Refrigerator, server and method for controlling refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators lack the ability to dynamically control storage temperatures based on product information and estimated consumption dates of stored items, leading to inefficient food preservation and management.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator system that includes a communication module, user interface, and processor to receive product information and estimated consumption dates, allowing for dynamic temperature control of storage rooms based on this data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refrigerator maintains a constant low temperature in storage rooms, then food preservation is ensured, but energy consumption increases and food spoilage still occurs due to insufficient temperature optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator system dynamically adjusts storage room temperatures based on real-time product information and estimated consumption dates rather than maintaining constant temperatures. The controller modifies temperature settings according to the specific storage requirements of different products and their consumption timelines, enabling adaptive temperature control that optimizes both food preservation and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes temperature parameters based on product characteristics and consumption dates. By receiving product information from external devices or servers, the controller adjusts storage temperatures to match the optimal preservation conditions for each product type and its expected consumption timeline, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining food safety
2Device complexity
If the refrigerator uses fixed temperature control, then system simplicity is maintained, but food spoilage increases due to inability to optimize storage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator introduces an intermediary communication module that receives product information from external devices or servers. This intermediary layer enables the system to access external data about product storage requirements and consumption patterns without significantly complicating the core refrigeration system, allowing optimized temperature control through information-mediated decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously receiving product information and consumption date data, then using this information to adjust temperature control strategies. The controller processes this feedback information to dynamically optimize storage conditions, ensuring food preservation while adapting to changing storage requirements based on product-specific data
3Device complexity
If the refrigerator manually manages food storage information, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and food management efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator enables self-service food management by automatically receiving and processing product information from external devices or servers. The system autonomously stores product data, calculates estimated consumption dates, and adjusts temperature settings without requiring manual user input, thereby improving food management efficiency while keeping the interface simple for users
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module serves multiple functions: receiving product information, storing data, calculating consumption dates, and transmitting control signals to temperature regulation systems. This multi-functional design enhances food management efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity, as a single module handles diverse tasks
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 food preservation by optimizing storage temperatures according to the specific needs of stored items, improving efficiency and reducing food spoilage.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator evaporates the refrigerant to cool the storage room
Implementation Method 2
the evaporator evaporates the refrigerant to cool the storage room
Implementation Method 3
A defrost heater is provided in the refrigerator to remove the frost that has accumulated on the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a main body, at least one door provided on a front surface of the main body, a plurality of storage rooms provided on the main body or the at least one door and configured to store articles, a cooling device configured to cool the plurality of storage rooms, a user interface configured to receive a user input from a user or output information to the user, a communication module configured to communicate with a server and a user device, memory storing one or more computer programs, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the user interface, the communication module, and the memory, wherein the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors individually or collectively, cause the refrigerator to control a temperature of the storage room where a purchased article is stored based on product information of the purchased article received from the server and an estimated consumption date of the purchased article input from the user interface or the user device.