Refrigerator with automatic door opening and controlling method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerators face challenges in accurately identifying user intention for door opening among multiple doors and require additional user input for non-contact automatic operation, with issues in sensor accuracy and difficulty in determining which door to open.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system with multiple proximity sensors and a controller that alternately operate to identify the intended door by an external object, using different threshold distances and times to control door opening and light emission modes, and output guide information through an outputter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple proximity sensors are used to identify the intended door, then the accuracy of identifying user intention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator front surface is divided into multiple door regions, with each door having its own dedicated proximity sensor. This segmentation allows each sensor to independently detect objects near its specific door, eliminating the need for complex algorithms to determine which door the user intends to open. The first proximity sensor is disposed adjacent to the first door and the second proximity sensor is disposed adjacent to the second door, creating clear spatial separation of detection zones.
2Speed
If sensors operate continuously to detect external objects, then the response speed is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensors operate in alternating periods rather than continuously. The controller controls the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor to operate alternately, with each sensor activated during its designated time period. This periodic operation maintains detection capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation of all sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection using alternating sensor operation before final door opening execution. The sensors first detect external objects during their active periods, and the controller processes this preliminary information to determine which door to open, enabling responsive operation without requiring all sensors to run simultaneously at full power.
3Reliability
If additional user input is required for automatic door opening, then the reliability of door opening operation is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator system performs self-service by automatically detecting external objects and determining which door to open without requiring additional user input. The proximity sensors detect when an object approaches within a threshold distance, and the controller automatically executes the door opening operation based on sensor location, eliminating the need for users to press buttons or provide further commands after approaching the refrigerator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from proximity sensors to automatically adjust door opening operations. When sensors detect an external object within the threshold distance, the controller receives this feedback and automatically determines the appropriate door to open, creating a closed-loop system that responds to user presence without requiring additional manual input while maintaining high reliability.
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
Enhances user convenience by accurately identifying the intended door and enabling non-contact automatic operation, improving sensor accuracy and user guidance through controlled light and door opening mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a first proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the first door, a second proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the second door
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a main body including a first door and a second door, a door opening device configured to open the first door and the second door, a first proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the first door, a second proximity sensor disposed adjacent to the second door, and a processor, and the processor may control the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor to operate alternately, based on sensing data obtained by the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor, identify a door close to an external object that approaches within a threshold distance from the refrigerator, and control the door opening device to open the identified door among the first door and the second door.