Refrigerator Hinge Cover Antenna Layout for Stable Wireless Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigerator designs fail to provide sufficient distance between the communication board and the steel top surface, leading to radio wave attenuation, and include unnecessary lines that increase costs, while neglecting radio interference considerations.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a wireless adapter mounted on an electrically non-conductive hinge cover, which provides a sufficient distance from the steel casing and reduces radio interference, and includes an antenna unit for stable radio communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the communication board is mounted on the top surface of the refrigerator, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the distance between the antenna unit and the steel top surface is insufficient, causing radio wave attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hinge cover as an intermediary component between the steel top surface and the antenna unit. This hinge cover provides electrical non-conductivity and physical separation, ensuring sufficient distance (3 cm or more) between the antenna unit and the steel casing, thereby preventing radio wave attenuation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mounting structure into separate components: the hinge cover and the communication board. The hinge cover is detachably attached to the casing, and the wireless adapter is disposed on the hinge cover. This segmentation allows the antenna unit to be positioned at an adequate distance from the steel surface while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture
2Reliability
If the line connecting the communication board to the main board is embedded in the casing, then the connection is stable and protected, but the cost increases due to unnecessary components for users who do not connect to information networks
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective cover for the hinge mechanism and simultaneously serves as a mounting platform for the wireless adapter. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate embedding structures, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining connection stability for users who need network connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing the embedded line connection only where necessary - in the hinge cover area where the wireless adapter is mounted. This localized approach allows stable connections for users who need network functionality while avoiding the cost of embedding lines throughout the entire casing for all users
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 ensures stable radio communication by maintaining a sufficient distance between the wireless adapter and the steel casing, reducing interference and unnecessary costs associated with embedded lines, while addressing radio interference issues.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna unit configured to transmit and receive radio waves
Implementation Method 2
an electrically non-conductive hinge cover detachably attached to the casing and covering the hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a casing including storage compartments, doors attached to the casing to expose or cover the storage compartments, hinges connecting the doors to the casing and supporting the doors so that the doors are openable and closable, electrically non-conductive hinge covers detachably attached to the casing and covering the hinges, and a wireless adapter disposed on the hinge cover and including an antenna unit configured to transmit and receive radio waves.