refrigerator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators face limitations in allowing users to selectively mount desired devices at various locations, leading to increased product cost and limited product lineup due to fixedly mounted cameras and unnecessary features.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design with detachable accommodation members and standardized connection parts enables users to mount devices like cameras, thermal imaging cameras, ion deodorizers, and other modules at desired locations, with power and signal transmission through USB terminals, guided assembly, and cover shielding for appearance and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are fixedly mounted on the refrigerator, then the refrigerator provides additional functions, but the product price increases and product lineup diversity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a detachable device body and a mounting accommodation member. The device can be separated from the refrigerator by removing the accommodation member, allowing users to add or remove functions as needed without permanently increasing product complexity or price.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed state to a detachable state. The accommodation member can be installed or removed from the refrigerator interior, enabling dynamic configuration of device functions based on user needs rather than permanent fixed mounting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are placed in all refrigerators, then odor removal and food checking functions are provided, but the product price increases for units that do not need these features
Solution Approach 1:
The camera and sensor devices are extracted from the mandatory refrigerator configuration and placed in detachable accommodation members. Users who need odor removal or food checking functions can install these devices, while users who do not need these features can simply not install the accommodation members, avoiding unnecessary cost increases.
Solution Approach 2:
Users themselves decide whether to install the device accommodation members based on their specific needs. The system allows end-users to configure their own refrigerator functions by optionally installing devices, rather than requiring manufacturers to pre-install all possible features in every unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices are detachably mounted on the accommodation member, then users can selectively mount desired devices, but connection reliability for power and signal transmission must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
Connection terminals are pre-positioned on both the accommodation member and the device body before mounting. The terminals are arranged in predetermined positions that automatically align when the device is installed, ensuring reliable power and signal connections without requiring complex alignment procedures by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The accommodation member serves as an intermediary component that provides stable electrical connections between the refrigerator's power source/control system and the detachable device. The terminal connections through the accommodation member ensure reliable power supply and signal transmission even though the device itself is detachable.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet which forms a storage space; a door which opens/closes the storage space; an accommodation member which is provided in the storage space; and a device which is detachably mounted to the accommodation member and performs additional functions in a connected state, wherein: the accommodation member includes a first connection part which is connected to a control unit for controlling the device; the device includes a second connection part; and when the device is mounted, the first connection part and the second connection part are connected to each other so that power can be supplied to the device and signals can be delivered from/to the control unit.