Refrigerator Video Recording Module Placement to Expand Shelf Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator designs face challenges in video recording and illumination of storage containers or movable shelves when they are partially pulled out, as the camera or illuminating lamp is obstructed by the upper door, limiting the recording or illumination range.
Innovation Solution
The video recording module or illumination module is positioned at the connecting portion of the cabinet, facing forward and inclined downward, allowing for enhanced recording or illumination of the storage container or movable shelf when it is partially pulled out, and can operate independently or in conjunction with each other, with separate carriers or shared physical carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the video recording module or illumination module is disposed at the bottom of the cabinet door, then the module can be easily installed, but the upper door obstructs the recording or illumination range when the storage container is pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the video recording module and illumination module from the vertical dimension (bottom of cabinet door) to the horizontal dimension (connecting portion between side walls). This dimensional shift allows the modules to be positioned laterally where they can capture the storage container without being obstructed by the upper door, thereby expanding the effective recording and illumination area while maintaining installation feasibility.
2Measurement precision
If the video recording module is positioned to face the storage container directly, then the recording quality is improved, but the upper door blocks the view when the container is pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the video recording module at the connecting portion with an inclined downward orientation, creating a dynamic field of view that adapts to different storage container positions. The module's angled placement allows it to maintain optimal recording quality whether the container is pushed in or pulled out, providing operational coverage across the full range of motion without being blocked by the upper door.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving the recording module from the vertical bottom surface to the horizontal connecting portion, the patent creates a lateral viewing angle that eliminates obstruction from the upper door. This dimensional repositioning allows the module to face the storage container effectively while maintaining unobstructed visibility during container extraction.
3Device complexity
If the illumination module is positioned at the bottom of the door, then the structure is simple, but the illumination range is limited when the storage container is pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the illumination module from the vertical bottom surface to the horizontal connecting portion, positioning it laterally where it can illuminate the storage container across its full extraction range. This dimensional shift expands the illumination area significantly while maintaining relatively simple structural integration into the cabinet framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door, a storage container or movable shelf, and a video recording module. The cabinet includes a storage compartment, a pair of oppositely disposed side walls, and a connecting portion that extends along a lateral direction of the cabinet and that is connected to the pair of side walls, the connecting portion having a front engaging face. The door is configured to cover the storage compartment and is connected to the front engaging face when closed. The storage container or movable shelf is located in the storage compartment and may be at least partially pulled out of the storage compartment. The video recording module or an illumination module is disposed at the connecting portion, faces toward a front of the cabinet, and is inclined downward to record a video of/illuminate the storage container or movable shelf that is at least partially pulled out of the storage compartment.