Lighting module and refrigerator having dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator dispensers lack intuitive operation state display and sterilization indication, leading to potential reliability and sanitation issues due to complex and separate display assemblies, which complicate assembly and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A compact dispenser design featuring a ring-shaped lighting assembly with uniform brightness, integrated into the dispensing portion, and a capacitive touch assembly with a display on the touch case, allowing for intuitive operation state visualization and sterilization indication without additional displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a separate display assembly is provided at one side of the dispenser, then operation states can be displayed, but assemblability and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display assembly is integrated into the touch case rather than being provided separately. The touch case serves as both the housing for touch sensors and the mounting structure for the display, combining multiple functions into a single component. This integration eliminates separate assembly steps and improves productivity while maintaining the display function.
2Loss of information
If the display assembly is mounted on one side of the dispenser, then operation states can be displayed, but the outer appearance becomes less neat and the display size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display is integrated into the touch case structure, utilizing the same housing and mounting mechanisms. This integration allows the display to be flush-mounted within the dispenser's front surface, maintaining a neat and compact outer appearance while providing necessary operation state information.
3Ease of repair
If the display assembly is disposed at the outside of the dispenser, then it can be separated for maintenance, but intuitive operation and sterilization indication become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The display is integrated into the touch case assembly, which itself is a modular component of the dispenser. The touch case can be removed as a unit for maintenance, allowing the display to be accessed and serviced while maintaining its integrated position for optimal user interaction and sterilization indication visibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If a compact dispenser structure is implemented, then assemblability and productivity improve, but space for separate display and sterilization components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization indication function is integrated into the existing display assembly within the touch case. The same display components that show operation states are also used to indicate sterilization status, eliminating the need for separate indication components and maintaining a compact structure while providing comprehensive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The display assembly serves multiple functions: showing operation states, indicating sterilization status, and providing user feedback. By making the display multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate components for each function, achieving a compact design that maintains all necessary information display capabilities.
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
Enhances assemblability, productivity, and user interaction by providing a neat and compact dispenser structure with intuitive operation state and sterilization indication, ensuring improved reliability and sanitation awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide made of a light transmissive material, the light guide being in contact with the light diffusion member
Implementation Method 2
a light diffusion member coupled to the upper body and the lower body, the light diffusion member including a first surface facing the upper body, a second surface facing the lower body, and a third surface that has a curved surface and is exposed to an outside of the light diffusion member
Implementation Method 3
a light-emitting diode (LED) disposed to face a surface of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lighting assembly including an upper body that defines a top surface thereof; a lower body coupled to a lower portion of the upper body and defining a bottom surface thereof; a light diffusion member coupled to the upper body and the lower body, the light diffusion member including a first surface facing the upper body, a second surface facing the lower body, and a third surface that has a curved surface and is exposed to an outside of the light diffusion member; a light guide made of a light transmissive material, the light guide being in contact with the light diffusion member; and a light-emitting diode (LED) disposed to face a surface of the light guide.