Smart home controller refrigerator and control method therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators have not been effectively integrated into smart home systems due to their consistent power supply and stable operation, limiting their ability to control other home appliances efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A smart home controller refrigerator that uses a control unit to transmit operation signals via infrared LEDs to control other home appliances, utilizing both control and operation protocols to facilitate remote control through a portable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refrigerator is used as a smart home controller, then the stability of power supply control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple communication protocols and control units
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator is designed to perform multiple functions: it maintains its primary refrigeration function while simultaneously serving as a smart home controller. The control unit incorporates multiple communication protocol modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared) enabling it to control various home appliances, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerator acts as an intermediary device between the user's portable device and various home appliances. It receives control signals from the portable device, processes them through its control unit, and transmits appropriate signals to the target appliances, thereby mediating control across the smart home ecosystem.
2Ease of operation
If the refrigerator controls multiple home appliances through a unified system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with universal communication capabilities, incorporating multiple protocol modules (Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, infrared module) that enable it to communicate with and control various types of home appliances through a single unified interface on the refrigerator.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerator serves as an intermediary that translates user commands from a portable device into appropriate communication protocols for different appliances. The control unit automatically selects and applies the correct protocol (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or infrared) based on the target appliance, simplifying user operation while managing protocol complexity internally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the refrigerator is integrated into the smart home control system, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator is designed with universal adaptability to integrate into smart home systems through multiple communication protocols. The control unit can establish connections with various appliances using different protocols (Wi-Fi for networked devices, Bluetooth for short-range devices, infrared for traditional remote-controlled devices), providing broad versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is segmented into distinct functional modules, each handling a specific communication protocol (Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, infrared module). This segmentation allows the system to maintain adaptability across multiple protocols while managing complexity through modular design, where each module can be independently developed and maintained.
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
Enables stable control of home appliances using the refrigerator's consistent power supply, enhancing convenience by eliminating the need for multiple remote controls and allowing control from anywhere.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared light emitting unit that transmits an infrared operation signal to a home appliance
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a smart home controller refrigerator and a control method therefor, the smart home controller refrigerator, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprising: a control unit comprising a control protocol communication unit for receiving control information for controlling a home appliance in a home, an operation protocol communication unit for generating an operation signal calculated from the control information, and a signal transmission unit for transmitting the operation signal to the home appliance; at least one storage space; and at least one door for controlling the opening/closing of the at least one storage space.