Appliance Light Panel Coating for Even LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional appliance lighting, particularly in ovens and refrigerators, faces issues with high intensity, heat generation, uneven light diffusion, and energy inefficiency, especially with halogen bulbs, and temperature sensitivity of LED lighting.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system utilizing a light transmitting panel with a coating that allows light to diffuse from its surface, positioned with a light source near the edge, enabling even illumination and controlled light intensity, and using LEDs in a cooler environment to manage temperature sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If halogen bulbs are used for lighting, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat generation increases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light-generating function from the heat-generating bulb by using a separate LED light source positioned behind a light-diffusing panel. The LED emits light that passes through the translucent panel to illuminate the appliance interior, separating the light source from the illumination area and eliminating the need for bulky, heat-generating halogen bulbs in the appliance cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional incandescent/halogen bulb lighting system with an LED-based lighting system. LEDs consume significantly less energy and generate minimal heat compared to halogen bulbs, directly addressing the energy efficiency and heat generation issues while maintaining adequate illumination intensity.
2Illumination intensity
If halogen bulbs with diffused glass lens are used, then light diffusion is improved, but device complexity and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light diffusion function from a separate component and integrates it into a simple translucent panel that forms part of the appliance structure. This panel directly diffuses light from the LED source without requiring additional lenses or complex optical components, simplifying the overall device while achieving even light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent panel serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component of the appliance, provides the diffusion medium for light distribution, and eliminates the need for separate bulb housings and mounting mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining effective light diffusion.
3Loss of energy
If LEDs are used for lighting, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature sensitivity becomes a problem in hot environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature-sensitive LED light source from the hot appliance interior environment and positions it in a cooler location behind the translucent panel. The LED illuminates the appliance cavity indirectly through the panel, keeping the sensitive electronic component away from high temperatures while maintaining effective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent panel acts as an intermediary between the LED light source and the appliance interior. It allows light to pass through while providing thermal isolation, protecting the temperature-sensitive LED from the hot environment it illuminates.
4Illumination intensity
If point source bulbs are used, then illumination intensity is improved, but evenness of light distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light distribution function from the point source bulb and implements it through a translucent panel that spreads light across a larger area. The panel diffuses the light from the compact LED source, transforming it into broad, even illumination that covers the entire appliance interior uniformly.
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
The system provides even and controlled lighting within appliances, reducing heat output and improving energy efficiency while accommodating temperature-sensitive LEDs, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a coating disposed over a surface of the side of the panel, the coating configured to allow light to diffuse from the coated side of the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for an appliance includes a panel having a side and an exposed edge, a light source positioned in proximity to the exposed edge of the panel, and a coating disposed over a surface of the side of the panel. The coating is configured to allow light to diffuse from the coated side of the panel and the panel is located remotely from the light source.