Refrigerator Frame Profile with Integrated LED Mounting Trough
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerators face challenges in mounting LED bars due to the requirement of additional space and complexity, which complicates the process and increases the number of parts needed.
Innovation Solution
A food climatization container design featuring a frame structure with extruded profiles that include a mounting portion with a trough for the LED bar, an insulation chamber, and simplified mounting mechanisms such as slits, snap-fit elements, and grooves for the electric cable, reducing the need for additional parts and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If LED bars are mounted using traditional methods with separate mounting components, then the LED bar can be securely fixed, but additional parts and compartment space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mounting function directly into the extruded profile structure by forming a recess with snap-fit engagement features. The LED bar is mounted by snapping it into the recess formed by the extruded profile, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, screws, or adhesives. This merging of mounting functionality into the structural component reduces part count while maintaining secure fixation through the snap-fit mechanism designed into the profile geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The extruded profile serves multiple functions: it provides the structural frame, thermal insulation, and integrated LED mounting. The recess formed in the extruded profile simultaneously acts as a mounting structure and an insulation barrier. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the refrigerator assembly while maintaining both structural integrity and LED mounting security.
2Device complexity
If LED bars are mounted using traditional methods with separate mounting components, then the LED bar can be securely fixed, but additional compartment space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is merged with the extruded profile itself, utilizing the existing structural component to provide both frame support and LED mounting. The recess is formed directly in the extruded profile, eliminating the need for additional mounting brackets or separate fixing components that would occupy valuable compartment space. This integration ensures that no extra space is consumed beyond what is already required for the structural profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED bar is nested within the recess formed by the extruded profile, utilizing the existing structural space efficiently. The mounting structure is nested within the wall assembly of the extruded profile, allowing the LED bar to be housed within the existing dimensional envelope without requiring additional compartment volume. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization by placing the LED mounting function within the existing structural boundaries.
3Ease of manufacture
If extruded profiles are used for frame structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but condensation effects on LED bar may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The extruded profile is designed with differentiated local zones: an outer region for structural support and an inner recess region for LED mounting with insulation. The recess is specifically configured to provide thermal insulation to the LED bar area, creating a local quality difference that protects the LED bar from condensation while maintaining the overall simplicity of the extruded profile manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess formed in the extruded profile acts as an intermediary thermal barrier between the cold external environment and the LED bar. This recess space, integrated into the extruded profile structure, provides insulation that prevents condensation on the LED bar while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity of the extruded profile system.
4Reliability
If LED bars are mounted with complex mounting mechanisms, then secure fixation is achieved, but installation process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is merged into the extruded profile structure itself, with the recess and snap-fit features formed as integral parts of the profile. This eliminates the need for complex separate mounting hardware and simplifies the installation process to a simple snap-in operation, while maintaining secure fixation through the engineered recess geometry and snap-fit engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The extruded profile provides self-contained mounting functionality through its integrated recess design. The profile itself performs the mounting function without requiring external mounting components or complex assembly steps. The snap-fit mechanism is self-service in nature, allowing the LED bar to be securely mounted through a simple insertion and engagement action that relies on the profile's own structural features.
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
This design allows for efficient and space-saving mounting of LED bars within refrigerators, reducing condensation effects and simplifying the installation process while maintaining effective illumination.
Implementation Method 1
the first profile comprises in addition to the mounting portion and the trough an insulation chamber, wherein the insulation chamber is arranged between the trough and the mounting portion
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Food climatization container (1), wherein the container (1) comprises a compartment (2) for storage of food products (5), the compartment (2) being surrounded by a frame structure (10) and walls (11, 12, 13, 14) and closable by door (3) of the container (1), wherein the container (1) comprises or is connectable to a cooling unit for cooling the compartment (2), wherein the frame structure (10) comprises one or more extruded profiles (20, 30, 40) interconnected with each other and comprising one or more mounting portions (21, 22, 31, 32) for a portion of an inner wall (11, 13) or outer wall (12, 14) of the container (1), wherein at least a first profile (20) of the one or more extruded profiles (20, 30, 40) comprises a trough (23, 33) facing towards the compartment (2), wherein an LED bar (50) is mounted in the trough (23).