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 operate them with one hand, especially since the door opening mechanism is often distant from the hinge shaft.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically opening a refrigerator door using a push rod driven by a motor, allowing users to open the door with a part of their body rather than both hands, featuring sensors and optical patterns to detect user presence and control the door's opening and closing speed, and preventing damage to the door opening device.
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:
The door opening device is activated in advance by a sensor detecting user approach, automatically pushing the door open before the user needs to manually pull it, thereby preparing the system to overcome the magnetic adhesion force without requiring user effort
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of pulling the door against magnetic force is replaced by an automated electromechanical system comprising a sensor, control unit, and motor-driven pushing mechanism that automatically opens the door
2Ease of operation
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 device becomes more complex and longer
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is designed as a dynamic component that rotates and extends only when needed to push the door open, then returns to a compact retracted position, transforming from a static long structure to a dynamically deployable mechanism that minimizes space when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The door opening function is divided into distinct operational phases: sensor detection, rod extension to pushing position, door pushing action, and rod retraction, allowing the mechanism to achieve long lever arm benefits only when needed while maintaining compact form otherwise
3Ease of operation
If an operating part on the door handle is required to activate the door opening device, then the door can be opened with assistance, but it becomes impossible to operate when the user is holding objects
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical operation of the door handle is replaced by an automated sensing system using optical or proximity sensors that detect user presence and trigger the door opening mechanism automatically, eliminating the need for manual handle operation
Solution Approach 2:
The door opening system serves itself by automatically detecting when opening is needed through sensor input and executing the opening action without requiring user intervention, making the system adaptable to hands-free scenarios
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 convenient and reliable automatic door opening without the need for both hands, maintaining the door open for a preset time and displaying unusual situations, while ensuring the door opening device is protected from damage.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system for automatically opening a refrigerator door using a push rod driven by a motor
Implementation Method 2
there is provided a structure in which a magnet is provided inside the gasket, and the gasket becomes in close contact with the cabinet formed of a steel material when the door is closed
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.