Refrigerator Optical Sensor Communication to Reduce Wiring Complexity

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerators require multiple wires for transmitting sensor information, leading to space inefficiency and complexity in wiring within the appliance.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator system that uses a sensor to convert information into data, which is then transmitted through a flickering light source and captured by a camera, with the image data converted back into sensor information using a second converting unit, eliminating the need for direct wired connections between sensors and the control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple wires are mounted to transmit sensor information, then information transmission is achieved, but space efficiency deteriorates and wiring complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor information transmissionVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an optical communication system. Sensors convert physical quantities into electrical signals, which are then converted into optical signals that modulate a light source. The camera captures these optical signals and converts them back into electrical signals for processing. This substitution eliminates the need for physical wire connections between sensors and the control unit, thereby reducing wiring complexity while maintaining information transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a light source and camera as intermediary components between sensors and the control unit. Instead of direct wired connections, sensor information is transmitted through optical signals that the camera captures. This intermediary optical communication channel enables information transmission without requiring physical wires to run throughout the refrigerator, thus reducing wiring complexity and improving space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If multiple wires are mounted to transmit sensor information, then information transmission is achieved, but space efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor information transmissionVSAvoidspace efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an optical communication system. Sensors convert physical quantities into electrical signals, which are then converted into optical signals that modulate a light source. The camera captures these optical signals and converts them back into electrical signals for processing. This substitution eliminates the need for physical wire connections between sensors and the control unit, thereby reducing wiring complexity while maintaining information transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The light source serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for the refrigerator interior and simultaneously acts as a communication medium for transmitting sensor information. By modulating the light source with sensor data, the system uses the same component for both lighting and information transmission, eliminating the need for separate communication wires and improving space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 space efficiency by reducing the need for additional wiring and allows for simultaneous transmission of information from multiple sensors, improving operational efficiency and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a light source to emit light so as to flicker according to the data of the first converting unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission and modulation: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a camera to successively capture an image of the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10670328B2Refrigerator and method for controlling the same

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A refrigerator having a cabinet with a storage compartment for storing food therein, a sensor mounted in the cabinet to sense information of an interior of the refrigerator, a first converting unit for converting the information sensed by the sensor into data to be transmitted through a light source, a light source for emitting light so as to flicker according to the data of the first converting unit, a camera for successively capturing an image of the light source, and a second converting unit for converting information related to flickering of the light source captured by the camera into data related to the sensor.