Refrigerator Shelf LED Lighting to Cut Heat and Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerator illumination devices using halogen lamps face issues with power consumption, heat radiation, limited brightness, frequent replacements, and installation difficulties, leading to inefficient refrigeration and storage space illumination.
Innovation Solution
The use of a light emitting diode module with a rated voltage corresponding to the operating voltage, integrated into a shelf with a light transmissive member, and a simplified mounting system to efficiently illuminate the storage space without altering the existing circuit design, reducing heat radiation, and increasing storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a halogen lamp is used as the light source, then the storage space can be illuminated, but the power consumption increases and heat radiation is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from halogen lamp to light emitting diode module, which operates at a different voltage range (2.2V to 3.6V per diode) and produces significantly less heat radiation while maintaining illumination effectiveness in the storage space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal radiation mechanism of halogen lamps with the electroluminescence mechanism of light emitting diodes, which convert electrical energy directly to light energy with minimal heat generation, thereby reducing power consumption and heat radiation
2Illumination intensity
If a halogen lamp is used as the light source, then the storage space can be illuminated, but heat radiation increases and refrigeration efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light source technology from halogen to LED, fundamentally altering the thermal characteristics by using diodes with forward voltage drops of 2.2V to 3.6V that generate minimal heat compared to halogen lamps, thus eliminating the harmful heat radiation effect on refrigeration efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the electrical energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat in halogen lamps into efficient light emission through LED electroluminescence, turning the harmful thermal energy into useful illumination while preserving refrigeration efficiency
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the light source is changed from halogen lamp to light emitting diode, then power consumption is reduced, but the circuit configuration and power supply design must be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function from the main refrigerator circuit by using self-contained light emitting diode modules that can be independently connected to the power supply through simple terminals, eliminating the need for complex circuit reconfiguration while enabling lower power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the power supply to provide a universal voltage range (5V to 15V) that can accommodate multiple light emitting diode modules with different forward voltage characteristics (2.2V to 3.6V), allowing the same power supply to serve various LED configurations without requiring circuit changes
4Ease of manufacture
If the lamp housing is installed on the rear surface of the storage space, then the illumination device can be mounted, but light is blocked by stored foods and illumination efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the light emission from a fixed rear-surface position to a multi-dimensional approach by incorporating light emitting diodes into the shelf structure, enabling light to be emitted from multiple locations and angles throughout the storage space, thereby eliminating blockage issues while maintaining ease of installation
5Ease of operation
If a glass bulb is used in the halogen lamp, then the lamp can function, but the illumination lamp is easily damaged during use or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fragile glass bulb structure with solid-state light emitting diode components that have no filaments or glass enclosures, eliminating the mechanical vulnerability to breakage while maintaining the illumination function through semiconductor-based light emission
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
The solution provides efficient illumination, minimizes refrigeration efficiency reduction, reduces the need for frequent replacements, and simplifies installation, enhancing the durability and capacity of the refrigerator's storage space.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitting diode module supplied with the operating voltage from the power supply and selectively emitting light to illuminate a storage space in the refrigerator
Data Source
AI summary
A light source for a refrigerator includes a power supply and a light emitting diode (LED) module. A light emitting portion of the LED module may be located in the interior of a rear end of a shelf plate.