Illuminated shelf assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illuminated shelving in appliances, such as refrigerators, faces issues with bulky light sources that restrict access and create shadows, and requires electrical connections spanning the shelf panel, which can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A shelf assembly with side brackets and integrated light sources that are electrically coupled to the enclosure, providing side illumination and a sealed light housing to avoid direct user exposure and shadows, while using a power connection that spans the shelf panel to create a circuit for powering the lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are placed at the front or rear of a shelf panel, then illumination is provided, but the light sources become bulky and restrict access to the shelves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the light sources from the traditional front or rear positions to the side brackets, utilizing the lateral dimension of the shelf assembly. This dimensional relocation allows illumination to be provided while maintaining clear access paths at the front and rear of the shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sources are integrated within the side brackets structure, with the brackets serving dual functions as both structural support elements and housings for the illumination components. This nesting eliminates the need for separate bulky light source housings that would restrict access.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned to illuminate the shelf, then illumination is provided, but direct light exposure to users and shadow creation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple light sources positioned at different locations on the side brackets, with each light source oriented to illuminate specific zones. This distributed arrangement creates overlapping light fields that eliminate shadows while diffusing direct light exposure through spatial distribution rather than concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The side brackets serve as intermediary structures that house and position the light sources away from the direct user view path. The brackets act as mediators between the light sources and the shelf interior, allowing illumination while blocking direct light exposure to users standing in front of the appliance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrical connections span the shelf panel to connect side brackets, then power is provided to light sources, but the electrical connection structure becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function with the structural side bracket assembly. The electrical conductors are integrated into the bracket structure itself, merging the support function and electrical conduit function into a single unified component, thereby eliminating separate cumbersome connection structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The side brackets are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support for the shelf panel, housing the light sources, and serving as electrical conduits to deliver power to the illumination components. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating dedicated electrical connection structures.
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 effective side illumination that avoids user exposure and shadows, while simplifying the electrical connections by using existing enclosure structures, enhancing usability and accessibility within the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light sources mounted and electrically coupled to one of the side brackets
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf assembly for an enclosure includes a shelf panel having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an edge extending between the upper and lower surfaces. The edge includes front, rear, and side edges. A light housing is coupled to the shelf panel and includes one or more walls defining an interior. The light housing includes front, rear, and side portions disposed adjacent to the front, rear, and side edges of the shelf panel, respectively. A plurality of light sources received within the light housing to project light outwardly therefrom.