refrigerator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs face challenges in accurately detecting user proximity due to the placement and structure of sensors, which affects their reliability and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A detection device is integrated into the refrigerator door, with a portion protruding and another portion accommodated inside, inclined to minimize external exposure while ensuring effective user detection, including an illuminance sensor and proximity sensor mounted on a case that shields the sensor module and is connected to a control portion to adjust lighting based on detected conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detection device is fully exposed on the door surface, then user proximity detection is effective, but the device is easily seen and affects appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is nested within a recessed cavity in the door surface, with only the necessary sensing portion exposed. This allows the device to be hidden within the door structure while maintaining detection functionality, resolving the conflict between reliable detection and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the minimal necessary portion of the detection device is exposed at the recessed area, while the rest is concealed within the door. This localized exposure strategy maintains detection effectiveness while minimizing visual impact on the overall door appearance.
2Shape
If the detection device is fully accommodated inside the door, then appearance is maintained, but detection performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is partially nested within a recessed cavity, allowing the sensing portion to extend toward the door exterior. This partial nesting maintains aesthetic appearance while ensuring the detection surface is positioned optimally for reliable user proximity detection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is mounted on the door surface, then assembly is simple, but detection accuracy is affected by location and mounting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is pre-assembled within a molded recessed cavity during door manufacturing. This preliminary integration ensures optimal positioning and shielding structure are built-in from the start, improving detection accuracy while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through single-step molding processes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet (10) having a storage space; a door (20) for opening and closing the cabinet (10); and a detection device (50) provided on one surface of the door (20), the detection device (50) is provided for recognizing a user in front of the door (20) and/or for detecting ambient brightness, wherein at least a portion of the detection device (50) is accommodated inside the door (20).