Refrigerator Door Frame Component Groove for Sensor Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-in type refrigerators with low overall height face challenges in securing space for sensors and actuators for automatic door opening due to limited space, and the installation of electric circuit components compromises aesthetics and foaming agent distribution, making it difficult to maintain electric components and observe the inside of the refrigerator.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design with an operation module on the upper door assembly and a door opening device on the lower cabinet, allowing for automatic door opening without increasing the refrigerator's size, featuring a thin door frame to enhance visibility and maintain aesthetics, with the operation module installed in a component receiving groove between the door frame and bezel portion, enabling easy maintenance and foaming agent distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electric circuit components are installed in the front surface of the door, then automatic door opening function is achieved, but the transparent portion of the door is reduced and aesthetics are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The operation module is relocated from the front surface (2D plane) to the side surface of the door frame, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This allows the transparent portion of the door to remain intact while still providing space for electronic components, thus resolving the contradiction between automation function and aesthetic transparency.
2Reliability
If the door frame is thickened to secure foaming space, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the window area is reduced and aesthetics are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The operation module is positioned on the side surface of the door frame rather than occupying front surface space, which allows the door frame to maintain an aesthetically pleasing thin profile while still providing adequate foaming space through optimized internal structure design. This resolves the contradiction between insulation performance and visual aesthetics.
3Volume of stationary object
If the operation module is installed on the lower portion of the door, then space is saved, but user accessibility is reduced due to low overall height
Solution Approach 1:
The operation module is positioned on the side surface of the door frame at an ergonomically accessible height, utilizing the vertical dimension effectively. This allows users to easily access the controls while still maintaining compact overall dimensions, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and ease of operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If electric circuit components are fixed with foaming agent, then installation is simplified, but maintenance becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The operation module is designed as a separable component that can be independently removed from the door frame. This segmentation allows the module to be easily installed and maintained without requiring disassembly of the entire door structure, while still enabling simplified manufacturing through modular assembly. The module can be fixed with foaming agent during installation but remains replaceable for maintenance purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a door frame and a perimetric surface of an insulation door panel of a panel unit that are spaced apart from each other. A component receiving groove is provided between the door frame and the perimetric surface of the insulation door panel, so that an operation module is received in the component receiving groove. When the operation module is received in the component receiving groove, at least of a part of the operation module is arranged to face a front surface of the panel unit through a bezel portion constituting the front surface of the panel unit. Therefore, a space for installing the operation module such as a detection sensor or a touch sensor is provided to be sufficiently wide along an edge of a door.