Refrigerator with position sensor and control method for opening a refrigerator door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators require users to apply significant force to open the door due to magnetic forces, and existing door opening devices are inconvenient when users are holding objects or lack both hands, especially with long rod lengths and distant operation points.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a refrigerator that allows automatic door opening using a part of the body other than hands, employing a door opening device with a push rod driven by a motor, which includes standby, opening, stopping, and returning operations, and uses detection sensors and optical patterns to detect user presence and initiate door opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is provided inside the gasket to increase adhesion with the cabinet, then the leaking of cool air is decreased, but a greater force is required to open the door
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening device is divided into multiple components: a rod member with first and second ends, a first rotating member at the first end, and a second rotating member at the second end. This segmentation allows the force application point to be separated from the hinge axis, creating mechanical advantage to reduce opening force while maintaining the magnetic seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod member acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the user's input force and the door. By positioning the rod at a distance from the hinge shaft, it transmits force more efficiently, reducing the effort needed to overcome the magnetic adhesion force of the gasket.
2Force
If the door opening device is positioned distant from the hinge shaft to assist door opening, then the user can open the door with less force, but the length of the rod becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the rod in a straight line perpendicular to the door, the rod is positioned to extend in a direction that utilizes the depth dimension of the door structure. This allows the rod to be located at a distance from the hinge shaft for mechanical advantage while keeping the rod length reasonable by utilizing the third dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The door opening device incorporates rotating members that allow dynamic adjustment of the rod's position and angle. This dynamic capability enables the system to achieve the necessary leverage without requiring a permanently long rod, as the rotation allows the rod to reach optimal positions during the door opening process.
3Force
If an operating part is provided at the door handle to operate the door opening device, then the door can be opened with less force, but it becomes impossible to operate when the user is holding objects with both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening device is configured to be operable by various body parts including foot, knee, or other body portions in addition to hands. This self-service capability allows the door to be opened even when the user's hands are occupied, as the device can be actuated by pushing with any body part against the rod or operating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating mechanism is designed with universal usability, allowing it to be actuated by multiple different body parts (hands, foot, knee, etc.). This multi-functionality ensures that the door can be opened regardless of whether the user's hands are free or occupied, making the system adaptable to various usage scenarios.
4Force
If the push rod is inserted deeply to push the door open from a distant position, then the door can be opened effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening device merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The rod member serves both as the force transmission element and as the positioning element, while the rotating members at each end combine rotational movement with linear rod movement. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective door opening 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
Enhances user convenience by allowing door opening without both hands, reduces the force required, and prevents accidental openings due to misrecognition of animals or children, while maintaining reliable operation and efficient space usage within the refrigerator.
Implementation Method 1
there is provided a structure in which a magnet is provided inside the gasket, and the gasket becomes in close contact with the cabinet formed of a steel material when the door is closed
Implementation Method 2
employing a door opening device with a push rod driven by a motor, which includes standby, opening, stopping, and returning operations, and uses detection sensors and optical patterns to detect user presence
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a refrigerator and control method for refrigerator and method for opening a refrigerator door. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.