A refrigerator storage system having a display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerators have not fully utilized their potential to provide an enriched and fun experience for the whole family, lacking innovative features that enhance interaction and daily management.

Innovation Solution

A smart refrigerator storage system with a touch screen display featuring movable control buttons, interactive widgets, and user profiles that allow for customizable home screen layouts, quick access to applications, and voice control, enabling users to manage daily operations and interact with family members more effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the refrigerator includes a touch screen display with multiple applications and features, then the functionality and user experience are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerator system is divided into multiple independent applications (messaging, calendar, shopping list, recipe, camera, etc.), each performing a specific function. This segmentation allows the complex system to be managed as separate, manageable modules that can be independently developed, maintained, and activated based on user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The touch screen display serves multiple functions: it displays information, accepts user input, runs various applications, and provides control interfaces. The system integrates diverse functionalities (messaging, calendar management, shopping lists, recipe storage, camera control) into a single universal platform, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the control buttons are fixed in position on the display, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users of different heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control buttons and interface elements are designed to be dynamically repositionable on the touch screen display. Users can drag and drop buttons to their preferred locations, and the system automatically adjusts button positions based on user interactions and accessibility needs. This dynamic adaptability accommodates users of different heights and preferences without adding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the refrigerator provides quick access to frequently used features, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to customizable interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-positions frequently used applications and control buttons in easily accessible locations on the display. Upon initial setup or based on usage patterns, the refrigerator automatically arranges the interface to place commonly accessed features (messaging, calendar, shopping list) in prominent, easy-to-reach positions, eliminating the need for users to search for these functions each time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors user interactions and automatically adjusts the interface layout based on usage frequency. Applications and buttons that are accessed more often are automatically repositioned to more accessible locations, while less frequently used features are moved to secondary positions. This feedback-driven adaptation optimizes productivity without requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If the refrigerator includes multiple user profiles with personalized settings, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user profile system is segmented into independent, standardized templates that can be individually created, modified, and activated. Each user profile contains separate settings for preferences, frequently used applications, and customization options. This modular approach allows multiple user profiles to coexist without creating system-wide complexity, as each profile is self-contained and independently manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3504613B1A refrigerator storage system having a display
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3504613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3504613B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3504613B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A refrigerator storage system is described. The refrigerator storage system comprises a display having a home screen and a processor coupled to the display. The processor is configured to display at least one widget that provides an operation on the display, wherein the at least one widget comprises an interface portion providing direct access to a feature of the widget, wherein the direct access to the feature of the widget is provided from the home screen.