Transparent LCD Refrigerator Door With Hinge-Pin Power Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerator and freezer doors face challenges in providing reliable DC power and data communications to components like LED lights and transparent LCD panels due to space limitations and reliability issues with traditional electrical cables in cold environments, and bulky transformers are needed for AC power conversion.

Innovation Solution

A transparent LCD glass panel is integrated as a center pane in a three-pane insulated glass unit, with associated electronics and wiring housed within the hermetically sealed glass assembly or door rail to protect from condensation and impact, using selectively decorated opaque areas to conceal components and utilize low-voltage DC power and data communications through a modified hinge pin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrical cables are used to supply power and data to door-mounted components, then power and data can be transmitted, but the cables suffer from copper conductor fatigue and insulation cracking due to flexing in cold environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable reliabilityVSAvoidcold environment damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power and data transmission function from traditional flexible cables and relocates it to the hinge pin mechanism. Conductors are passed through the hinge pin in a concentric arrangement, eliminating the need for flexible cables that are susceptible to cold-weather damage and fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge pin serves as an intermediary mechanism to transmit power and data between the stationary door and the moving components. By routing conductors through the hinge pin, the system achieves reliable electrical connection without requiring flexible cables that are vulnerable to environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If all conductors are run through the hinge pin to improve reliability, then cable fatigue is minimized, but space limitations in the hinge pin make it difficult to accommodate all necessary conductors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor reliabilityVSAvoidhinge pin space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the conductors into two categories: low-voltage DC conductors for power and data transmission are routed through the hinge pin, while high-voltage AC conductors for anti-sweat heaters are routed separately. This segmentation allows the hinge pin to contain only the essential low-voltage conductors, managing space constraints while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge pin is designed with specific local characteristics to accommodate conductors - it includes insulating materials and concentric conductor arrangements in specific zones. This localized optimization allows efficient use of the limited hinge pin space while ensuring proper electrical isolation and connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If AC power is used in the door for anti-sweat heaters and other components, then sufficient power is available, but bulky transformers and capacitors are required which are difficult to fit into the narrow door rails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidtransformer and capacitor volume

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical power conversion system (transformers and capacitors) with an electronic power supply system. A compact power supply unit converts AC to DC electronically, eliminating the need for bulky electromagnetic transformers and capacitors, and fitting the power conversion components into the narrow door rail space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If transparent LCD panels and other electronic components are mounted on the door, then advertising and information display capabilities are enhanced, but the components are vulnerable to condensation damage from temperature and humidity changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay capabilityVSAvoidcondensation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electronic components (LCD panel, media player, etc.) from the external door environment and houses them within the hermetically sealed insulated glass assembly. This extraction protects the components from condensation and humidity while maintaining the door's insulating properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulated glass assembly creates a hermetically sealed inert environment that protects electronic components from moisture and condensation. The sealed glass unit acts as a protective barrier, isolating sensitive electronics from the harsh temperature and humidity conditions outside the display case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Data Source

PatentUS8683745B2Refrigerated display case door with transparent LCD panel

Publication Date: 2014.04.01 ANTHONY INC

AI summary

A door assembly that includes a single glass unit having at least first, second and third panels, a front surface, a rear surface, and an outside edge. At least one of the first, second or third panels is a transparent LCD panel on which media can be displayed. The single glass unit also includes a frame that at least partially surrounds the outside edge of the single glass unit, and electronic components in electrical communication with the LCD panel.