Refrigerator Shelf Lighting Circuit With Selective Power Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerator appliances with adjustable shelves face challenges in efficiently powering lighting devices as existing systems lack a flexible and intelligent power distribution mechanism that adapts to varying shelf arrangements, leading to inefficient energy use and potential over-powering of LEDs.
Innovation Solution
A power supply circuit with an electronic controller and LED driver that selectively activates power channels based on the arrangement of adjustable shelves, using a jumper block or LED driver to determine which shelves are mounted and supply power from one or two current levels, ensuring optimal energy distribution and shelf illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If power is supplied to all shelf mounting positions continuously, then all shelves can be illuminated, but energy is wasted when shelves are not present
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power distribution based on real-time shelf detection. The electronic controller receives signals from shelf position sensors and activates power supply channels only for mounting positions where shelves are actually present, converting a static power supply system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects shelf presence and configures power distribution without user intervention. The electronic controller monitors shelf positions and autonomously determines which power channels to activate, making the system self-configuring and eliminating the need for manual power management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed power supply system is used, then installation is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying shelf arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is designed with multiple selectable channels that can serve different shelf positions. Each power channel can be independently activated based on shelf configuration, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to support various shelf arrangements universally without requiring dedicated power supplies for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates shelf position sensors that provide feedback to the electronic controller. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to detect actual shelf locations and adjust power distribution accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing configurations automatically.
3Illumination intensity
If power is supplied at high current level, then LED illumination is sufficient, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial power supply by activating only the necessary power channels based on detected shelf positions. Instead of supplying power to all channels at full capacity, the system selectively enables only the required subset of power channels, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sufficient illumination for occupied shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the power supply by dynamically adjusting which power channels are active. The electronic controller modifies the power distribution configuration based on shelf detection, switching between different power channel combinations to optimize the balance between illumination quality and energy consumption.
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 solution allows for efficient and adaptive power management to adjustable shelves, optimizing energy use and ensuring proper illumination, while accommodating different shelf configurations and types of LEDs, enhancing user convenience and appliance performance.
Implementation Method 1
The LED driver may be configured to determine an arrangement of the plurality of adjustable shelves by sensing whether each of the plurality of selectable power supply channels is electrically coupled to at least one lighting device
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
Illustrative embodiments of systems and methods for powering lighted shelves in refrigerator appliances are disclosed. In one embodiment, a refrigerator appliance may comprise a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein and a plurality of electrical connectors disposed at a plurality of shelf mounting positions within the temperature-controlled compartment. The refrigerator appliance may also comprise a plurality of adjustable shelves each carrying at least one light emitting diode (LED), where each of the plurality of adjustable shelves may be removably mounted in one of the plurality of shelf mounting positions such that the at least one LED is electrically coupled to one of the plurality of electrical connectors. The refrigerator appliance may further comprise a power supply circuit that is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrical connectors and that is configured to selectively supply power to only a subset of the plurality of electrical connectors.