Refrigerator Light Control Circuit for Energy Saving and Anti-Theft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light devices in refrigerators and freezers do not automatically turn off when no customers are present, resulting in unnecessary energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A light device equipped with a sensor that detects temperature changes to control the activation of interior and exterior lights, and includes a heat sensor connected to a controller that manages power supply to the lights, activating them only when customers are nearby, and a red warning light and sound device for anti-theft purposes when unauthorized access is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the interior light and exterior light are manually controlled to light up when customers visit the freezer, then the products can be seen and a bright shopping mood is provided, but electrical power is wasted when no customers are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical switch system with an automatic sensor-based control system. The sensor detects customer presence and automatically controls the interior and exterior lights, eliminating the need for manual operation and preventing energy waste when no customers are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The light device performs self-service by automatically detecting customer presence through the sensor and controlling its own lighting operations. The system activates lights when customers approach and deactivates them when customers leave, without requiring manual intervention.
2Loss of energy
If a sensor is added to detect temperature change and control light activation, then energy is saved by automatic light control, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves multiple functions: it detects temperature changes to control light activation for energy saving, and can also trigger anti-theft alarms. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light control function and anti-theft alarm function into a single integrated system controlled by the same sensor. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems, while achieving multiple objectives.
3Reliability
If a red warning light and sound generating device are activated for anti-theft purposes, then theft prevention is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor and control circuit serve dual purposes: controlling the interior/exterior lights for normal operation and triggering the red warning light and sound generating device for anti-theft protection. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with anti-theft components (red warning light and sound generating device) that remain dormant until triggered. When the sensor detects unauthorized presence or abnormal temperature changes, the anti-theft mechanism is automatically activated, providing proactive protection.
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 effectively reduces energy waste by automatically turning off lights when customers are not present and provides an anti-theft mechanism by activating a warning light and sound when unauthorized access is detected.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for detection of temperature change to control the activation of the light to save energy
Implementation Method 2
The control loop includes a first electromagnetic valve and is electrically connected to the interior circuit in series
Data Source
AI summary
A light device for refrigerators or freezers includes a sensor, a first manual switch, a rotatable switch, an interior loop and an alternative current power supply. The interior loop includes an interior circuit, an exterior circuit and a control loop. The alternative current power supply is connected to the rotatable switch which is electrically connected the first manual switch and the control loop via the interior circuit. The control loop is electrically connected to a magnetic device and electrically connected to the interior circuit in series. The interior circuit and the exterior circuit are electrically connected in parallel and then both are connected to an earth end of the alternative current power supply. The refrigerator is equipped with functions of automatic light controlled and anti-theft.