Offset Plate Light Guide Lighting Module for Refrigerator Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plate-like lighting modules for household refrigeration appliances have complex manufacturing processes and require difficult adhesion methods, which can affect the lighting functionality and are challenging to integrate additional features without compromising light radiation.
Innovation Solution
A plate-like lighting module with separate, adjacent sub-modules and plate-shaped light guides arranged with an offset, allowing for additional functionality like media transport and ventilation, while maintaining uniform light radiation through a support apparatus that includes a diffuser plate and light-reflecting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional plate-like lighting module is used with a complex support plate structure, then the lighting function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases and additional functionality cannot be easily integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module is divided into separate sub-modules (first and second lighting sub-modules) with individual light guides, rather than using a single complex integrated structure. This segmentation allows each sub-module to be manufactured independently and simplifies the overall support structure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an offset arrangement in the depth direction (perpendicular to the plane of the lighting module) between the first edges of the light guides. This three-dimensional offset configuration allows additional functionality to be integrated without compromising the two-dimensional lighting surface area or uniformity.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive is used to connect components of the lighting module, then the components are joined together, but adhesive can reach between components and affect the lighting function
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer element is introduced as an intermediary component between the light guides and the support structure. This spacer serves as a physical barrier that prevents adhesive from reaching between the light guide components while still allowing the components to be securely connected.
3Area of stationary object
If a large-area lighting module is created, then uniform lighting coverage is achieved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The offset arrangement of the light guide edges in the depth direction (perpendicular to the lighting plane) enables the creation of a compact three-dimensional structure. This allows a large two-dimensional lighting surface area to be achieved while minimizing the overall volume and installation space requirements through efficient vertical stacking and offset configuration.
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 a compact, large-area, uniform lighting solution with integrated additional functionality such as media transport and ventilation, avoiding the complexities of conventional adhesion processes and maintaining light quality.
Implementation Method 1
a plate-shaped, or planar, light guide is arranged in front of the support plate when viewed toward the receiving compartment. The light of the light source is injected laterally herein.
Implementation Method 2
a support apparatus, on which at least one light source module and one plate-shaped light guide are arranged
Data Source
AI summary
A household refrigeration appliance has a receiving compartment for food and a planar lighting module for lighting the receiving compartment. The lighting module has a first lighting sub-module with a first plate-shaped light guide and a separate, second lighting sub-module directly adjoining the first sub-module and having a second plate-shaped light guide. The first light guide has a first edge and the second light guide has a first edge. The first edges are arranged facing one another and in a direction at right angles to a plane defined by the lighting module, an offset is formed between the first edges, so that in this direction the first edges are arranged at a distance from one another perpendicular to the plane.