Modular Cooler Light Bar With Low-Heat Automatic Interior Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable coolers face challenges in providing comprehensive interior illumination without external power sources, generating minimal heat, and ensuring durability of the lighting system, as traditional light sources like incandescent and fluorescent bulbs are inefficient and prone to breakage.
Innovation Solution
A modular LED light bar system activated by a magnetic reed switch, positioned along the upper region of the cooler, utilizing a nine-volt battery and 1.5 watt resistor, which automatically illuminates the interior when the lid is opened, minimizing power consumption and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If incandescent light bulbs are used for interior illumination, then the cooler interior can be illuminated, but heat is generated which compromises the cooler's primary cooling function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light source technology from incandescent to LED. LEDs convert electrical energy directly to light with minimal heat generation, resolving the contradiction by fundamentally changing the energy conversion mechanism while maintaining illumination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal light generation system (incandescent filament heating) with an electroluminescent system (LED). This substitution eliminates the heat-driven emission mechanism while preserving the illumination function.
2Illumination intensity
If fluorescent light bulbs are used for interior illumination, then cost efficiency is improved, but volume is consumed by the ballast and heat is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluorescent lighting system with a ballast and associated components with a solid-state LED system. This substitution eliminates the need for a ballast entirely, as LEDs are driven directly from the battery through simple current-limiting resistors, thereby eliminating the volume-consuming ballast component.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional light sources are used, then illumination can be provided, but durability is reduced due to breakage upon lid closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile glass-based light sources (incandescent and fluorescent bulbs) with solid-state LED components. LEDs have no fragile glass envelopes or filaments that can break upon impact, providing inherent mechanical durability while maintaining illumination functionality.
4Use of energy by moving object
If LED light bar is positioned in the upper region of the main body, then power consumption is minimized, but illumination coverage must be sufficient for the entire interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning LEDs strategically in the upper region of the cooler body and using a reflective interior surface. This localized placement combined with optical reflection provides uniform illumination across the entire interior space while minimizing the number of LEDs required, thereby reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a magnetic reed switch that detects the position of the lid to automatically control LED activation. When the lid opens, the magnetic field changes, triggering the reed switch to activate the LEDs. This feedback mechanism ensures illumination is provided only when needed, minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
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 LED light bar system provides continuous illumination for at least four hours with minimal heat production, ensuring the cooler's primary function is maintained while offering durable and automatic lighting without the need for external power.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet of the magnetic reed switch is positioned in the lid. A magnetic field of the magnet is in an activating location when the lid is in an open state wherein the magnetic reed switch completes a circuit
Implementation Method 2
providing a cooler a modular light bar that utilizes multiple light emitting diodes ('LED') to illuminate the entire interior of the cooler
Data Source
AI summary
A cooler with a modular light bar having multiple LEDs to illuminate an entire interior of the cooler is disclosed herein. The LEDs are preferably automatically activated by a switch positioned in the cooler. When the lid is in an open state, the switch completes a circuit from a battery to the LEDs of the modular light bar thereby allowing the LEDs to illuminate the entire interior chamber of the cooler.