits notification information to the communication terminal without requiring complex control systems within the refrigerator. The simple refrigerator structure serves itself by having its state passively detected by the external sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A door open/closed recognition device is configured to be attached to a top surface of an exterior of a refrigerator to be used. The door open/closed recognition device includes an attachment portion that is provided on a bottom surface of the door open/closed recognition device and configured to fix the door open/closed recognition device on the top surface; a wireless communication unit that performs a wireless communication with a communication terminal; and a door open/closed recognition unit. The door open/closed recognition unit includes a sensor configured to detect an object which exists within a detection area at a front surface of the refrigerator in a state where the door open/closed recognition device is attached on the top surface; and a processor configured to recognize an open or closed state of a door of the refrigerator based on a detection result of the sensor.