Refrigerator having door with display device

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerators with hidden display units often use transparent materials for the door panel, which may compromise aesthetic appeal and do not effectively prevent foreign substances from entering through holes used for displaying information.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator design featuring a metal front panel with through holes of specific shapes and sizes, filled with a UV resin filler to prevent foreign substances from entering, while allowing information to be displayed through these holes, and incorporating a display unit hidden within the door structure for improved aesthetics and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If transparent materials (tempered glass or transparent resin) are used for the front panel, then the display information can be transmitted to the outside, but the aesthetic appeal is compromised and foreign substances can enter through the holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay information transmissionVSAvoidforeign substance contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing member (adhesive tape or sealant) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the front panel and the display unit accommodation space. This sealing member prevents foreign substances from entering through the display holes while still allowing the display information to be transmitted to the outside, thus resolving the contradiction between information transmission and contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If transparent materials are used for the front panel, then display visibility is improved, but the strength and aesthetic appeal of the door are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay visibilityVSAvoiddoor strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The door is segmented into multiple functional parts: a metal front panel for strength and aesthetics, a separate display unit accommodation space for housing the display, and through-holes for information transmission. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function - the metal panel provides strength while the display unit provides visibility, resolving the contradiction between strength and display visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If the display unit is hidden in the internal space of the door, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but foreign substances can still enter through the display holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidforeign substance entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing member (adhesive tape or sealant) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the front panel and the display unit accommodation space. This sealing member prevents foreign substances from entering through the display holes while still allowing the display information to be transmitted to the outside, thus resolving the contradiction between information transmission and contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If through holes are formed in the metal front panel for display, then information can be displayed, but foreign substances can penetrate into the internal space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoidprotection from contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing member (adhesive tape or sealant) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the front panel and the display unit accommodation space. This sealing member prevents foreign substances from entering through the display holes while still allowing the display information to be transmitted to the outside, thus resolving the contradiction between information transmission and contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 metal panel enhances strength and aesthetic appeal, while the UV resin filler ensures the through holes remain clear and functional, preventing contamination and enhancing the display unit's visibility and usability.

Implementation Method 1

an adiabatic material foamed in the foaming space so as to insulate the storage compartments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

filled with a UV resin filler to prevent foreign substances from entering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS9664435B2Refrigerator having door with display device

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A door of a refrigerator includes a front panel formed of a metal material, a display unit including a display portion which is disposed at a rear side of the front panel and on which operating information of the refrigerator is displayed when the display portion becomes bright or dark, and a plurality of through holes formed in a region of the front panel corresponding to the display portion. Although the display unit is hidden inside the door, information displayed on the display unit can be seen to a user through the plurality of through holes.