Shelf Divider LED Lighting for Refrigerator Space and Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated appliances face challenges in balancing storage space, flexibility, and sufficient illumination, with existing lighting systems often compromising on cost, complexity, and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system integrated with a divider for shelves, featuring LED light sources mounted on a movable or fixed divider, which can be powered through hardwiring or temporary connections, allowing for adjustable lighting schemes and flexible configuration to enhance both storage space utilization and lighting efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is mounted on a shelf divider, then illumination is improved, but storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shelf divider and light source mounting into a single integrated structure. The divider serves dual purposes: physically separating storage areas and providing a mounting platform for illumination, thereby eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and minimizing space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf divider is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a physical partition for storage organization and as a structural support for the light source. This universal design allows one component to fulfill multiple functions, reducing the overall number of parts and space requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If an incandescent bulb is used for illumination, then sufficient light is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from incandescent bulb technology to LED technology, representing a fundamental parameter change in the light source. LEDs provide equivalent or superior illumination with significantly reduced energy consumption and increased lifespan, addressing both lighting performance and energy efficiency requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed mounting system is used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mounting system that allows the light source to be easily installed, removed, and repositioned on the shelf divider. This dynamic design provides structural stability during operation while maintaining flexibility for maintenance, reconfiguration, and adaptation to different storage needs.
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 and flexible illumination, minimizing space occupation while maintaining storage flexibility, using energy-efficient LEDs that promote improved light distribution and user customization, addressing the competing factors of storage, illumination, and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
An illumination system integrated with a divider for shelves, featuring LED light sources mounted on a movable or fixed divider
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for illuminating the interior of a refrigerated appliance such as refrigerator, freezer or combination includes storage shelf or surface in the appliance, a divider positioned relative at shelf or storage surface, and a divider lighting subassembly on the divider. Electrical power is provided from an electrical power source in the appliance to the divider lighting subassembly on the divider. Light sources of the divided light subassembly can be selected to illuminate from a position on the divider. Different lighting schemes can be instructed to the light sources. The light sources can be LEDs.