Refrigerator and home electronics linking system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator designs, such as those described in Patent Literature 1, fail to provide sufficient distance between the communication board and the steel sheet top surface, leading to radio wave interference and unnecessary embedded lines that increase costs, with no consideration for radio interference.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a non-conductive hinge cover detachably attached to the casing, housing a wireless adapter with an antenna unit configured to transmit and receive radio waves, positioned on the hinge cover to maintain a sufficient distance from the steel sheet casing, thereby reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication board is mounted on the top surface of the refrigerator, then the antenna unit can transmit and receive radio waves, but the steel sheet top surface attenuates radio wave intensity and causes interference
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless adapter is extracted from the main refrigerator body and mounted on the detachable hinge cover, separating the radio communication function from the steel sheet structure. This positioning removes the antenna unit from the harmful electromagnetic environment created by the steel sheet casing, eliminating radio wave attenuation while maintaining communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge cover acts as an intermediary mounting platform between the refrigerator body and the wireless adapter. This intermediate structure provides a non-conductive surface that does not interfere with radio waves, serving as a mediator that enables stable communication without direct contact between the antenna and the steel sheet casing.
2Reliability
If the line connecting the communication board to the main board is embedded in the casing, then the connection is stable, but the embedded line increases cost for users who do not need network connection
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover is designed to be detachable rather than permanently fixed, allowing the wireless adapter to be mounted or removed based on user needs. This dynamic configuration enables users to add or remove the communication function without permanent modifications, reducing unnecessary costs for users who do not require network connectivity while maintaining stable connection when the adapter is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless adapter mounted on the detachable hinge cover can be easily removed or discarded when not needed, and recovered or reinstalled when network connectivity is required. This approach eliminates the need for permanent embedded wiring, allowing users to avoid unnecessary costs by simply not installing the optional wireless communication component.
3Reliability
If the wireless adapter is disposed on the hinge cover, then sufficient distance from the steel sheet is provided, but the hinge cover must be made non-conductive
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the door hinge, acts as a mounting platform for the wireless adapter, and functions as an electromagnetic shield due to its non-conductive material. This multi-functionality consolidates several requirements into a single component, making the non-conductive material requirement worthwhile as it simultaneously enables radio wave transmission and provides structural support.
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
This arrangement ensures stable radio communication by providing adequate distance between the steel sheet casing and the wireless adapter, reducing radio wave interference and eliminating the need for unnecessary embedded lines, thus enhancing the design quality and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless adapter disposed on the hinge cover and including an antenna unit configured to transmit and receive radio waves
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6(b)
AI summary
A refrigerator 1 includes a casing 11 including storage compartments 12, doors 13 attached to the casing 11 to expose or cover the storage compartments 12, hinges 21 connecting the doors 13 to the casing 11 and supporting the doors 13 so that the doors 13 are openable and closable, non-conductive hinge covers 22 detachably attached to the casing 11 and covering the hinges 21, and a wireless adapter 31 disposed on the hinge cover 22 and including an antenna unit 32 configured to transmit and receive radio waves.