Fiber-Optic Cooler Lighting for Low-Heat Interior Illumination

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 mechanism, as previous solutions like incandescent and fluorescent lights are inefficient and prone to breakage.

Innovation Solution

A portable cooler design incorporating fiber-optic tubing connected to a light source, such as LEDs, with a power and control unit that includes a magnetic reed switch or Hall Effect sensor to automatically activate lighting when the lid is open, ensuring even illumination and minimizing heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If incandescent lights are used for interior illumination, then the cooler interior can be illuminated, but heat is generated which compromises the cooling function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior illuminationVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fiber optic cables as an intermediary to transmit light from an external LED source into the cooler interior. The LEDs remain outside the cooler chamber, and only the light (not the heat) is transmitted through the fiber optics, thereby illuminating the interior without introducing heat-generating components inside the cooling space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If fluorescent lights are used for interior illumination, then cost efficiency is improved, but the ballast takes up volume and generates heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior illuminationVSAvoidballast volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fiber optic cables as an intermediary to transmit light from an external LED source into the cooler interior. The LEDs remain outside the cooler chamber, and only the light (not the heat) is transmitted through the fiber optics, thereby illuminating the interior without introducing heat-generating components inside the cooling space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting source (LEDs) is extracted from the interior of the cooler and placed externally. This removes the need for internal ballasts and power regulation equipment inside the cooler chamber, freeing up internal volume while still providing illumination through the fiber optic transmission system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Illumination intensity

If fluorescent bulbs are used for interior illumination, then cost efficiency is improved, but the bulbs are fragile and may break upon lid closing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior illuminationVSAvoidbulb durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fiber optic cables as an intermediary to transmit light from an external LED source into the cooler interior. The LEDs remain outside the cooler chamber, and only the light (not the heat) is transmitted through the fiber optics, thereby illuminating the interior without introducing heat-generating components inside the cooling space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting source (LEDs) is extracted from the interior of the cooler and placed externally. This removes the need for internal ballasts and power regulation equipment inside the cooler chamber, freeing up internal volume while still providing illumination through the fiber optic transmission system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Extent of automation

If automatic switching mechanism is implemented, then the lighting can be activated automatically, but the switch mechanism adds complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic lighting activationVSAvoidswitch mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a simple magnetic reed switch that automatically activates the lighting when the lid is opened (magnet moves away from switch, closing the circuit) and deactivates when closed (magnet closes the circuit). This self-activating mechanism requires no complex control logic or external power management, providing automatic operation through a passive magnetic field interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides consistent, durable, and energy-efficient interior illumination for the cooler, maintaining its cooling function while offering a safe and cost-effective lighting solution that covers nearly 360° without the need for external power.

Implementation Method 1

The light mechanism preferably includes a light source connected to a tubing, preferably a fiber optic tubing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical Fibre: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

The power and control unit includes a magnetic reed switch or Hall Effect sensor to automatically activate lighting when the lid is open

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic Field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10088144B1Cooler with tubing lighting

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 LIDDUP LLC

AI summary

A cooler comprising a main body, a lid, a lighting mechanism and a control unit is disclosed herein. The lighting mechanism is positioned in the main body. The lighting mechanism comprises a fiber optic tubing and a light source. The tubing extends along substantially all of a circumference of the interior chamber. The light source is attached to the tubing. The control unit is connected to the lighting mechanism.