Refrigerator Drawer Lighting With Rotatable Reflector Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator lighting solutions fail to adapt to the user's interaction with the appliance, resulting in inadequate illumination when a drawer is opened, as the light continues to shine down into the vacated space, making it difficult for the user to see inside the open drawer.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable reflector system within the refrigerator that adjusts the direction of the light source based on the drawer's position, from shining down when closed to shining up when open, using molded elements on the drawer sides to control the reflector's rotation and an LED light source with an optic lens for improved illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light is configured to shine down and back to illuminate the product stored within the drawer, then the drawer is properly illuminated when closed, but when the drawer is extended the light continues to shine down into the vacated space making it difficult to see inside the open drawer
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is made rotatable to dynamically change the direction of reflected light based on drawer position. The reflector can rotate between a first position (when drawer is closed) to direct light down onto products, and a second position (when drawer is open) to direct light up into the open drawer space, making the lighting system adaptive to different operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect drawer position and provides feedback to control the reflector's rotation. When the drawer is detected as open, the system automatically rotates the reflector to redirect light into the open space, and when closed, rotates it back to illuminate products, creating a closed-loop adaptive lighting system
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable reflector system is implemented to adapt lighting to drawer position, then lighting adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary that coordinates between the sensor detecting drawer position and the reflector rotation mechanism. This intermediary controller simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the logic for when and how to rotate the reflector, making the complex interaction between components more manageable and systematic
3Ease of operation
If the reflector is moved between positions based on user interactions, then lighting follows user needs, but the system requires additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system operates autonomously by using sensors to detect drawer position and automatically controlling the reflector rotation without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by sensing its own operational state and adjusting lighting accordingly, eliminating the need for manual controls while maintaining ease of use
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 optimal lighting by directing light where it is needed, enhancing visibility when the drawer is opened or closed, thus improving user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a light source and a rotatable reflector having a first position wherein light from the light source is directed to light the drawer when the drawer is in a closed position and a second position wherein light from the light source is directed to light the drawer when the drawer is in an open position
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable reflector system within the refrigerator that adjusts the direction of the light source
Implementation Method 3
an LED light source with an optic lens for improved illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a light system associated within an interior of the refrigerator cabinet, the light system including a light source, a reflector having a first position wherein light from the light source is directed in a first direction and a second position wherein the light from the light source is directed in a second direction, and wherein the refrigerator is configured to move the reflector between the first position and the second position based on interactions between a user of the refrigerator and the refrigerator.