Refrigerator and control method therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators lack the ability to automatically adjust door opening speed and angle based on user preferences and environmental conditions, potentially leading to inefficient operation and user safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator equipped with a door opening device that includes a motor-driven protrusion member, a memory to store door opening angle information, and a processor to control the door opening device based on user-defined settings, allowing for automatic adjustment of door opening speed and angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is opened automatically without user action, then user convenience is improved, but user safety may be compromised due to uncontrolled door opening
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening device dynamically adjusts the door opening process based on real-time conditions. The control unit monitors door opening speed and angle, and can pause or adjust the opening process to ensure safety, particularly when children are detected near the door. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by maintaining convenience while adapting to safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors to detect user presence and door opening parameters, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust door opening behavior based on detected conditions, ensuring safety while maintaining automatic opening convenience. The control unit uses this feedback to prevent unsafe door opening scenarios.
2Device complexity
If the door opening speed and angle are fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user needs and environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening device transitions from fixed parameters to dynamic adjustable parameters. The control unit can modify door opening speed and angle based on detected conditions such as user presence, time of day, or environmental factors. This dynamic capability provides adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through software-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (door opening speed and angle) based on different conditions and user preferences. By storing multiple parameter sets and selecting appropriate ones based on detected scenarios, the system achieves versatility without requiring complex mechanical structures. The control unit adjusts parameters dynamically to match user needs and environmental conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the door opens completely regardless of conditions, then ease of access is improved, but energy loss increases due to unnecessary cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening device implements partial door opening based on detected needs. Instead of always opening the door completely, the control unit adjusts the opening angle to provide sufficient access while minimizing the opening area. This partial action reduces energy loss while maintaining adequate ease of access for user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the door opening angle based on real-time conditions such as user presence, time of day, and environmental factors. By optimizing the opening angle rather than using a fixed complete opening, the system balances ease of access with energy conservation. The control unit can pause or limit door opening to minimize cooling loss while still providing necessary access.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator including a main body having a storage chamber, a door which is rotatable while coupled to the main body so as to open/close the storage chamber; a door opening device, which includes a motor to drive a protrusion member, to open the door through a rotation of the motor, a memory to store door opening angle information of the door; and a processor to control the door opening device based the stored door opening angle information upon an event in which the door be opened occurs. The processor controls the motor such that the protrusion member protrudes toward a protrusion position corresponding to the stored door opening angle information among a plurality of protrusion positions.