Refrigerator Door Voice-Command Module for Hands-Free Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack hands-free operation control, making it inconvenient for users to manage refrigerator functions, especially when both hands are occupied with food items.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a microphone module and speaker module within the refrigerator door, allowing voice command control of operations, including door opening and management of compartments, through a voice recognition system and sound output mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a voice recognition system is integrated into the refrigerator door, then hands-free operation capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional microphone and speaker modules
Solution Approach 1:
The top recess of the door cover is designed to accommodate multiple components (microphone module, speaker module, voice recognition system) in a single integrated structure. This multi-functional design allows the refrigerator door to provide both traditional protective functions and new voice-controlled operation capabilities without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function, thereby improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone module and speaker module are nested within the top recess of the door cover, with the microphone-module mount protruding upward from the door cover and the speaker-module mount protruding downward. This nesting arrangement allows multiple components to occupy the same spatial envelope, integrating voice recognition functionality into the existing door structure without significantly increasing the refrigerator's external dimensions or overall complexity
2Reliability
If microphone and speaker modules are mounted on the door cover, then voice command reception and sound output are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to additional mounting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The door cover is segmented into functional zones with distinct mounting areas: the top recess contains the microphone module and voice recognition system, while the bottom portion contains the speaker module. Each module has its own dedicated mount (microphone-module mount protruding upward, speaker-module mount protruding downward), allowing for modular assembly and simplified manufacturing of individual components that can be assembled separately and then integrated into the complete door assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone-module mount and speaker-module mount are pre-formed as integral parts of the door cover structure, with the microphone module and speaker module designed to be pre-assembled into their respective mounts before final installation. This preliminary preparation of mounting structures and pre-assembly of modules simplifies the overall manufacturing process by breaking down complex assembly into manageable stages, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable voice command reception
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage space therein and a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the storage space. The door includes a top recess that is recessed downward from a top surface portion of the door, a microphone module accommodated in the top recess and configured to receive a voice command from a user, a controller configured to control an operation of the refrigerator based on the voice command received at the microphone module, a door cover that covers the top recess a microphone-module mount provided at the door cover, wherein the microphone module is accommodated in the microphone-module mount, and a voice input hole defined in the microphone-module mount and configured to transmit a sound of the voice command from an outside of the door cover to an interior of the microphone-module mount.