Illuminated Adjustable Divider for Refrigerator Storage Bin Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator storage bins often lack sufficient lighting, making it difficult for users to locate items at the bottom, leading to consumer frustration and increased search time, especially in freezer drawers where items are frequently not visible due to insufficient illumination.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator appliance with adjustable dividers equipped with a light source mounted on the divider, which includes a transparent or translucent window to direct light downward, providing improved illumination within the storage bin, and a power supply assembly ensuring the light remains on as the divider slides, addressing the lack of visibility in storage bins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light located on a back wall of the chilled chamber is used, then the chamber is illuminated, but items located in storage bins positioned within the chamber are not sufficiently illuminated for ease of viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted illumination specifically within the storage bin area rather than general chamber lighting. The light source is positioned to direct light downward onto the storage bin contents, ensuring that the specific area where items are stored and retrieved is adequately illuminated, while other areas receive appropriate ambient light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a translucent or transparent panel that diffuses and distributes light from the light source throughout the storage bin area. This intermediary element ensures uniform illumination across the storage bin, making items visible without creating harsh shadows or overly concentrated light spots.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is mounted on the adjustable divider, then illumination is provided where needed, but the power supply assembly must remain electrically connected as the divider slides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible cables or thin film conductors to maintain electrical connection between the power supply assembly and the light source mounted on the movable divider. These flexible connections allow the divider to slide back and forth while maintaining continuous electrical contact, enabling the light to remain powered throughout the range of motion without requiring complex rigid wiring or connection mechanisms.
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
Enhances visibility and accessibility within storage bins by providing adequate lighting, reducing user frustration and search time, and improving the organization and maintenance of stored items.
Implementation Method 1
A light source is mounted on the adjustable divider... providing improved illumination within the storage bin
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerator appliance (100) includes drawer assembly (200) for a chilled chamber of the appliance. The drawer assembly (200) includes a storage bin (202) positioned within the chilled chamber and one or more adjustable dividers (210) slidably mounted within the storage bin (202). The adjustable dividers (210) include a top support arm (216), a window (214) that acts as a light guide or diffuser, and a light source (300) mounted to the adjustable divider (210) for illuminating the storage bin (202). The drawer assembly (200) further includes a power supply (302), such as a bus bar assembly (310) having parallel positive and negative strip terminals (314, 312) that remain connected with spring terminals on the adjustable dividers (210) to ensure the light source (300) remains illuminated when the adjustable dividers (210) are moved within the storage bin (202).