Recessed lighting device and appliance comprising said recessed lighting device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recessed lighting devices in household appliances like refrigerators and wine coolers are inefficient due to limited space and inefficient light sources, occupying valuable space and not providing effective lighting.

Innovation Solution

A recessed lighting device with a frame, reflector, and diffuser extending along a longitudinal axis, using a linear light source and a magnetic coupling system to ensure effective and space-efficient lighting, with a reflector having a concave surface for optimal light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional light sources are used in recessed lighting devices, then the lighting function is provided, but the lighting efficiency is reduced and valuable space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting efficiencyVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional point or linear light sources to a planar light source that emits light in multiple directions simultaneously. This dimensional change allows the light source to illuminate the concave reflective surface more effectively without requiring additional space, as the planar configuration provides broader angular coverage within the same footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the light source by using LED technology with specific color temperatures (2000K-4000K) and arranging multiple light-emitting elements in a planar configuration. This parameter optimization improves lighting efficiency while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for recessed installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If multiple light sources are distributed within the cooling chamber to enable homogeneous lighting, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the device complexity and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting homogeneityVSAvoidnumber of light sources
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the planar light source into multiple discrete light-emitting elements (LEDs) arranged in a grid pattern. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to different zones of the concave surface, achieving homogeneous illumination across the entire cooling chamber while maintaining a single integrated lighting device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple light-emitting elements into a single planar light source module that functions as one integrated unit. This merging approach provides homogeneous lighting coverage equivalent to multiple separate light sources but with reduced device complexity and space occupation, as all elements are housed within a single recessed fixture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If non-recessed light sources are used, then the lighting output is sufficient, but the useful space in the cooling chamber is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting outputVSAvoiduseful space
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the lighting device to be recessed into the wall of the cooling chamber, with the diffuser panel flush-mounted or slightly recessed. The light source, reflector, and structural components are nested within the wall thickness, allowing the lighting function to be provided without occupying additional useful space within the cooling chamber volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the wall thickness dimension to house the lighting components, transitioning from a protruding light source configuration to a recessed planar configuration. This dimensional reorganization maintains sufficient lighting output while preserving the full useful space within the cooling chamber by embedding the lighting system in the wall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Provides effective and homogeneous lighting without occupying additional space, ensuring efficient light distribution and easy installation/maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a source assembly (9) supported by the frame (8) and configured to generate at least one light beam to light the concave surface (33) of the reflector (11); the source assembly (9) comprising at least one linear light source (35) arranged along one of the longitudinal reflector edges (32a, 32b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from linear light source: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a reflector (11) extending along the longitudinal axis (A), which is supported by the frame (8) and is provided with a wall (30) between two longitudinal reflector edges (32a, 32b) and defining a concave surface (33), which is at least partially reflective

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection from concave surface: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4636305A1Recessed lighting device and appliance comprising said recessed lighting device
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 SMEG
  • EP4636305A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4636305A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4636305A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A recessed lighting device (6) extends along a longitudinal axis (A) and comprises: • a frame (8); • a reflector (11) extending along the longitudinal axis, which is supported by the frame (8) and is provided with a wall (30) between two longitudinal reflector edges (32a, 32b) and defining a concave surface (33), which is at least partially reflective; • a diffuser (12) extending along the longitudinal axis (A), which is supported by the frame (8) and faces the concave surface (33) of the reflector (11); • a source assembly (9) supported by the frame (8) and configured to generate at least one light beam to light the concave surface (33) of the reflector (11); the source assembly (9) comprising at least one linear light source (35) arranged along one of the longitudinal reflector edges (32a, 32b).