Home appliance and refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs face challenges in accurately detecting user proximity due to the placement and structure of sensors, which affects their performance and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design featuring a detection device with a protruding detection member inclined on the door surface, partially shielded by a case, and an illuminance sensor mounted on the door cover, allowing for user proximity detection while minimizing external exposure and enhancing the door's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detection device is fully exposed on the door surface, then the user proximity detection performance is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and minimal exposure requirement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is divided into two functional parts: a light-emitting portion that remains exposed on the door surface for detection, and a light-receiving portion that is recessed into the door body for aesthetic concealment. This segmentation allows each part to be positioned optimally for its function while resolving the contradiction between detection performance and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the detection device are given different spatial configurations: the light-emitting portion is positioned at a higher, exposed location for optimal detection coverage, while the light-receiving portion is recessed at a lower location for aesthetic purposes. This local differentiation in spatial quality resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to serve its specific function optimally.
2Shape
If the detection member is recessed completely inside the door, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the detection precision and field of view deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is segmented into light-emitting and light-receiving portions with different spatial configurations. The light-emitting portion protrudes or is positioned at the surface level to ensure adequate field of view and detection accuracy, while only the light-receiving portion is recessed for aesthetic purposes. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the functional requirements of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device utilizes vertical dimensionality by positioning the light-emitting portion at a higher elevation than the light-receiving portion. This vertical arrangement allows the emitting portion to maintain exposure for detection while the receiving portion remains recessed for aesthetics, resolving the contradiction through spatial dimensionality.
3Shape
If the detection device is positioned at the bottom of the door, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the detection field of view and coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device utilizes vertical positioning within the door structure, placing the light-emitting portion at a higher vertical position than the light-receiving portion. This vertical arrangement expands the detection field of view while maintaining the overall bottom-positioned aesthetic appearance, resolving the contradiction between appearance and coverage.
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
Ensures accurate user proximity detection and adjusts the door's outer appearance based on ambient brightness, improving user interaction and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a detection member for detecting a user's proximity, and a case mounted on a lower surface of the door to shield the detection member
Implementation Method 2
a detection device provided on one surface of the door and recognizing a user in front of the door or detecting ambient brightness
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes: a cabinet defining a storage space, a door configured to open and close the cabinet, and a detection device provided at a first surface of the door and configured to detect a target in front of the door or ambient brightness. A first portion of the detection device protrudes in a first direction from the door, and a second portion of the detection device is accommodated inside the door.