Refrigerator Door Knock Sensor Isolation for Cold-Air Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators suffer from sensing errors in knock sensors due to direct exposure to cold air, leading to reduced accuracy and durability of the knock sensing device.
Innovation Solution
The knock sensing module is positioned within an accommodation space on the door frame, separated from the insulating space, with a sensor module installed on a front wall that transmits vibrations through protrusion ribs and air channels to maximize vibration detection while minimizing cold air influence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the knock sensing device is in contact with the rear surface of the front panel to sense sound waves, then the sensing function is achieved, but the sensing accuracy deteriorates due to direct exposure to cold air and high humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The door structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the front panel with insulating panels for thermal insulation, the door frame with accommodation space for the sensing device, and the door liner. This segmentation allows the sensing device to be isolated from the cold storage space while maintaining its knock sensing function through structural vibration transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The door frame acts as an intermediary element between the front panel and the sensing device. It transmits vibrations from the front panel to the sensing device mounted in the accommodation space, while simultaneously protecting the sensing device from direct exposure to cold air and humidity in the storage space.
2Reliability
If the sensor module is positioned in the accommodation space separated from the insulating space, then the durability and accuracy are improved, but the vibration transmission path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The door frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the door assembly, creates the accommodation space for the sensing device, transmits vibrations from the front panel to the sensor, and acts as a thermal barrier protecting the sensor from cold air. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The accommodation space for the sensing device is nested within the door frame structure, which itself is part of the larger door assembly. This nested arrangement allows the sensing device to be protected and positioned optimally without adding external complexity to the overall door structure.
3Measurement precision
If the front wall is in contact with the front panel to transmit vibrations, then the vibration detection is maximized, but the sensor module remains exposed to cold air influence
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device is extracted from direct contact with the cold storage space environment. It is positioned in the accommodation space within the door frame, which is thermally isolated from the storage space by the insulating panels and door liner, while still maintaining vibration coupling to the front panel through the door frame structure.
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 effectively senses knock inputs with enhanced accuracy and durability by isolating the sensor from cold air, ensuring reliable operation and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor module installed on a front wall to sense a knock input applied to the front panel, wherein the front wall is in contact with a rear surface of the front panel
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage space and a door to open and close the storage space. The door includes a panel assembly including a front panel, a door frame connected to the panel assembly, a door liner connected to the panel assembly and the door frame and to define an insulating space, in which an insulator is disposed, together with the panel assembly and the door frame, and a sensor module installed on the door frame to sense a knock input applied to the front panel. The door frame includes a front wall that is in contact with the front panel and a rear wall spaced apart from the front wall and configured to define an accommodation space, in which the sensor module is accommodated, together with the front wall.