Refrigerator Module Coupling With Automatic Utility Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerator systems lack flexibility and convenience in providing additional features and utilities, as they often require hardwiring and are not easily upgradable or modular, limiting user choice and adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A connection system that allows for the removably engaging encoded domestic appliance feature modules to a utility source, using a coupler and interface with detection and recognition devices to identify and transfer specific utilities based on the connected module, enabling modular and user-selectable features without the need for hardwiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional refrigerator systems use hardwired features, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidfeature adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerator system is divided into a host appliance and separate removable feature modules. Each module is an independent unit that can be attached or detached from the host, allowing the system to be reconfigured based on user needs while maintaining reliable connections through standardized coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The host refrigerator appliance is designed with a universal coupling interface that can accommodate multiple different types of feature modules. This allows a single base unit to support various functionalities (ice making, water dispensing, vacuum sealing, etc.) by simply changing the attached module, thereby achieving both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If refrigerator features are hardwired, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the refrigerator into modular components, each feature module can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for that specific function. This allows manufacturers to produce modules in high volumes separately and then assemble them to the host appliance, improving overall manufacturing efficiency and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the host appliance and various feature modules. This intermediate interface simplifies the manufacturing process by providing a universal connection standard that reduces the need for custom integration work for each feature type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If feature modules are removably engaged, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule adaptabilityVSAvoidconnection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single unified interface: mechanical attachment, electrical connection, and module identification. By merging these functions into one standardized connector, the system achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same physical interface handles all interaction between host and module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If detection and recognition devices are added, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule identification capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism incorporates detection and recognition capabilities as integrated features rather than separate add-on components. The universal interface includes built-in sensors or identification elements that automatically recognize the attached module type, enabling adaptive functionality without requiring expensive external detection systems for each module variant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8299656B2Feature module connection system

Publication Date: 2012.10.30 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A refrigerator module connection system for connecting a feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the feature module and the utility source. The feature module connection system includes a utility source that has a connection capable of removably engaging the feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities. Further included is an interface between the utility source and the feature module, where the interface includes a detection and recognition device, such as a reed switch, a DIP switch, or a comparator circuit, that operates to detect when the feature module is connected to the utility source. One or more predetermined utilities are transferred between the utility source and the feature module based upon which feature module is connected to the utility source.