Smart adjustable shelves for refrigerator appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator shelves are cumbersome to adjust and can lead to non-uniform or diminished airflow, which reduces the efficiency and cooling ability of the appliance, especially when filled with multiple articles.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a shelf assembly that includes a drive mechanism and an object detection system, controlled by a controller, which moves shelves vertically to adjust space above or below them based on detected articles and flow restrictions, improving airflow and ease of placing articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shelves are made adjustable to accommodate different sized articles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for drive mechanisms and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system automatically adjusts itself based on object detection. The controller receives input from the object detection system about article size and placement needs, then autonomously activates the drive mechanism to reposition shelves without requiring manual user intervention or complex control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical shelf adjustment systems with an automated system combining object detection sensors, electronic control, and motorized drive mechanisms. This substitution reduces the complexity of manual operation while enabling adaptive shelf positioning based on detected article characteristics.
2Productivity
If shelves are positioned closely together to maximize storage capacity, then productivity is improved, but airflow becomes non-uniform or diminished reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf positions are made dynamic rather than fixed. The drive mechanism enables shelves to move vertically and change position based on detected article sizes and airflow requirements. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize both storage density and airflow patterns continuously, rather than being constrained to static shelf configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of shelves based on detected conditions. When articles are detected that require optimal airflow, the controller adjusts shelf positions to create appropriate spacing, thereby changing the physical parameters of the storage environment to balance storage capacity with cooling efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If shelves are made empty or have no articles before adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time occurs due to the need to remove and relocate articles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting articles and adjusting shelves around them. The object detection system identifies article positions and dimensions, and the controller autonomously coordinates drive mechanism movement to create appropriate spacing without requiring users to manually remove or relocate articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The object detection system performs preliminary detection of article positions and characteristics before shelf adjustment occurs. This preliminary action allows the controller to plan and execute shelf positioning that accommodates existing articles, eliminating the need for users to perform preliminary article removal or relocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is provided having a shelf assembly and a controller. The shelf assembly may include a shelf and a drive mechanism configured to move the shelf in at least a vertical direction. The refrigerator also includes an object detection system configured to detect an article placed adjacent to the shelf. The controller may be configured to determine the proximity of an article and the shelf using the object detection system, detect a shelf moving event, and move the shelf in response to the shelf moving event. The shelf moving event may be based, at least in part, on the proximity of the article and the shelf. The controller may also be configured to move the shelf in response to detecting a flow restriction above or below the shelf.