Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator drawer detection systems using reed switches and magnets often experience errors due to misalignment and external impacts, leading to incorrect detection of opening and closing states, which can result in malfunction and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerator design positions the opening-detection magnet to exceed the center of the reed switch sensor in the moving direction, ensuring accurate detection by utilizing a longer magnet and sensor configuration that includes multiple detection areas to prevent misalignment and external impact-induced errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a reed switch and magnet detection system is used to detect drawer opening/closing state, then automation is improved, but detection precision deteriorates due to misalignment and external impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a point-based detection system to a line-based detection system by extending the reed switch sensor along the drawer's moving direction. This dimensional change creates multiple detection points that form a detection line, allowing the system to maintain accurate detection even when the magnet shifts position due to external impacts or misalignment, as long as the magnet remains within the detection line's coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the detection system by making the reed switch sensor longer in the moving direction and positioning the magnet to exceed the sensor center. This parameter change increases the detection zone length, providing a tolerance range that accommodates position variations while maintaining reliable detection of the drawer's opening and closing states.
2Measurement precision
If the magnet is positioned to correspond with the sensor center, then detection precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates under external impacts and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by extending the reed switch sensor to create a detection line that anticipates and accommodates future position variations of the magnet. This preliminary design ensures that even if the magnet shifts due to external impacts during operation, the detection system remains functional without requiring real-time adjustment or recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by creating an extended detection zone that acts as a buffer against detection errors. The longer sensor configuration absorbs the effect of magnet position variations, preventing detection failures that would otherwise occur with a point-based sensor when the magnet moves out of alignment due to external impacts or installation tolerances.
3Device complexity
If a point-based sensor configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates due to alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the reed switch sensor from a point configuration to a line configuration along the drawer's moving direction. This simple geometric modification increases the detection zone without adding complex components, maintaining device simplicity while significantly improving alignment tolerance and detection reliability.
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
This configuration ensures reliable detection of the drawer's open state, preventing unintended closing operations and maintaining accurate detection even under environmental and impact-induced movements, enhancing user safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The detection part normally includes a magnet and a reed switch. That is, the magnet is provided at the drawer, and the reed switch is provided at the cabinet such that whether the drawer is opened or closed can be accurately detected. In this case, the reed switch has a sensor for detecting the magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is proposed. When a drawer of the refrigerator is completely opened, the center of an opening-detection magnet provided at the lower surface of the drawer may be disposed by exceeding the center of the sensor of a reed switch, in a moving direction of the drawer, installed at the bottom surface of the inside of the cabinet. Accordingly, the sensor may accurately detect the magnet, and even if external impact is applied to the drawer in the completely opened state of the drawer, the malfunction of the drawer which is closed unintentionally may be prevented.