Refrigerator and method for opening a refrigerator door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators require users to apply significant force to open the door due to magnetic forces, and existing door opening devices are inconvenient when users are holding objects or need to use both hands, especially since the operating part is often distant from the hinge shaft.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a refrigerator that allows automatic door opening using a part of the body other than hands, employing a door opening device with a push rod driven by a motor, which can be operated by detecting a person's presence and projecting optical patterns to facilitate hands-free operation.
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
Solution Approach 1:
A push rod is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element between the user's manual operation and the door. The push rod transfers and amplifies the opening force, mediating between the user's limited input force and the high magnetic adhesion force that must be overcome to open the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from direct linear force application at the handle to rotational moment application through a lever arm. By positioning the push rod to act at a point far from the hinge axis, the system exploits the rotational dimension and moment arm principle to reduce the required opening force.
2Force
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 length becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The push rod is designed with a telescopic or nested structure that allows it to extend to the necessary length during door opening operation, then retract into a compact form when not in use. This nesting principle allows the rod to achieve the required functional length without permanently occupying excessive space.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod transitions from a static, fixed-length component to a dynamic, variable-length component. The rod extends to its full operational length only when needed for door opening, and retracts or folds to a shorter configuration during normal door closed or open states, adapting its length to the operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If an operating part is provided at the door handle for manual operation, then the door opening device can be activated, but it becomes impossible to operate when the user is holding objects in both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening system incorporates sensors that automatically detect when a user approaches or intends to open the door, eliminating the need for manual operation of the operating part. The system serves itself by detecting user presence and automatically activating the push rod mechanism, allowing users to open the door even when their hands are occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operating part is supplemented or replaced with an automatic sensing and actuation system. Optical sensors, proximity detectors, or other non-mechanical detection means replace the need for manual manipulation, substituting the mechanical operating part with an automated control system that triggers the door opening mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a refrigerator and control method for refrigerator and method for opening a refrigerator door. 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.