Refrigerator Sabbath Mode with Sensor Disconnection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators do not comply with Jewish tradition on the Sabbath day, as they require sensor operation which is not permissible during this period.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a Sabbath mode that allows users to disconnect sensors from the power source using a switch, enabling operation based on predefined refrigeration and defrost cycles without sensor input, ensuring compliance with Jewish tradition while maintaining refrigeration performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the refrigerator operates with sensors connected to detect temperature and door status, then the refrigeration control precision is improved, but the compliance with Jewish Sabbath tradition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator system is segmented into two independent operational modes: normal mode with sensor connectivity and Sabbath mode with sensor disconnection. The switch circuitry separates the sensor input path from the main control circuit, allowing independent activation of Sabbath mode without affecting the refrigeration control functionality. This segmentation enables the system to satisfy both precision refrigeration control and religious tradition compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
Before entering Sabbath mode, the system performs preliminary actions by storing the latest refrigeration and defrost cycle information in non-volatile storage. This preliminary data capture ensures that when sensors are disconnected, the control unit can still operate the refrigeration unit based on pre-stored cycle patterns, maintaining refrigeration effectiveness without real-time sensor input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensors are physically removed to comply with Sabbath tradition, then the Sabbath mode compliance is improved, but the device complexity and user operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sensor disconnection function from the physical sensor components themselves and implements it at the circuit level through a switch. Instead of removing sensors physically, the switch circuitry electrically disconnects them from the control unit during Sabbath mode. This extraction maintains sensor physical presence while achieving the desired electrical isolation, greatly simplifying user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A switch circuit acts as an intermediary between the sensors and the control unit. This intermediary component provides electrical disconnection without requiring physical sensor removal. The switch is controlled by a magnet that can be easily positioned by the user, creating a simple interface that mediates between the sensor system and the Sabbath mode requirement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the refrigerator operates without sensors in Sabbath mode, then the Sabbath tradition compliance is improved, but the refrigeration control reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by storing the latest refrigeration cycle and defrost cycle information in non-volatile storage before Sabbath mode activation. These pre-stored cycle patterns contain the operational parameters and timing information needed to maintain reliable refrigeration control without real-time sensor feedback. The system executes these pre-planned cycles to ensure continuous reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a form of feedback by using the stored cycle information to guide refrigeration unit operation during Sabbath mode. Although real-time sensor feedback is unavailable, the pre-stored cycle data provides a feedback-like mechanism that maintains appropriate refrigeration timing and duration, ensuring reliable temperature control throughout the Sabbath period.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a compartment, a door, a refrigeration unit, a temperature sensor for the compartment, an opening/closing sensor for the door and a control unit with a normal mode. The refrigerator of the present invention further comprises an electric power source, a supply circuit which connects the sensors to the electric power source and a switch which allows the user to selectively make/break the power connection to the sensors. The control unit has a Sabbath mode for controlling the refrigeration unit without the sensors and based on a predefined refrigeration/defrost cycle.