refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerators lack the ability to charge mobile devices without compromising their insulation performance and aesthetics, and they cannot charge devices without built-in wireless charging functionality.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerator with a wireless charging module integrated into its design, allowing for wireless charging of mobile devices while maintaining insulation performance and aesthetics, and also providing a wired charging option for devices without wireless charging capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless charging module is installed in the refrigerator, then mobile devices can be charged wirelessly, but the insulation performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless charging capabilityVSAvoidinsulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerator body is divided into separate modules: an insulating cabinet body and a wireless charging module that can be independently installed or removed. This segmentation allows the charging function to be added without compromising the overall insulation structure of the refrigerator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic shield plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the wireless charging module and the refrigerator's insulating wall. This shield plate prevents electromagnetic interference while maintaining the insulation performance of the refrigerator body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless charging module is installed in the refrigerator, then battery charging function is added, but the appearance design may be altered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery charging functionVSAvoidappearance design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging module is designed to be nested within the refrigerator's existing structure, specifically utilizing the cabinet cover area. This nesting approach allows the charging function to be integrated without adding external components that would alter the refrigerator's appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic shield plate serves as a mediator that can be installed on the refrigerator surface to provide wireless charging functionality while maintaining the original aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator exterior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the refrigerator structure is modified to accommodate charging functions, then mobile devices can be charged, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile device charging capabilityVSAvoidrefrigerator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerator's cabinet cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the refrigerator's structural component and as a mounting surface for the wireless charging module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 convenient battery charging of mobile devices without altering the refrigerator's appearance, ensuring effective insulation and accommodating devices with or without wireless charging functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless charging module 80, which charges a battery of a mobile device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3751225B1refrigerator
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3751225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3751225B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3751225B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A refrigerator includes: an inner casing having a storage chamber defined therein; a middle plate surrounding an outer surface of the inner casing; a thermal-insulating material disposed between the inner casing and the middle plate; a module mounting casing fixed to the middle plate and having a top opening and an inserting opening; a cabinet cover to cover the top opening and to define a top appearance of the refrigerator; and a wireless charging module mounted on the module mounting casing through the inserting opening, wherein the wireless charging module includes an coil part for wirelessly-charging a battery of a mobile device placed on the cabinet cover.