Adjustable Lighted Refrigerator Shelf With Sliding Power Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighted refrigerator shelves face challenges in providing uniform illumination as items on upper shelves block light from reaching lower shelves, and current adjustable solutions require multiple electrical connections, increasing cost and complexity, while not accommodating lateral movement.
Innovation Solution
A lighted shelf assembly with a shelf support rail featuring contact strips for a continuous electrical connection and a mounting member with terminal strips that engage with these contact strips to maintain power to the light unit, allowing vertical and lateral repositioning without disrupting the electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical connections are provided at each vertical position, then the shelf can be powered at any vertical position, but the cost and complexity of the refrigerator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sliding electrical contact (conductive element) that moves along the shelf support rail as the shelf is repositioned vertically. This intermediary component continuously maintains electrical connection between the power source and the shelf-mounted lighting, eliminating the need for multiple discrete connectors at each vertical position while preserving full adaptability of shelf placement.
2Device complexity
If a direct electrical connection is used, then the electrical connection is simple, but the shelf cannot be vertically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static electrical connection into a dynamic one by providing a sliding contact mechanism that moves with the shelf along the support rail. This dynamic connection maintains continuous electrical contact while accommodating the full range of vertical shelf positions, enabling both simplicity and adaptability simultaneously.
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
Enables uniform illumination across all shelves with minimal electrical connection points, allowing for adjustable positioning of the shelf assembly, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining continuous power to the light unit.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second terminal strips inter-engage with the first and second contact strips to establish an electrical circuit for powering the at least one light unit
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a vertically and/or laterally adjustable lighted shelf assembly. The shelf assembly is supported by a shelf support rail arranged in the refrigerator. First and second contact strips are mounted to the shelf support rail and electrically connected to a voltage source in the refrigerator. The shelf assembly includes a mounting member for attaching the shelf to the shelf support rail. The mounting member includes a first terminal strip and a second terminal strip. With this arrangement, when the shelf member is supported by the shelf support rail, the first and second terminal strips automatically engage with the first and second contact strips to complete an electrical circuit for powering the light unit. The electrical connection remains intact upon laterally shifting the shelf assembly on the shelf support rail.