Refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detection systems for pesticide residues and nutritional elements are inconvenient to use and occupy valuable storage space in refrigerators, as they are typically independent and require frequent door opening, compromising heat insulation and user experience.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a microfluidic detection system on the refrigerator door, featuring a microfluidic biochip with a sample inlet, detection pool, and communication port, along with a detection mechanism, which allows for convenient and rapid detection without occupying the original storage space, while maintaining good heat insulation and simplifying assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an independent detection system is used, then detection function is achieved, but storage space is occupied and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is merged with the refrigerator door structure. The detection pool, microfluidic channel, and detection mechanism are integrated into the door body, allowing the detection function to be combined with the existing refrigerator structure rather than requiring separate independent storage space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigerator door serves multiple functions: it provides the structural enclosure for the refrigerator while simultaneously housing the detection system with sample inlet, detection pool, and communication port. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated detection device storage space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If detection system is integrated in refrigerating chamber, then detection function is achieved, but storage space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If door is opened frequently for detection operations, then detection convenience is improved, but heat insulation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection convenienceVSAvoidheat insulation performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system performs detection operations autonomously within the door structure. Samples are introduced through the sample inlet and processed through the microfluidic channel to the detection pool without requiring door opening, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating energy loss from frequent door operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If microfluidic detection system is provided on door, then storage space is not occupied and heat insulation is maintained, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into modular components including the detection pool, microfluidic channel, sample inlet, and detection mechanism. These segmented components can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the door structure, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining the benefits of door integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 microfluidic detection system provides convenient and rapid detection of pesticide residues and nutritional elements without occupying storage space, improving user experience and maintaining the refrigerator's heat insulation performance by allowing operations to be performed without opening the door, thus enhancing the convenience and efficiency of the detection process.

Implementation Method 1

a microfluidic channel to allow a sample fluid in contact with the sample inlet to enter the microfluidic channel and flow into the detection pool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a microfluidic channel to allow a sample fluid in contact with the sample inlet to enter the microfluidic channel and flow into the detection pool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a detection mechanism used for detecting the detection pool to obtain a preset detection parameter of the sample fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS11813611B2Refrigerator

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 QINDAO HAIER REFRIGERATOR CO LTD

AI summary

A refrigerator, comprising: a refrigerator body internally defining a storage space for storing articles, a door connected to the refrigerator body and used for opening and/or closing the storage space, and a microfluidic detection system which is provided on the door and comprises: a microfluidic biochip having a sample inlet, a communication port, and a detection pool formed in the microfluidic biochip, the sample inlet, the detection pool, and the communication port being connected in sequence by means of a microfluidic channel to allow a sample fluid in contact with the sample inlet to enter the microfluidic channel and flow into the detection pool by means of the microfluidic channel; and a detection mechanism used for detecting the detection pool after the sample fluid in the detection pool reacts with a detection reagent in the detection pool to obtain a preset detection parameter of the sample fluid.