Refrigerator with sound reproducing capability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs face limitations in sound output due to space constraints, leading to reduced speaker size and intensity, which restricts functionality and affects cooling efficiency and defrosting operations.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator with a vibration module integrated into its inner or outer surfaces, using these surfaces as diaphragms to produce sound, along with a controller and power regulator to manage vibration and power, ensuring efficient sound transmission and maintaining cooling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a speaker is installed in a limited space of the refrigerator (such as hinge assembly, door cap, or lower door), then the speaker can be integrated into the refrigerator structure, but the size of the speaker is limited and the sound output intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator door serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component for opening/closing and as a sound output device through the vibration module. The door's surface functions dual-purpose as a barrier and as a diaphragm for sound transmission, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated speaker housing space.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of limiting the sound output device to traditional three-dimensional speaker components confined within small internal spaces, the invention utilizes the two-dimensional surface area of the refrigerator door as a vibration membrane. This dimensional shift from volume-based to surface-based sound generation enables much larger effective diaphragm area while maintaining compact overall device footprint.
2Power
If a vibration module is attached to the refrigerator door or cabinet surface, then sound output intensity is enhanced, but the device may deviate from its originally installed location
Solution Approach 1:
A frame structure is pre-installed on the refrigerator door or cabinet surface before attaching the vibration module. This frame serves as a preparation step that creates a stable mounting platform, ensuring the vibration module maintains its intended position and orientation while enabling effective coupling to the surface for sound transmission.
3Device complexity
If a speaker is disposed in a limited space, then the refrigerator structure is maintained, but functions other than sound output cannot be performed and cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration module integrated into the door or cabinet surface serves multiple functions: sound output, defrosting assistance through vibration, and potential sensor mounting. This multi-functional design allows the same structural element to support various operations without requiring separate dedicated spaces for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the sound output function with the existing door or cabinet structure rather than adding a separate dedicated speaker assembly. By merging the vibration module with surfaces that already serve structural and thermal functions, the design avoids compromising cooling efficiency while enabling additional capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If a speaker is installed in the refrigerator, then sound can be output to users, but heat generation occurs and cooling function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sound generation function is extracted from the internal refrigerator space and placed on the external door or cabinet surface. By locating the vibration module outside the cooled volume, heat generation from the sound device does not directly affect the internal cooling environment, thereby maintaining cooling efficiency while preserving user communication capability.
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
This configuration enhances sound output intensity, reduces manufacturing costs, stabilizes the sound reproducing device, supports efficient defrosting, and prevents heat generation, allowing effective sound transmission to users both inside and outside the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration module attached to an inner surface of at least one among a door (120, 130), an upper surface portion (111), a side surface portion (113), a rear surface portion (115), and a lower surface portion (117) of the refrigerator, and configured to vibrate the inner surface to which the vibration module is attached
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator with a sound reproducing capability is provided. The refrigerator may include a cabinet forming an exterior of the refrigerator and having an upper surface portion, a lower surface portion, a side surface portion, and a rear surface portion, a door coupled to the cabinet, a vibration module attached to an inner surface of at least one among the door, the upper surface portion, the side surface portion, the rear surface portion, and the lower surface portion, and a controller configured to control vibration of the vibration module. The vibration strength of the vibration module and power supplied to the vibration module may be determined by a trained model trained through machine learning, an area of artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, the refrigerator may include a communicator, and may operate in conjunction with an external device via 5G communication.