Refrigerator door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator touch sensor assemblies face challenges in accurately recognizing touch operations and are prone to damage from static electricity during manufacturing and use, leading to reduced sensitivity and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor assembly is designed with a sensor support structure that concentrates force at its center, enhancing sensitivity, and is isolated from static electricity by separating the sensor controller from the touch sensor assembly and positioning it away from user contact areas, along with a display assembly that includes a sensor connector and display connector for easy connection without additional wiring, reducing signal attenuation and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the touch sensor assembly is integrated with the front panel, then the touch recognition rate is improved, but the sensor is vulnerable to static electricity damage during manufacturing and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the touch sensing system into separate components: the touch sensor assembly is mounted on the front panel while the sensor controller is positioned in the display assembly, physically separating the sensing element from the control electronics to protect against static electricity damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an elastic member as an intermediary between the touch sensor and the front panel, which transmits touch forces while providing electrical isolation and protection against static electricity discharge
2Stability of the object's composition
If the touch sensor is supported at its edges, then the sensor stability is improved, but the sensitivity to touch operations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different support characteristics to different regions of the touch sensor: edges are supported by the elastic member for stability, while the center remains unsupported to allow maximum elastic deformation and sensitivity to touch forces
3Loss of information
If the sensor controller is positioned close to the touch sensor assembly, then the signal transmission is improved, but the controller is vulnerable to static electricity damage from user contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent spatially segments the control system by placing the sensor controller in the display assembly rather than integrating it with the touch sensor assembly, creating physical distance to reduce static electricity exposure while maintaining functional connection through wired communication
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 improves touch recognition accuracy and sensitivity while preventing damage from static electricity, enhancing the reliability and workability of the touch sensor system in refrigerator doors.
Implementation Method 1
since the sensor support portion supports the edges of the touch sensor, a ceramic material disposed at the center of the touch sensor is easily elastically deformed
Implementation Method 2
a state in which an operation recognition portion of a touch sensor assembly is pressed against the exterior member or the front panel is maintained by an elastic member. Accordingly, a movement displacement of the exterior member or the front panel generated when a user touches the exterior member or the front panel
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a front panel which forms a front exterior of the refrigerator door; a door liner coupled to the front panel to form a rear exterior of the refrigerator door; a heat insulating material filled in an insulation space defined between the front panel and the door liner; a touch sensor assembly which is disposed to be pressed against a rear surface of the front panel and senses a touch operation of the front panel; a display assembly which is inserted into a space between the front panel and the door liner through an upper end of the insulation space and displays an operation state of the refrigerator on the front panel; a sensor connector formed at one side of the touch sensor assembly; and a display connector formed at one side of the display assembly and electrically connected to the sensor connector when the display assembly is inserted into an installation position.