Refrigerator with interactive information and lighting effects and method for controlling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators lack the ability to easily change the outer appearance of the refrigerator door without replacing the entire decor panel and do not provide effective control over light emitting members on the door surface.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a display door equipped with a display panel, light sources, and a controller that allows for changing the color of the doors, displaying food information, and managing storage using cameras and sensors, enabling intuitive food management and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire decor panel is removed and replaced to change the outer appearance, then the outer appearance can be changed, but the replacement process is complex and the old panel cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The decor panel is divided into multiple detachable sticker sections that can be independently removed and replaced. This allows users to change the outer appearance by replacing only the sticker layer rather than the entire panel, simplifying the customization process and enabling easy reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative function is extracted from the structural panel by using removable stickers applied to the panel surface. This separation allows the decorative element to be independently changed without affecting the underlying panel structure, enabling flexible appearance customization while maintaining the integrity of the original panel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light emitting members are mounted on the door surface to enable color changing, then the outer appearance can be customized, but the control mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex light emitting members mounted on the door, the patent uses LED strips positioned behind the translucent panel to create light effects. The LEDs illuminate the panel from behind, making the entire panel surface emit light in various colors, thereby achieving the visual effect of color-changing doors with a simpler and more integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent panel serves multiple functions: it acts as the door surface, provides structural integrity, and simultaneously serves as a light-emitting surface when illuminated from behind. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate light emitting members mounted on the door, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining color customization capability.
3Extent of automation
If cameras and sensors are added to the refrigerator, then food management capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system automatically captures images of food items when the door is opened, and the system automatically analyzes the images to identify food types and monitor expiration dates. This automated self-service approach eliminates the need for manual food tracking by users, providing intelligent food management while keeping the interface simple and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors food items using cameras and sensors, provides real-time feedback through the display panel about food expiration status and storage conditions, and automatically adjusts refrigeration parameters based on detected food types. This closed-loop feedback system enables automated food management with intuitive user interaction, balancing automation extent with system complexity.
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
Enables easy customization of the refrigerator's outer appearance, provides intuitive food storage management, and enhances energy efficiency by alerting users to high temperatures and optimizing storage space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide plate for guiding light to the front plate, in which the light sources irradiate light to the light guide plate, and light irradiated to the light guide plate passes through the front plate
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator can include a cabinet for defining a space; a first display door for opening and closing the space, the first display door including a display panel configured to output content; a second door for opening and closing the space; and a controller configured to control the display panel of the first display door and the light sources in the second door. Also, the second door includes a front plate; a light guide plate configured to guide light to the front plate; and light sources configured to irradiate light to the light guide plate and when the light sources are turned on, the front plate is configured to emit light in a first color.