Powered Refrigerator Drawer Control Circuit for Sealing and Low Opening Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator freezer drawers require significant bending and pulling force to open, especially for the elderly, due to their bottom-mounted design and sealing gaskets, which can lead to energy loss and compressor overrun if not fully closed.
Innovation Solution
A powered refrigerator drawer system with a driving mechanism and electronic control circuit that allows for automatic opening and closing, using sensors and a solenoid activator to reduce manual effort and ensure full closure, incorporating user input and obstruction detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gasket is used to seal the drawer, then sealing performance is improved, but opening force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically closing the drawer after it is opened, ensuring the gasket remains engaged and sealed. This eliminates the need for manual closing action and ensures consistent sealing performance without requiring the user to overcome gasket resistance during closing.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered drawer system provides self-service by automatically returning the drawer to its closed position using the motorized driving mechanism. This self-closing function maintains reliable sealing through the gasket without requiring manual intervention, thereby preserving sealing performance while eliminating the need for users to apply force to overcome gasket resistance during closing.
2Strength
If the drawer is made heavy for durability, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated motorized driving mechanism. The motorized system handles all heavy lifting and movement of the durable drawer, substituting human mechanical effort with electrical-mechanical actuation. This allows the drawer to be constructed with heavy, durable materials while maintaining ease of operation through automatic opening and closing functions.
3Ease of operation
If the drawer is left unclosed to allow access, then ease of operation is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically closing the drawer after a predetermined time period following opening. This timed automatic closing ensures that the drawer returns to its closed, energy-sealing position without requiring manual intervention, thereby preventing energy loss while maintaining ease of access during the opening period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors and control circuits to monitor drawer position and timing. When the drawer is opened, the control system activates the motorized mechanism to automatically return the drawer to its closed position after a predetermined time interval. This feedback-controlled automatic closing prevents energy loss by ensuring the drawer is promptly resealed, while still allowing convenient access during the interval.
4Ease of operation
If a powered driving mechanism is added to automate drawer operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized driving mechanism serves multiple functions: it powers the drawer open, powers the drawer closed, and can be controlled through various input methods (manual switches, automatic sensors, timed sequences). This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms into a single versatile system, reducing overall complexity despite the added motorization.
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
Reduces the effort required to open and close the drawer, ensures full closure to prevent energy loss and compressor overrun, and allows for manual override during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid activator connected to a servo and initiated by the instruction
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance, such as a refrigerator, includes a drawer mounted within a cabinet for movement between an opened position and a closed position. A driving mechanism, including an electric motor connects to the drawer for driving the drawer between the opened position and the closed position. A control circuit connected to the electric motor and the transmission assembly of the driving mechanism commands the transmission assembly to connect or disconnect the electric motor and the drawer, and further commands the electric motor to drive the drawer to one of the opened position and the closed position when the electric motor is connected to the drawer. The control circuit also senses obstructions and adjusts the movement of the drawer accordingly.