Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack the ability to charge mobile devices without compromising their insulation performance or appearance, and they cannot charge devices without built-in wireless charging functionality.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator design that incorporates a wireless charging module integrated into the cabinet cover, allowing for wireless charging of mobile devices while maintaining the refrigerator's appearance and insulation integrity, and also includes a USB charging port for devices without wireless charging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless charging module is installed in the refrigerator, then mobile devices can be charged conveniently, but the insulation performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator structure is divided into separate components: the inner casing forming the storage chamber, the middle plate surrounding the inner casing, and the module mounting casing fixed to the middle plate. This segmentation allows the wireless charging module to be isolated in a dedicated mounting casing, preventing direct contact with thermal insulation materials while maintaining charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The module mounting casing acts as an intermediary component between the middle plate and the wireless charging module. It provides a dedicated space for housing the charging module with top and inserting openings, allowing the module to be mounted while maintaining a barrier between the charging components and the thermal insulation system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless charging module is installed on the refrigerator, then charging functionality is added, but the appearance design may be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging module is extracted as a separate, removable component that can be mounted through the inserting opening of the module mounting casing. This allows the charging functionality to be added without permanently modifying the refrigerator's appearance, as the module can be installed or removed through the opening without altering the external cabinet cover design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the refrigerator structure is modified to accommodate charging modules, then charging capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The module mounting casing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wireless charging module, maintains the insulation barrier through its positioning between the inner casing and middle plate, and offers a standardized mounting interface with top and inserting openings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 charging of mobile devices without altering the refrigerator's appearance or compromising insulation, supporting both wireless and wired charging options for devices with or without wireless charging functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal-insulating material disposed between the inner casing and the middle plate
Implementation Method 2
a wireless charging module mounted on the module mounting casing through the inserting opening, wherein the wireless charging module includes a coil part for wirelessly-charging a battery of a mobile device placed on the cabinet cover
Data Source
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.