Refrigerator User Detection Layout for Automatic Door Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators require users to manually activate functions or open doors, which can be inconvenient, especially for multifunctional and intelligent models that need accurate user detection to activate IoT features without unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a user detection sensor installed at an inclined angle on the door to enlarge the detection area, automatically activating a button device to open doors or lift containers when a user is detected, and a light emitter that turns on and off based on user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the user detection sensor is installed at an inclined angle on the door, then the detection area is enlarged, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user detection sensor is installed at an inclined angle rather than perpendicular to the door surface, creating an asymmetric detection pattern that expands the detection area to cover a wider angular range where users typically approach the refrigerator
Solution Approach 2:
The detection area is extended from a single perpendicular direction to a conical three-dimensional space by inclining the sensor, thereby enlarging the effective detection volume without adding multiple sensors
2Ease of operation
If the refrigerator automatically detects and activates functions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous detection
Solution Approach 1:
The user detection sensor continuously monitors for user presence in advance, and only when detection occurs does the system activate the button device and light emitter, thereby preparing the system for operation before actual user interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerator system automatically detects user presence and autonomously activates the appropriate functions without requiring manual intervention, making the system serve itself by eliminating the need for users to manually open doors or press buttons
3Ease of operation
If the light emitter is continuously on to illuminate buttons, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter operates periodically rather than continuously - it turns on when user presence is detected to illuminate the button device, and turns off when no user is present, thereby providing illumination only when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitter is activated in advance when user detection occurs, preparing the interface for user interaction by illuminating the buttons before the user actually reaches for them
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator and a control method thereof are proposed, wherein the refrigerator is operated by detecting a user. The refrigerator includes: a user detection sensor (30) provided at a first side of at least one door and detecting a user located in front of the door, the user detection sensor (30) at the first side of the door being arranged to incline by a predetermined angle toward a center line of a width direction of the door. The user detection sensor (30) may detect the presence of the user in front of the refrigerator, and when the user is detected by the user detection sensor (30), a button device (20) manipulated to automatically open at least one door, or to automatically lift a container (16) provided in the door may be activated.