Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs face challenges with the integration of controllers and camera devices, leading to increased complexity and thickness due to the need for additional components and wiring, which complicates assembly and can result in damage from foaming liquids.
Innovation Solution
The controller is installed within a side cover of the refrigerator door, eliminating the need for additional installation structures and simplifying the assembly process, while being protected from foaming liquids, and is connected to a sensor and camera device to reduce wiring complexity and enhance functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the controller is installed in the user interface unit with accommodation groove on the refrigerator door, then the controller is accessible and visible, but additional components are needed forming a housing separated from foam layer, increasing door thickness and structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is merged with the side cover component, eliminating the need for separate accommodation grooves and additional housing structures. The side cover integrates both structural support and controller mounting functions, simplifying the door assembly while maintaining controller accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the controller is installed in the user interface unit with accommodation groove on the refrigerator door, then the controller is accessible and visible, but the door thickness increases due to additional housing components
Solution Approach 1:
The controller mounting function is combined with the existing side cover, eliminating the need for additional accommodation grooves that would increase door thickness. This integration maintains controller accessibility while preserving the original door thickness profile.
3Extent of automation
If the camera device control unit is located on the cabinet, then the camera device can be controlled, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera device control unit is extracted from the cabinet and relocated to the side cover where it is integrated with the main controller. This extraction eliminates the need for separate wiring between the cabinet and camera device, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining full camera control functionality.
4Ease of manufacture
If the controller is installed in the foaming liquid area during door assembly, then the door structure is simplified, but the controller may be damaged by foaming liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is preliminarily installed on the side cover before the door assembly foaming process. This preliminary positioning ensures the controller is securely mounted and protected from foaming liquid exposure, while the side cover integration maintains manufacturing simplicity.
5Ease of manufacture
If additional installation structures are provided in the door sheet body for the controller, then the controller can be mounted, but the door sheet body structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller installation function is merged with the side cover component rather than requiring modifications to the door sheet body. The side cover serves as both a structural element and a controller mounting platform, eliminating the need for additional installation structures in the door sheet body and maintaining its structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet and a door connected to the cabinet. The door includes a door sheet body, a side cover connected to an end portion of the door sheet body and a controller fixed to the side cover. The side cover is provided with an installation hole which faces away from an opening at a side of the door sheet body, and a cover member configured to seal the opening. The controller is located in the installation hole. The controller is installed in the side cover, so as not to be damaged by being immersed in a foaming liquid, thereby enabling a simpler assembly process.