Panel lighting module and method for the mounting thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel lighting solutions in refrigerators face challenges in reliably coupling light into light guide plates due to component and installation tolerances, leading to inefficiencies and potential moisture ingress causing corrosion, especially in moist environments.
Innovation Solution
A panel lighting module with a light guide plate enclosed in a module frame, featuring a biasing arrangement to ensure precise positioning of the light source and a sealing method using a viscous-pasty sealant to fill grooves around the edges, ensuring effective light coupling and moisture protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the light source is loosely inserted into the frame component without fixed connection, then the installation is simpler and more flexible, but the positioning precision of the light source relative to the light guide plate deteriorates, causing light coupling efficiency to worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is designed to be movable within the frame component rather than fixed, allowing it to be loosely inserted for simple installation. The biasing arrangement then applies elastic force to dynamically position the circuit board and light source precisely against the light guide plate, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and positioning precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If component and installation tolerances are not compensated, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the light coupling efficiency deteriorates, reducing luminous power
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing arrangement with elastic element is designed beforehand to compensate for component and installation tolerances. The elastic element absorbs dimensional variations and misalignments, ensuring reliable light coupling between the light source and light guide plate despite manufacturing imperfections, thus maintaining high light coupling efficiency without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light source is not precisely positioned, then the assembly is more tolerant to variations, but colour shift occurs due to spectral emission pattern variations, deteriorating light quality
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing arrangement creates a self-adjusting system where the elastic element continuously applies force to maintain optimal contact between the light source and light guide plate. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with assembly variations, the light source remains precisely positioned, preventing colour shift and maintaining consistent light quality while preserving assembly tolerance.
4Device complexity
If sealing is not provided around the light guide plate, then the assembly is simpler, but moisture ingress occurs in humid environments, causing corrosion of electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing structure with flexible sealing elements is provided around the light guide plate where it contacts the frame component. This flexible seal creates a protective barrier against moisture ingress in humid refrigerator environments, preventing corrosion of electrical components while adding minimal complexity to the overall assembly.
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 ensures reliable light coupling and sealing, maintaining luminous efficiency and preventing moisture-induced corrosion, making the module suitable for use in humid environments like refrigerators.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing arrangement which resiliently biases the light source in the direction towards the first plate narrow face
Implementation Method 2
light source arrangement having at least one light source, in particular in the form of a light-emitting diode, arranged adjacent to a first plate narrow face of the light guide plate, for coupling light into the first narrow face of the light guide plate
Implementation Method 3
the groove is filled with a curable, in particular, viscous-pasty sealant, for example based on silicone
Data Source
AI summary
A panel lighting module includes a light guide plate which is intended for the outcoupling of light on at least one of its plate large faces, a light source arrangement having at least one light source arranged adjacent to a first plate narrow face of the light guide plate for coupling light into the first plate narrow face, and a biasing arrangement that resiliently biases the light source in the direction towards the first plate narrow face.