Refrigerator Light Guide Layout for Uniform Shadow-Free Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interior lighting in refrigeration appliances often results in uneven illumination and shadowing due to the use of single point light sources, which cannot provide uniform and glare-free lighting across all areas, and existing solutions that achieve better distribution require significant space.
Innovation Solution
The use of a light guide with transparent flat bodies and distributed decoupling structures along the interior walls, including localized projections and polishing to ensure uniform light distribution, combined with additional lighting from a ceiling-mounted source oriented obliquely to illuminate vertical surfaces, minimizes shadowing and optimizes light usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single point light source is mounted on a side wall, then the lighting structure is simple, but the illumination is uneven and causes shadowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source into multiple segments by distributing numerous light-emitting diodes along the rear wall instead of using a single point source. This segmentation enables uniform illumination across the interior while avoiding shadowing problems associated with concentrated light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point (0D) or linear (1D) light source to a distributed two-dimensional arrangement of LEDs across the rear wall. This dimensional expansion allows light to be emitted from multiple locations simultaneously, achieving uniform illumination without increasing structural complexity significantly.
2Illumination intensity
If a tubular lamp or widely distributed LED arrangement is used, then shadowing is reduced, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the LED distribution specifically on the rear wall surface rather than spreading lights throughout the entire interior volume. This localized approach achieves good light distribution while minimizing the space occupied by the lighting system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses numerous small LED elements that replicate the light-emitting function across the rear wall surface. Instead of requiring a large tubular lamp, many small LED copies of the light source are distributed across the available surface area, achieving uniform illumination with compact footprint.
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 approach provides even, shadow-free illumination with a reduced number of lamps and a smaller footprint, ensuring that all interior areas receive adequate light while maintaining efficient light guidance and minimizing losses through total internal reflection and strategic decoupling.
Implementation Method 1
An air gap between the light guide and the protective screen is useful to ensure efficient guiding of the light in the light guide by total internal reflection at its major surfaces.
Implementation Method 2
Decoupling structures not according to the invention can be indentations in a main surface of the light guide, at which light propagating essentially parallel to the main surface in the light guide is refracted and deflected out of the light guide.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An interior lighting of a refrigerator comprises at least one illumination means (11) and a fiber optic (12) for transferring light from the illumination means (11) to the interior space. The fiber optic (12) comprises a transparent flat member (16) that extends along a wall (6) of the interior space, and a plurality of coupling-out structures (17) distributed at the member (16).