Refrigerator Camera Housing for Moisture-Proof Interior Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera devices installed in storage units, such as refrigerators, face challenges in capturing effective images due to the harsh environment, which requires innovative design and functionality to ensure reliable operation and image quality.

Innovation Solution

A camera device with a waterproof and explosion-proof design, featuring a wide-angle lens, integrated communication module, and a power-efficient structure, is installed inside the storage unit, allowing for remote image capture and transmission while withstanding the refrigeration environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a camera device is installed inside a storage unit (refrigerator), then image capture functionality is achieved, but the harsh refrigeration environment causes reliability issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera device operation reliabilityVSAvoidrefrigeration environment effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a waterproof case as an intermediary protective structure between the camera device and the harsh refrigeration environment. The case includes a waterproof body housing and a transparent window that allows light transmission while preventing moisture and condensation from reaching the camera components, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining camera functionality and protecting against environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the transparent window of the waterproof case to convert the potential harm of the sealed environment into a benefit by allowing light to pass through while blocking moisture. The window transforms the waterproof barrier from a light-blocking obstacle into a selective filter that permits optical transmission while maintaining environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If a waterproof case is added to protect the camera, then reliability in refrigeration environment improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof protectionVSAvoidcase structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof case is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides waterproof protection, allows light transmission through the transparent window, and serves as a mounting structure for the camera device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a transparent window made of thin film material that is both waterproof and optically transparent. This thin film solution provides effective environmental protection without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the device assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the camera captures images in the dark storage environment, then image capture capability is maintained, but image quality deteriorates due to insufficient lighting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture capabilityVSAvoidstorage unit lighting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an illumination unit that activates before or during the image capture process to pre-illuminate the storage environment. This preliminary lighting action ensures that sufficient light is available when the camera captures images, thereby maintaining image quality while preserving the camera's ability to operate in the dark storage environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination unit is designed to provide continuous or periodically activated lighting that maintains sufficient illumination levels during the camera's operation. This continuous useful action of lighting ensures consistent image quality across multiple capture events without requiring permanent changes to the storage environment's lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS9924140B2Camera device for refrigerator and refrigerator comprising same

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 TOSHIBA LIFESTYLE PROD & SERVICES CORP

AI summary

A camera device for use in a storage unit includes a case configured to be detachably installable inside the storage unit to a holder unit configured to hold the case inside the storage unit, an image capturing element provided inside the case and configured to capture an image inside the storage unit where the case is installed, an image capture window provided on a first surface portion of the case and configured for capturing the image inside the storage unit by the image capturing element, and a preventing element configured to prevent the case from being attached to the holder unit in an orientation other than a predetermined orientation. The image capture window is configured for capturing image inside the storage unit by the image capturing element. The holder unit holds the case inside the storage unit. The image capturing element captures the image inside the storage unit with the case being installed in the predetermined orientation.