Refrigerator Wireless Communication Layout Through Hinge Cover Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators lack an efficient method for laying out wireless communication apparatus and connection lines near the hinge portion, leading to potential disconnection issues and exposure of components, which affects the reliability and visibility of the wireless communication system.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerator incorporates a wireless communication apparatus, IT adaptor, and connection lines are routed through a connection line lead-out portion and stored in a storage recess within the hinge cover, with a communication unit cover to prevent exposure and facilitate easy mounting and connection, ensuring the wireless communication unit is positioned above the hinge portion to avoid interference and enhance visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wireless communication apparatus is mounted on the upper surface of the ceiling, then the visibility and accessibility are improved, but the connection lines may be exposed and prone to disconnection during door closure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection line lead-out portion is nested within the hinge cover's storage recess, creating a protected pathway for the connection lines. This nesting structure allows the lines to be concealed and protected while maintaining accessibility to the wireless communication apparatus on the ceiling surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge cover acts as an intermediary structure between the wireless communication apparatus and the connection lines. It provides a storage recess that serves as an intermediate protected zone, allowing the connection lines to be routed safely through the hinge cover rather than being exposed on the ceiling surface.
2Reliability
If the connection lines are routed through the hinge cover, then the disconnection risk is reduced, but the components become concealed which may affect user safety and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The connection line lead-out portion is nested within the hinge cover's storage recess, creating a protected pathway for the connection lines. This nesting structure allows the lines to be concealed and protected while maintaining accessibility to the wireless communication apparatus on the ceiling surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection line lead-out portion is extracted from the ceiling surface and relocated to the hinge cover. This extraction removes the vulnerable connection lines from the exposed ceiling area and places them in the protected environment of the hinge cover's storage recess.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the communication unit cover is provided, then the components are protected from exposure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge cover is given multiple functions: it serves as both the hinge mechanism support and as a protective cover with a storage recess for routing connection lines. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover function and the hinge cover structure are merged into a single component. The hinge cover simultaneously provides structural support for the hinge mechanism and serves as a protective enclosure with integrated storage recess for the connection lines, eliminating the need for separate protective components.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator of this embodiment includes a housing that includes a storeroom, a door that is rotatably provided in the housing through a hinge portion and opens or closes an opening of the storeroom by the rotation, a connection line that is led out to the vicinity of the hinge portion, and a wireless communication apparatus that includes a wireless communication unit and is connected to the connection line.