Rotatable Refrigerator Door Display with Movement-Based State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices occupy large spaces and can obstruct views, limiting their application due to their size and aesthetics, especially when used in areas like refrigerators where space utilization and visibility are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A display device integrated into a rotatable door of a refrigerator, equipped with sensors to detect movement and control the display panel's state, allowing for adaptive image display and reduced power consumption based on the door's position, using a frame, detector, and controller with acceleration, gyro, or inductance sensors to determine the door's state and adjust the display accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional display device is installed, then image display function is provided, but it occupies large space and obstructs view
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is merged with the refrigerator door, integrating the display function into the door structure. The display panel is mounted on the door frame, combining two previously separate objects (display device and door) into one unified structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate display device space while maintaining visibility function
Solution Approach 2:
The display is transitioned from a standalone three-dimensional device occupying front space to a two-dimensional panel integrated into the door surface. This dimensional change allows the display to utilize the door's surface area rather than requiring additional front-facing space, thus improving space utilization while preserving display functionality
2Loss of information
If the display panel is always on, then information is always visible, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system transitions from a static always-on state to a dynamic state that adapts based on door movement detection. The controller receives signals from detectors (acceleration sensors, gyro sensors, or inductance sensors) that detect door opening/closing movements, and dynamically adjusts the display state accordingly - turning off or dimming during door movement to save energy, and activating when the door is stationary to provide information
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where detectors continuously monitor door position and movement state, send signals to the controller, and the controller adjusts the display panel state based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures the display operates only when necessary (when door is stationary), optimizing the balance between information availability and power consumption
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the display device is made transparent, then view obstruction is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transparent or translucent display panels that can change their optical properties. The display panel is designed to be transparent when not in use, allowing light to pass through and minimizing view obstruction. When activated, it displays images while maintaining partial transparency. This optical property variation resolves the contradiction by making the display less obstructive during non-display periods while still providing visual information when needed
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 space utilization and aesthetics by allowing the display to adapt to the door's position, providing relevant information such as empty storage regions or advertisements, while reducing power consumption through dynamic backlight control.
Implementation Method 1
The detector may include at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor
Implementation Method 2
The detector may include at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor
Implementation Method 3
The detector may include at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor
Implementation Method 4
The detector may include an inductance sensor, and the controller may be configured to determine the frame is in the opening state when an inductance value indicated by the signal increases
Data Source
AI summary
A display device, a door including the display device and a refrigerator including the door are provided. A display device includes: a frame configured to be rotatably mounted to a base object; a display panel mounted to the frame; a detector disposed in the frame, and configured to detect a movement of the frame and output a signal corresponding to the movement; and a controller configured to determine a movement state of the frame based on the signal, and control the display panel based on the movement state.