Modular LED illumination device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration appliances suffer from non-uniform illumination due to hotspots and pinpoints, with existing illumination devices often being uniquely designed for specific positions and protruding into usable space, complicating installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular LED illumination device with a housing and concave reflecting surface is mounted at an inwardly angled section of the refrigerator compartment, featuring interchangeable LED lighting modules connected in parallel, which directs light efficiently into the compartment while minimizing external protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional illumination devices are used, then the compartment can be illuminated, but non-uniform light provision with hotspots and pinpoints occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is divided into multiple separate LED modules that can be independently positioned and oriented. Each module contains multiple LEDs arranged to create overlapping light patterns, which when combined produce uniform illumination without hotspots or pinpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the illumination device have different LED configurations and orientations. The LEDs are arranged with varying angles and positions to ensure that each local area contributes to overall uniformity, with no single point dominating the light distribution.
2Illumination intensity
If illumination devices are uniquely designed for each appliance and position, then illumination can be provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED modules are designed as universal, standardized components that can be used in multiple positions and configurations within the refrigerator compartment. The same module type can be installed at different locations, eliminating the need for unique designs for each position while maintaining effective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system allows for flexible configuration where modules can be added, removed, or repositioned based on specific appliance requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables a single modular design to serve multiple customisation needs without requiring unique designs for each application.
3Illumination intensity
If complex housings extend into the cabinet to direct light, then more light enters the cabinet, but usable space is reduced and item insertion/removal is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using large complex housings to direct light, the invention uses multiple small LED modules that collectively provide sufficient illumination. The partial action of many small light sources achieves the same lighting effect without the excessive space consumption of a single large housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED modules are mounted on the liner surface in a two-dimensional arrangement rather than extending three-dimensionally into the cabinet space. This dimensional change allows light to be directed into the cabinet through strategic LED orientation and positioning without requiring physical protrusions that would reduce usable volume.
4Ease of repair
If LED lighting modules are made interchangeable, then ease of maintenance improves, but electrical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into standardized interfaces on each module that can be independently connected and disconnected. This segmentation allows modules to be easily interchanged while maintaining simple, consistent connection protocols that do not increase overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system uses standardized parameters and protocols that remain constant across all modules. By maintaining consistent electrical interface specifications, the system enables easy interchangeability without requiring complex adaptive connection mechanisms for different module types.
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 uniform illumination, reduces hotspots and pinpoint light issues, and allows for easy interchangeability and efficient installation, enhancing the usability and maintenance of refrigeration appliances.
Implementation Method 1
A concave reflecting surface is positioned adjacent the module to reflect light incident on the concave reflecting surface into the compartment. The LED light sources are aimed such that a majority of light emitted from the LED light sources is incident on the concave reflecting surface.
Implementation Method 2
an LED lighting module arranged in the housing, the module having a board member and two or more LED light sources electrically connected to one another and to the board member
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration appliance includes a compartment for storing food items in a refrigerated environment, the compartment being illuminated by at least one modular LED illumination device. The portion of the illumination device disposed within the compartment is generally flush with a mounting section and includes an LED lighting module arranged in a housing. The module has a board member, two or more LED light sources electrically connected to one another and to the board member, and two or more electrical edge connections for allowing electrically parallel connection between two or more modules being interchangeable with one another. A concave reflecting surface is positioned adjacent the module with a majority of light emitted from the LED light sources being incident thereon for reflection into the compartment. A liner defining the compartment has the mounting section to which the housing is mounted, where the mounting section has an inward draft angle.