refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators face a trade-off between improving heat insulating properties and maintaining door openability, as strong latch mechanisms required for better insulation can make it difficult for children and aged individuals to open the door, while weaker mechanisms compromise insulation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a compression structure using an actuator and gear mechanism that adjusts the gasket's compression state based on human detection, switching between a strong compression mode for improved insulation when unattended and a loose compression mode for easier door opening when a user is present, utilizing a human detection sensor and operation controller to predict usage patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a strong latch mechanism is used to compress the gasket for improved heat insulation, then the heat insulating property is improved, but the door becomes difficult to open for children and aged people
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static strong-compression state to a dynamic state where the holding force is temporarily reduced when a user approaches, allowing easy door opening while maintaining strong compression during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects user presence and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the latch mechanism's holding force accordingly - maintaining strong compression when no user is present and reducing force when a user is detected
2Loss of energy
If the gasket is strongly compressed against the housing to reduce heat exchange area, then the heat insulating property is effectively improved, but a large force is required to open the door
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user presence before the door opening action is required, allowing the latch mechanism to pre-adjust its holding force to an easier-to-open state in anticipation of user interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The holding force parameter of the latch mechanism is dynamically changed based on sensor input - maintaining high compression force for heat insulation when idle, and reducing to a lower force level when user presence is detected
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 solution enhances the heat insulating property when the door is closed, reducing power consumption, while allowing the door to be opened with reduced force, thus improving usability and energy efficiency without sacrificing insulation performance.
Implementation Method 1
a compression structure having a spring
Implementation Method 2
gaskets 128 are provided with a plurality of void parts 129 and further enclose magnet members 130 to improve contacts with front face flange 102a of outer case 102
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Provided is a refrigerator including a gasket (22) which brings a housing (11) into close contact with a door (15a). The refrigerator also has: a first closed door mode in which the gasket (22) is strongly pressed on the housing (11) by the actuator (23a) and is thus compressed to improve heat insulating properties of a storage compartment; and a second closed door mode in which the compressed state of the gasket (22) is loosened to reduce a door-opening force. In the first closed door mode in which the gasket (22) is compressed to improve the heat insulating properties of the storage compartment, an energy saving property can improved; and in the second closed door mode in which the compressed state of the gasket (22) is loosened to reduce the door-opening force, the door can be opened with a small force.