Illuminated Shelf Assembly with Side-Bracket Light Integration
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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 light and shadows, with a power connection system that eliminates the need for a crossover across the shelf panel.
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. This repositioning allows illumination to be provided from the sides rather than ends, reducing bulk in the front-rear dimension and improving user access while maintaining lighting functionality.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are placed at the front or rear of a shelf panel, then illumination is provided, but light is directed directly at the user creating glare
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning light sources to the side brackets and orienting them to illuminate from the sides, the patent changes the direction of light projection. This dimensional shift in light source placement prevents direct illumination of the user's face while still achieving effective shelf illumination.
3Illumination intensity
If light is provided from a single direction, then illumination is achieved, but undesirable shadows are created on the shelf
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination function into multiple light sources positioned at different locations (side brackets) and orientations. This segmentation of the lighting system into distributed sources creates multi-directional illumination that eliminates shadows by illuminating the shelf from multiple angles simultaneously.
4Use 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 becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection requirement from the shelf panel itself and relocates it to the side brackets, which are already connected to the enclosure. This removes the need for a crossover connection across the panel, simplifying the electrical system by utilizing existing connection points.
5Shape
If a sleek design is maintained, then aesthetics are improved, but illumination effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light sources with the side brackets, integrating the illumination function into the existing structural components. This integration allows the lighting system to be incorporated into the sleek design without adding separate bulky elements, maintaining aesthetics while achieving effective illumination.
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 efficient and shadow-free illumination within the appliance while maintaining a sleek design and simplifying the electrical connections, enhancing user experience and accessibility.
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 and side brackets coupled to the shelf panel along respective lateral portions thereof. Each of the side brackets have a rear coupling portion configured to mount to structure of the enclosure. One or more light sources are mounted and electrically coupled to one of the side brackets and a connection between one or both of the side brackets and the structure of the enclosure is configured to provide power to illuminate the one or more light sources.