Temperature-context-aware-refrigerator and method for controlling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerators struggle to adapt to sudden temperature changes caused by materials with extreme temperatures being introduced, limiting their cooling or freezing performance and requiring users to manually adjust settings.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-context-aware refrigerator system that includes temperature sensors, a context awareness unit, and a control unit to generate and execute load responsive operations, allowing it to adjust temperatures dynamically and communicate with external devices for remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the refrigerator maintains a fixed preset temperature, then the temperature control is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to sudden temperature changes caused by materials with extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator control system transitions from a static fixed temperature setting to a dynamic load-responsive operation mode. The control unit automatically adjusts the target temperature based on sensed temperature changes and pre-stored operation information, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to varying thermal loads while maintaining manageable complexity through algorithmic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the target temperature parameter dynamically based on the type of material stored. By storing multiple target temperature values corresponding to different material types (e.g., hot food, cold food, frozen goods) and selecting the appropriate parameter based on temperature change patterns, the refrigerator achieves adaptability without requiring complex real-time optimization algorithms.
2Extent of automation
If the user manually adjusts the temperature setting, then the temperature can be customized, but it requires user intervention and cannot respond automatically to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator performs self-adjustment of the target temperature based on automatic temperature sensing and pre-stored control strategies. The control unit monitors temperature changes, identifies the type of material stored, and autonomously selects and applies the appropriate target temperature from stored operation information, eliminating the need for manual user intervention while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback control by continuously sensing the storage space temperature, comparing it with the preset temperature, and automatically adjusting the target temperature when deviations are detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to temperature changes caused by stored materials without requiring user input.
3Temperature
If the refrigerator operates within a limited temperature controllable range, then the system is simple to control, but it cannot sufficiently exhibit cooling or freezing performance when hot materials are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerator performs preliminary action by pre-storing multiple target temperature values corresponding to different material types before they are actually stored. When hot materials are introduced, the system has already prepared lower target temperature values in its memory, enabling immediate response and enhanced cooling performance without requiring real-time temperature range expansion or complex calculations.
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 the refrigerator to automatically adapt to temperature changes, ensuring optimal storage conditions without user intervention, improving cooling or freezing performance and allowing for remote operation and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
one or more temperature sensors for sensing a temperature of a first storage space
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a temperature-context-aware refrigerator and a method for controlling the same. A temperature-context-aware refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a temperature context awareness unit for sensing a temperature of at least one storage compartment, and when the difference between the sensed temperature and a temperature set for the corresponding storage compartment is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, generating load-responsive operation information including a target temperature lower or higher than the set temperature; a temperature control unit for controlling a temperature sensor and the temperature context awareness unit, and performing a load-responsive operation for controlling the temperature of the storage compartment by using the load-responsive operation information; and a database unit which is required for the temperature context awareness unit to generate the load-responsive operation information.