Sensor device for a household cooling appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies for household refrigeration appliances are inadequate in accurately determining the opening angle of a pivoting door, particularly for triggering image capture when the door is fully closed, leading to potential inaccuracies in capturing contents within the refrigerator.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device equipped with an inertial sensor, such as a yaw rate sensor, attached to the pivoting door, which integrates yaw rate signals over time to determine the pivoting angle and outputs a signal when a predetermined threshold is reached, ensuring precise detection of the door's closure for optimal image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetic sensor is used to detect door opening angle, then the detection can be implemented, but the sensor device requires additional components and wiring that complicate the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic sensors and mechanical switches with an inertial sensor that uses motion detection algorithms to determine door state. The processing device calculates door opening angle and closure detection by analyzing acceleration and velocity data from the inertial sensor, eliminating the need for magnetic sensors and complex wiring systems.
2Reliability
If the door closure detection is not precise, then the system is simpler, but images may be captured when the door is not fully closed leading to incomplete content visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processing device continuously monitors door motion parameters (acceleration, velocity, position) from the inertial sensor and adjusts the image capture trigger based on detected door closure events. The system uses the detected door state to control the camera timing, ensuring images are captured only when the door is fully closed.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional sensors are used, then the system can detect door position, but energy consumption increases and long-term stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic sampling of inertial sensor data and uses event-triggered image capture based on detected door closure events. The processing device analyzes motion patterns periodically and only activates the camera when door closure is detected, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous sensor operation or fixed-interval image capture.
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
The solution provides precise and reliable detection of the pivoting door's angle, ensuring that images are taken only when the door is fully closed, thereby capturing all contents accurately and efficiently, while minimizing energy consumption and maintaining long-term stability.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device includes an inertial sensor for providing a movement signal
Implementation Method 2
The inertial sensor can include one or more acceleration sensors (translation sensors) and/or one or more yaw rate sensors (rotation sensors)
Implementation Method 3
The processing device is set up to integrate the yaw rate over time in order to determine the swivel angle
Data Source
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AI summary
A domestic refrigeration appliance (105) comprises a pivotable door (115) on which a sensor device (110) can be mounted. Said sensor device (110) includes an inertial sensor (130) for supplying a motion signal as well as a processing unit (135) configured to determine a pivot angle of the pivotable door (115) on the basis of the motion signal and output a signal when the pivot angle has reached a pre-established limit value.