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 relies on electrical connections that require spanning the shelf panel to form a circuit, leading to potential access and illumination challenges.
Innovation Solution
A shelf assembly with side-mounted light sources and a watertight light housing, coupled to side brackets that electrically connect to the enclosure, providing power and illumination without direct user-facing light, and using a controller to manage light activation based on door position or presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are mounted 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 relocates the light sources from the traditional front or rear positions to the side brackets of the shelf assembly. This dimensional relocation allows the light sources to illuminate the shelf from the sides, providing adequate lighting while maintaining clear front and rear access to the shelves for users.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are mounted at the front or rear of a shelf panel, then illumination is provided, but light is directed directly at the user creating undesirable shadows
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning light sources on the side brackets rather than at the front or rear, the illumination direction changes from perpendicular to the shelf surface to parallel with the shelf surface. This side-oriented illumination eliminates direct light paths to users and prevents shadow formation on the shelf items.
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 complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection requirement from the shelf panel itself and relocates it to the side brackets. Each side bracket independently receives power from the enclosure through simplified connections, eliminating the need for complex wiring that would span across the shelf panel to connect both brackets.
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 even and side-oriented illumination, avoiding shadows and access restrictions, while simplifying electrical connections and enhancing user experience through controlled lighting.
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