Refrigerator Evaporator Module With Integrated LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator and freezer lighting solutions are expensive and prone to mechanical failures, lacking efficiency and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
Integrating lighting means into the evaporator module, utilizing LEDs for efficient illumination, and incorporating transparent shelves or drawers to enhance lighting coverage and reduce part count, with the option of adjustable lighting placement and use of existing circuit boards for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical hinged lights are used for illumination, then the lighting can be activated when the door is opened, but the mechanism is expensive and comparatively susceptible to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting means are integrated into the evaporator module, combining two previously separate components (lighting and evaporator module) into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical hinged light mechanisms, reducing complexity and improving reliability while maintaining the lighting function.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate lighting units and evaporator modules are used, then each component can be independently designed, but the assembly becomes more complex and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the lighting means directly into the evaporator module, the patent reduces the total number of parts and simplifies the assembly process. The combined unit can be manufactured as a single assembly, reducing construction costs and easing manufacturing while maintaining independent design capabilities for the integrated unit.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional lighting means are used, then illumination can be provided, but construction costs are higher compared to integrated solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of lighting means into the evaporator module reduces construction costs by eliminating separate components and simplifying manufacturing. The use of LEDs within the integrated module provides efficient illumination, maintaining lighting performance while reducing overall construction costs.
4Temperature
If LEDs are used for illumination, then the lighting generates comparatively little heat and can be arranged in confined spaces, but the illumination area may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the LED lighting means within the evaporator module at a specific location (upper area directly under the ceiling). This local placement leverages the low heat generation property of LEDs to fit them in confined spaces while the strategic positioning ensures adequate illumination of the interior through the module's location and light emission characteristics.
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
This solution reduces construction costs, simplifies assembly, and provides reliable, efficient lighting with customizable illumination effects, minimizing mechanical failures and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting means include one or more LEDs
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer comprising at least one operating and/or control unit for operating or controlling the refrigerator and/or freezer and/or comprising at least one evaporator module for cooling the interior of the refrigerator or freezer. The invention also relates to illumination means, which are used to at least partially illuminate the interior of the refrigerator or freezer and/or the region lying in front of the interior, when viewed from the user's perspective. According to the invention, the illumination means are located in or on the operating and/or control unit and/or in or on the evaporator module.