Refrigerator LED Duct Lighting to Save Space and Reduce Glare
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator lighting devices using incandescent bulbs occupy space, generate excessive heat, and direct light radially, reducing storage capacity and causing user discomfort due to direct illumination.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device utilizing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a cold air duct, printed circuit boards, and reflective or blocking covers to emit light obliquely and control brightness, reducing heat and direct light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an incandescent bulb is used as the light source, then the illumination function is achieved, but the storage room capacity is reduced due to the large size of the bulb
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light source from an incandescent bulb to an LED, representing a fundamental parameter change in the illumination technology. This substitution enables achieving the same illumination function with a significantly smaller component, thereby increasing storage room capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the illumination function from the traditional incandescent bulb structure and implements it using an LED with associated optical components (reflector, lens). This extraction allows for a more compact design that achieves the same functional outcome with reduced volume.
2Illumination intensity
If an incandescent bulb is used as the light source, then light is emitted, but excessive heat is generated reducing food storage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light source from an incandescent bulb to an LED, representing a fundamental parameter change in the illumination technology. This substitution enables achieving the same illumination function with a significantly smaller component, thereby increasing storage room capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the illumination function from the traditional incandescent bulb structure and implements it using an LED with associated optical components (reflector, lens). This extraction allows for a more compact design that achieves the same functional outcome with reduced volume.
3Illumination intensity
If an incandescent bulb emits light radially in all directions, then the storage room is illuminated, but the user is dazzled by direct light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a reflector and lens to direct light in specific directions rather than radially in all directions. The reflector focuses light backward into the storage room, while the lens further controls the light distribution pattern, creating localized illumination that avoids direct exposure to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry in the optical design by using a non-symmetric reflector shape and lens configuration that directs light preferentially in certain directions (backward into the storage room) while minimizing light emission in other directions (toward the user). This asymmetric light distribution resolves the contradiction between illuminating the storage room and preventing user dazzle.
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
Increases storage capacity by minimizing heat and user discomfort through efficient LED lighting that illuminates the storage room without directly dazzling users.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitting diode (LED) at the printed circuit board, the light emitting diode being configured to emit light
Implementation Method 2
at least one reflector at the front surface of the cold air duct, the reflector being configured to reflect light emitted from the light emitting diode module toward the inside area of the storage room
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lighting device for a refrigerator. A cold air duct is disposed at a rear surface of a storage room of the refrigerator, and the lighting device is disposed at the cold air duct for illuminating the storage room. Therefore, the storage capacity of the refrigerator does not decrease by the lighting device, and the efficiency of the refrigerator can increase. In addition, a user is not dazzled by light emitted from the lighting device.