Integrated Illumination Assembly for Storage Unit Drawer Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Storage units often have darkened or difficult-to-see containment spaces, requiring external light sources that are cumbersome and inadequate for complete illumination, especially due to shadows from large objects.

Innovation Solution

An integrated illumination assembly within or adjacent to the storage unit, featuring a light source, sensor, and switch system that activates when the containment space is opened, providing controlled and directed lighting to the interior and surrounding areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If an external light source is used to illuminate the containment space, then visibility is improved, but the light obstructs access to the storage unit and the user's hands are tied up

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidaccess to storage unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light source with the storage unit structure itself, integrating the illumination function into the storage unit. The light source is positioned within or on the storage unit, allowing it to illuminate the containment space without requiring external handheld devices, thus freeing the user's hands and not obstructing access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Illumination intensity

If an external light source is used to illuminate the containment space, then visibility is improved, but the entire interior is not properly illuminated due to limitations of the light or shadows

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidcomplete illumination
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the illumination function into multiple light sources positioned at different locations within the storage unit. This segmentation allows light to be distributed throughout the containment space from multiple angles, eliminating shadows and ensuring complete illumination of the entire interior, including far reaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If an integrated illumination assembly is implemented, then complete illumination of containment spaces is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplete illuminationVSAvoidillumination assembly integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the illumination assembly to serve multiple functions: it provides illumination, acts as a structural component of the storage unit, and includes integrated control mechanisms. The assembly is designed to be modular and adaptable to different storage unit configurations, reducing overall system complexity while achieving complete illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 comprehensive and efficient illumination of storage unit interiors, enhancing visibility and ease of access by integrating lighting directly into the storage unit, offering flexible control and installation options compared to prior art solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a light source adapted to be disposed in a recess of a structural feature of the storage unit, and radiate light towards the interior of the containment space when the light source is in an ON state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10976047B2Illumination for storage units
Publication Date: 2021.04.13 SNAP ON INC
  • US10976047B2 patent drawing
  • US10976047B2 patent drawing
  • US10976047B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An illumination assembly for illuminating drawers of a storage unit, such as a cabinet or toolbox. The illumination assembly is adapted to be coupled to the storage unit by coupling the illumination assembly within a retrofittable or integrated feature of the storage unit to direct or radiate light into a containment space (such as a drawer) of the storage unit when opened. The illumination assembly may also illuminate a facade, sides, underside, or surrounding area of the storage unit.