Removable Shelf Lighting Layout for Rear Refrigerator Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator and freezer lighting solutions are either time-consuming to install, obstructed by objects, or fail to provide optimal illumination, especially near the rear wall where larger items are typically stored, leading to suboptimal lighting.
Innovation Solution
A removable shelf with a lighting unit featuring a light band and diffuser, positioned on the front of the shelf with light emission directed towards the rear wall, using LEDs with clamping legs for easy installation and minimal wiring, and an inclined emission angle for comprehensive illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting units are arranged in the rear wall area or laterally below shelves, then illumination coverage is extended, but objects in these areas obstruct the light sources and reduce overall illumination quality
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing light sources in the rear wall area or laterally below shelves where they are obstructed by objects, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning light sources in the front area of the shelf where smaller objects are stored. This allows light to emit towards the rear wall area, illuminating the interior without being blocked by larger items.
2Illumination intensity
If lighting units are installed in the front area of the shelf, then light obstruction by objects is minimized, but installation complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting unit with the shelf structure itself, integrating the light sources, housing, and electrical connections into a single assembly that attaches to the shelf. This integration simplifies installation by reducing the number of separate components and wiring steps, while maintaining the advantage of front-area positioning for optimal illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting unit is designed to be self-contained with integrated wiring that connects to the refrigerator's power supply through existing structural elements. The unit can be installed by simple attachment to the shelf without requiring separate wiring runs, making the installation process straightforward and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If vertical light strips are arranged near the door, then installation is simplified, but glare is increased and light emission is directed towards the front rather than the interior
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using vertical light strips near the door that emit light forward, the patent employs horizontal light sources positioned in the front area of the shelf that emit light specifically towards the rear wall area and interior. This localized directional illumination eliminates glare in the front area while providing targeted lighting where it is most needed - in the interior storage spaces.
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 easy installation and optimal illumination of the interior, reducing glare and ensuring that smaller objects near the door are illuminated effectively, while the inclined light emission enhances rear area illumination, making it service-friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are preferably used as illuminants
Implementation Method 2
viewed in the direction of light emission, a diffuser in front of the light sources
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigerator or freezer (1), in the interior chamber (2) of which at least one removable shelf (3) is inserted, which divides the interior chamber (2) of the refrigerator or freezer into different sub-chambers (4, 5) that are variable in size, wherein the shelf (3) has a frame (6) having at least one lighting unit (7) and the lighting unit (7) comprises at least one lighting strip (9) inserted in a housing (8) and having a plurality of light sources (10) and a diffusion panel (11) in front of the light sources (10) when viewed in the direction of the light emission. According to the invention, each lighting unit (7) is arranged on the underside (12) of the front of the shelf (3) or on the front face thereof and the light emission of said unit is directed onto the floor (13) or the shelf (3) located therebeneath, or towards the rear wall (14) of the refrigerator or freezer (1).