Refrigerator Power Failure Detection via Wireless Network Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are often unaware of power failures in refrigerators, leading to food spoilage, as existing technologies do not effectively notify users of temporary power disruptions when they are away for an extended period.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic method and refrigerator system that utilizes a wireless network connection to detect power failures, storing occurrence and end information, which is then communicated to the user through a display or external network, ensuring timely action can be taken regarding stored foods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply monitoring is implemented in the refrigerator, then users can be notified of power failures, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and communication modules
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator's existing wireless network device is utilized for dual purposes: its original communication function and power failure detection. The controller monitors the connection status of the wireless network device to detect power failures, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors or monitoring hardware. This self-service approach allows the existing infrastructure to serve the additional diagnostic function.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless network device is made multi-functional by using it both for network communication and for power failure detection. The controller checks whether the wireless network device is properly connected, and uses this connection status as an indicator of power supply normality. This universal application of the wireless network device reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable power failure detection.
2Measurement precision
If continuous power monitoring is performed, then accurate power failure detection is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs periodic checks by monitoring the connection status of the wireless network device. The controller checks whether the wireless network device is connected at relevant time points (before power failure and after power restoration), which provides sufficient detection accuracy while consuming minimal energy compared to continuous monitoring approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless network device serves as an intermediary indicator for power failure detection. Rather than directly monitoring power supply parameters continuously, the system uses the wireless network connection status as a mediator to infer power supply conditions. This indirect monitoring approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If power failure information is stored and communicated to users, then food safety is improved, but information loss is reduced by preventing spoilage
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by notifying users of power failure occurrences through the wireless network. When the controller detects that power supply is abnormal based on wireless network device connection status, it stores power failure occurrence information and communicates this to users. This feedback loop ensures users are informed of power failures that may affect food safety, enabling them to take appropriate actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by storing power failure occurrence information before power is restored. The controller checks and stores information about power failures that occurred while the user was away, so that this information is ready for notification when the user returns or when the system re-establishes communication. This preliminary information preservation prevents loss of critical power failure data.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a diagnostic method of a refrigerator using the same, and according to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a diagnostic method of the refrigerator, and the method may include sensing power supplied thereto; determining whether or not a power failure has occurred based on the sensed power; storing power failure occurrence information when it is determined that the power failure has occurred; referring to the power failure occurrence information when the power supply is resumed; storing power failure end information when the power failure occurrence information is found; and providing the power failure occurrence and power failure end information.