Refrigerator and method for controlling refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with opaque doors often malfunction when changing states based on unintended inputs, leading to unnecessary power consumption and user dissatisfaction due to incorrect door transparency changes.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system with a first sensor to detect user presence and activate a second sensor, such as a touch or microphone, to accurately sense intended inputs for door transparency or opening, reducing malfunctions and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door state is changed by sensing a vibration or touch, then the user can check stored food without opening the door, but the door state may be changed by low-frequency sound or simple shock causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A human body sensor is introduced as an intermediary to detect user presence before enabling the knock-on function. The sensor determines whether a human body is within a predetermined distance, and only when a human is detected does the system activate the knock-on function. This intermediary detection layer prevents false triggers from environmental vibrations or shocks while maintaining user convenience.
2Ease of operation
If the door state is changed by sensing audio signal of knock, then the user can access the refrigerator, but the state may be changed by noise from physical shock not in accordance with user intention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of human presence using the human body sensor before activating the audio signal sensing for knock detection. By first confirming a human is present and has approached the refrigerator, the system prepares the knock-on function only when needed. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent audio signal detection occurs in a controlled context, reducing false activation from unrelated noises.
3Extent of automation
If the knock-on function is activated frequently due to malfunction, then the door transparency switches often, but unnecessary power is consumed due to repeated light emission
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic detection cycles with the human body sensor to determine when to activate the knock-on function. Instead of continuous operation or frequent activation, the sensor periodically checks for human presence and only enables the knock-on function during relevant periods when a user is near the refrigerator. This periodic activation pattern reduces unnecessary power consumption from repeated door state changes and lighting while maintaining automated convenience.
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
Reduces the likelihood of malfunction and unnecessary power consumption by ensuring that door functions are activated only in response to intended user inputs, enhancing user satisfaction and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a human body sensor to detect a user's body within a predetermined distance
Implementation Method 2
a knock-on sensor that is switched to an active state to sense a user's input applied to a door
Implementation Method 3
at least a part of the door is switched from an opaque state to a transparent state
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling a refrigerator, and is characterized by including: a main body provided with a storage chamber; at least one door coupled to the main body and formed to open/close the storage chamber; a sensing unit which includes a first sensor disposed at one point on the main body and capable of sensing a user in the vicinity of the refrigerator, and a second sensor for sensing a user input so as to receive a selection for at least one function related to the door, the sensing unit keeping the second sensor in an inactive state so that the second sensor cannot detect the user input; and a control unit which, on the basis of the sensing result from the first sensor, controls the sensing unit so that the second sensor is switched to an active state in which the second sensor can sense the user input, and which executes at least one function related to the door, on the basis of the sensing result from the second sensor, when the second sensor is switched to the active state.