A refrigerator comprising a reed sensor protector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During the production of refrigerators, polyurethane leakage occurs around the reed sensor and control card, causing malfunction as they cannot be suitably installed before insulation is injected, leading to inaccurate door state detection.
Innovation Solution
A silicone protector encapsulates the reed sensor and control card, allowing them to be mounted as a single piece on the refrigerator frame before polyurethane injection, preventing leakage and ensuring proper functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reed sensor and control card are installed on the frame before polyurethane injection, then the door state detection functionality is enabled, but polyurethane leakage occurs causing sensor malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A protective housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the polyurethane injection process and the reed sensor/control card. The housing encloses these sensitive components, allowing polyurethane to be injected into the frame without direct contact with the electronic components, thus preventing malfunction while maintaining detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct protective and functional zones. The reed sensor and control card are housed in a separate protective enclosure that is mounted on the frame, separating them from the polyurethane injection area. This segmentation allows the injection process to proceed without contaminating the sensitive components
2Ease of manufacture
If the reed sensor and control card are installed after polyurethane injection, then polyurethane leakage is avoided, but the components cannot be properly positioned and installed
Solution Approach 1:
The reed sensor and control card are pre-installed inside the protective housing before the housing itself is mounted on the frame. This preliminary assembly allows proper positioning and electrical connections to be established in a controlled environment, after which the entire assembly is mounted as a unit, avoiding the need to handle sensitive components after polyurethane injection
3Device complexity
If the reed sensor and control card are exposed during polyurethane injection, then installation is simplified, but the sensor malfunctions due to polyurethane contact
Solution Approach 1:
The reed sensor, control card, and protective housing are combined into a single integrated assembly. The housing serves both as a mechanical protector and as a mounting structure, merging the protection function with the installation structure. This allows the components to be installed as one unit, simplifying the process while maintaining reliability
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 silicone protector effectively prevents polyurethane from reaching the reed sensor and control card, maintaining their functionality and ensuring accurate door state detection during the production process.
Implementation Method 1
a protector (13) wherein the reed sensor (5) is placed, that encapsulates and thus groups the reed sensor (5) and the control card (6)
Implementation Method 2
whether the door is open or closed is determined by a reed sensor which is actuated by applying magnetic field and an actuator that are oppositely placed on the frame and the door
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body; one or more than one cooling or freezing compartment (2) wherein the items to be cooled are placed; one or more than one door (3); a frame (4) that surrounds the front side of the compartments (2) and whereon the door (3) is seated when closed; a reed sensor (5) that is fixed on the frame (4) and that detects whether the door (3) is closed or not; a control card (6) whereon the reed sensor (5) is placed; an actuator (7) that is fixed on the door (3) and that activates the reed sensor (5); a cable (8) and a connector (9) that provide electrical connection of the reed sensor (5) and the control card (6); an opening (11) that is arranged on the frame (4) and that enables the reed sensor (5) to be placed, and a cover (12) that closes the opening (11).