Refrigerator Door Closure Detection Using Compressor Load Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the correct closure of doors, leading to undesirable temperature rises and increased power consumption due to inefficient sealing, which existing technologies fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration apparatus equipped with a sensor to detect door closure and a controller that monitors compressor load and evaporator temperature to determine the door's closure status, alerting users to incorrect closure or refrigerant leakage by using a timer and threshold values for compressor load and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a simple door switch is used to detect door closure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of door closure status is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses compressor load feedback to verify door closure status. The controller monitors whether the compressor load reaches a threshold value within a threshold time after door closure, providing a feedback mechanism that confirms proper sealing without requiring complex additional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses compressor load as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect door closure status. Instead of directly measuring door position or seal integrity, the system monitors the compressor's electrical or mechanical load, which changes based on whether the door is properly closed and sealed.
2Loss of energy
If door closure is not accurately detected, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of energy increases due to inefficient sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the compressor's own operational characteristics (load variations) to self-diagnose door closure status. No separate monitoring system is needed - the existing compressor operation provides the information required to detect improper door closure and trigger appropriate responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from compressor load monitoring and automatically responds to detected issues by alerting users to incorrect closure or refrigerant leakage, enabling energy-efficient operation through automatic detection and notification without requiring complex additional hardware.
3Measurement precision
If compressor load monitoring is implemented to detect door closure status, then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the compressor's existing operational data (electrical or mechanical load) to detect door closure status. The compressor is already running and consuming energy for refrigeration, so monitoring its load characteristics provides closure detection information without requiring additional energy-intensive separate monitoring systems.
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
The solution ensures accurate detection of door closure, preventing temperature rises and energy inefficiencies by alerting users to incorrect closures and refrigerant leaks, thereby maintaining optimal operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor constructed and arranged to sense when the door has been moved from the open position to the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of an evaporator of the refrigeration circuit
Implementation Method 3
a compressor for compressing and driving a refrigerant through a refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration apparatus
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
There is disclosed a refrigeration apparatus (102) comprising a main body portion (104) and a door (105) constructed and arranged to be moved between an open position in which access is enabled to a storage compartment (126) in the main body portion, and a closed position in which the door (105) is closed against a door frame of the main body portion so as to enclose the storage compartment (126). The refrigeration apparatus (102) comprises a compressor (114) for compressing and driving a refrigerant through a refrigeration circuit (106) of the refrigeration apparatus. The refrigeration apparatus (102) comprises a controller (120), the controller being configured to monitor a load of the compressor (114) to obtain compressor load information, and the controller configured to determine a closure status of the door (105) based at least in part on the compressor load information.