Refrigerator and control method for refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators require users to apply significant force to open doors due to magnetic forces, making it inconvenient, especially when holding objects, and existing door opening devices have long push rods that can be cumbersome and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a compact door opening device that includes a sensing assembly, a driving motor, a push rod with a curved rack gear, and reduction gears, allowing the door to be opened automatically by a user's body part without using both hands, reducing push rod length and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is provided inside the gasket to increase adhesion with the cabinet, then the leaking of cool air is decreased, but a greater force is required to open the door due to magnetic force
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening device is activated in advance by a sensor detecting user approach, automatically pushing the door open before the user needs to manually pull it, thereby preparing the system to overcome the magnetic adhesion force without requiring user effort
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of pulling the door against magnetic force is replaced by an automated electromechanical system comprising a sensor, control unit, and motor-driven pushing mechanism that automatically opens the door
2Ease of operation
If a door opening device with a long rod is used to push the door open from a position distant from the hinge shaft, then the door can be opened with less force, but the rod becomes very long and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The push rod is replaced by a curved rack gear that follows an arc-shaped path, allowing the pushing action to occur at an optimal position on the door while maintaining a compact structure that fits within the door's thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The linear push rod extending outward from the door is replaced by a curved rack gear integrated within the door's thickness, transitioning the solution from a one-dimensional extension to a two-dimensional curved structure that achieves the same functional effect without increasing overall length
3Ease of operation
If the push rod is made long to reach a position distant from the hinge shaft, then the door can be effectively opened, but the push rod becomes prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The straight push rod is replaced by a curved rack gear that distributes mechanical stress along its arc-shaped structure, enhancing durability while maintaining effective pushing capability at the optimal position on the door
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid push rod is replaced by a flexible curved rack gear structure that can withstand repeated stress cycles and deformation, improving reliability through inherent flexibility and stress distribution
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
Enhances user convenience by allowing door opening without both hands, reduces push rod length and damage risk, and controls opening and closing speeds to prevent noise and wear, while maintaining the door open for a preset time and displaying error states.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet is provided inside the gasket, and the gasket becomes in close contact with the cabinet formed of a steel material when the door is closed
Implementation Method 2
a door opening device provided in the door and driven when detecting the operation by the sensing assembly and opening the door, wherein the door opening device includes a case; a driving motor mounted in the case
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of reduction gears connected to the driving motor and transmitting the power
Implementation Method 4
a push rod moved by power of the driving motor and in which a rack is formed on one side
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a refrigerator. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.