Refrigerator having a camera selectively enclosed by a rotating mullion assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras in refrigerators are exposed to condensation when warmer humid air enters the refrigerated storage compartment, causing foggy lenses and affecting image quality, and there is a need for a system to enclose the camera assembly when doors are opened and provide accessible servicing locations.
Innovation Solution
A mullion assembly is pivotally coupled to the refrigerator doors, which includes a receiving recess and a camera device mounted on the hinge assembly. The camera is aligned with the recess and partially received within it when the mullion assembly is in the retracted position, protecting it from external humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the camera is mounted on the door to be accessible for servicing, then the ease of repair is improved, but the camera is exposed to condensation when the door is opened, worsening the reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The mullion assembly is made movable between a retracted position (when the door is closed) and a deployed position (when the door is open). This dynamic positioning allows the camera to be enclosed and protected from condensation during door opening, while remaining accessible for servicing when the door is closed. The mullion's movement is coupled to the door's movement, automatically positioning the camera enclosure based on door state.
Solution Approach 2:
The mullion assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the camera and the external environment. When deployed, the mullion physically shields the camera from warm humid air that enters when the door is opened, preventing condensation on the lens. The mullion serves as a protective barrier that can be dynamically positioned to balance protection and accessibility needs.
2Reliability
If the camera is enclosed to prevent condensation, then the reliability is improved, but the accessibility for servicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure (mullion assembly) is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It automatically transitions between enclosing the camera (when door is open) and exposing the camera (when door is closed), eliminating the need for manual intervention to access the camera for servicing. The dynamic nature allows the system to maintain reliability during operation while providing accessibility during maintenance phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the door's own movement to automatically control the enclosure's position. When the door opens, the mullion assembly automatically deploys to protect the camera; when the door closes, the mullion automatically retracts to expose the camera. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for separate control systems or manual operation, making the system both reliable and accessible.
3Ease of repair
If the mullion assembly is kept in the retracted position to allow camera access, then the ease of repair is improved, but the camera becomes exposed to condensation when the door is open, worsening the reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The mullion assembly's position is dynamically controlled based on door state. When the door opens and warm humid air enters, the mullion automatically deploys to shield the camera from condensation. When the door is closed, the mullion retracts to allow camera access. This dynamic response ensures the camera is protected from harmful condensation exposure only when necessary, while remaining accessible for servicing at other times.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment with a door pivotally coupled the cabinet between open and closed positions. A mullion assembly is operably coupled to the door between retracted and deployed positions relative to the door. The mullion assembly includes at least one receiving recess disposed on an inner surface thereof. At least one camera device is mounted on an inside edge of the door and vertically aligned with the at least one receiving recess of the mullion assembly, such that the camera device faces into the storage compartment when the first door is in the closed position, and is received in the receiving recess of the mullion assembly when the mullion assembly is in the retracted position. The camera device may also be mounted to a fixed portion of a hinge assembly that interconnects the mullion assembly and the door.