Auxiliary Lighting Brightness Control via Remote User Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auxiliary lighting assemblies for appliances do not provide a means for consumers to easily adjust the brightness of the emitted light, limiting user customization.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a refrigerator appliance that includes receiving signals from a remote user interface device to adjust the brightness of the auxiliary light, allowing for variable brightness settings based on user input, such as different predetermined times of day or manual adjustments through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional auxiliary lighting assemblies are used, then the lighting provides fixed brightness, but the user cannot adjust the brightness to suit different preferences or conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions from a static fixed-brightness design to a dynamic adjustable-brightness system. The controller receives user inputs via remote interface and automatically adjusts the light output intensity, enabling the lighting to adapt to different user preferences and environmental conditions without requiring manual intervention for physical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of light intensity from a fixed value to a variable range. By implementing a controller that can modify the brightness parameter based on received signals, the lighting assembly offers multiple brightness levels, transforming a single-parameter system into a multi-parameter adjustable system.
2Illumination intensity
If auxiliary lighting provides fixed brightness, then the device structure remains simple, but the aesthetic appearance and usability cannot be optimized for different times or conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system performs self-adjustment of brightness levels based on automatic recognition of user preferences and environmental conditions. The controller autonomously modifies the light output without requiring the user to manually adjust physical controls, making the system serve itself by adapting to changing conditions and user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the controller receives signals from the remote user interface and adjusts the lighting output accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to respond to user inputs and environmental feedback, optimizing the illumination intensity based on received information about user preferences and conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating a refrigerator appliance (100) is provided. The refrigerator appliance (100) includes a cabinet (102) and an auxiliary light positioned on an exterior of the cabinet (102). The method includes determining the brightness level setting of the auxiliary light on a user interface (1002) of a remote user device (1000) and sending a signal (1100) from the remote user device (1000) to a controller (144) of the refrigerator appliance (100). The controller (144) is in operative communication with the auxiliary light. The method also includes adjusting the brightness of the auxiliary light to the determined brightness level setting with the controller (144) of the refrigerator appliance (100) based on the received signal (1100).