Method of using light-emitting diode (LED) lighting to illuminate the interior of microwave ovens

Abstract

A Light Emitting Diode light system for a domestic appliance includes a Light Emitting Diode light panel mounted on a first wall of the appliance. Light Emitting Diodes are mounted along a periphery of the panel for emitting light through a first surface of the panel. A second reflective surface is formed opposite the first surface of the panel. A diffuser is provided for diffusing light emitted by the Light Emitting Diodes. A power supply source connected to the Light Emitting Diode panel for providing power to the panel. A method of illuminating the interior of a microwave oven includes providing a first Light Emitting Diode panel mounted on a first wall of the microwave; providing a second Light Emitting Diode panel mounted on the first wall of the microwave; providing a diffuser for diffusing light emitted by the light emitting diodes; and providing a power supply source connected to the Light Emitting Diode panel to provide power to the panel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for improved lighting of the interior of microwave ovens. More particularly, it relates to the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate the interior of microwave ovens.[0002]The interior of existing microwave ovens are typically illuminated by a small, tungsten filament appliance lightbulb, typically of 25 watts, radiating 200 lumens, and having a life expectancy of about 200 hours. Unfortunately, such bulbs are vulnerable to microwaves, because the filament can receive microwave energy which will heat the filament to destructive levels. High oven temperatures, when added to the heating effects of the microwaves in addition to the heating effects of the AC current supply, can quickly raise the filament temperature above its rated value, thus quickly burning out the bulb.[0003]One existing way of minimizing damage to the light bulb is to locate the lightbulb in one of the interior side...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an improved microwave oven light source which will greatly increase the available illumination within the oven cavity without reducing the power available for the cooking operation of the oven.

[0012]Another aspect of the disclosure is that the LED light can be placed in the path of the cooking microwaves without being damaged.

[0013]The advantages to using LEDs over incandescent lighting is that LEDs offer considerable power savings, illuminate much quicker than incandescents, have a very long life (partly due to its solid state technology), can illuminate with a color closer to white (as opposed to the yellowish light that incandescent give off), as well as present a visual appeal to the consumer.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, such bulbs are vulnerable to microwaves, because the filament can receive microwave energy which will heat the filament to destructive levels.

High oven temperatures, when added to the heating effects of the microwaves in addition to the heating effects of the AC current supply, can quickly raise the filament temperature above its rated value, thus quickly burning out the bulb.

A problem with this solution is such a placement of the bulb results in a significant reduction in the amount of available light for the cavity of the oven.

However, this would not be effective in view of the limited power available for existing microwave ovens.

Microwave ovens typically are limited to 1,620 watts (13.5 amps) and any power used by the lightbulb reduces the power needed for cooking.

However, light emitting diodes in the light emitting diode lighting panels used in lighting devices of various types can be susceptible to overheating.

When overheating occurs, the efficiency and lifetime of the light emitting diodes is decreased and can result in LED failure.

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