Patent Publication Number: US-11639823-B2

Title: Method of operating a lighting assembly in a refrigerator appliance

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to lighting systems for refrigerator appliances. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles for storage. In addition, refrigerator appliances include one or more doors rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in chilled chamber(s). The refrigerator appliances can also include various storage components mounted within the chilled chamber and designed to facilitate storage of food items therein. Such storage components can include racks, bins, shelves, or drawers that receive food items and assist with organizing and arranging of such food items within the chilled chamber. 
     In addition, conventional refrigerator appliances include lighting systems that illuminate the chilled chamber. However, these conventional lighting systems are intended only to improve visibility within the chamber. In this regard, these conventional lighting systems are passively operated, e.g., the lighting system is activated when a door switch indicates that the door is open and the lighting system is deactivated when the door switch indicates that the door is closed. Moreover, conventional lighting systems lack versatility and the ability to communicate information regarding appliance operation. In this regard, even when the lighting systems are energized, they operate at a single, uniform intensity and color throughout the chilled chamber. 
     Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with an improved lighting system would be useful. More particularly, a lighting system for a refrigerator appliance that provides versatile lighting configurations, improved aesthetics, and a more informative user experience would be particularly beneficial. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided including a cabinet, a chilled chamber defined within the cabinet, the chilled chamber comprising a plurality of cooling zones, a climate control system for selectively providing a flow of cooling air into the plurality of cooling zones such that each zone of the plurality of cooling zones is cooled independently of every other zone of the plurality of cooling zones, a lighting assembly comprising a plurality of lighting zones corresponding to the plurality of cooling zones, and a controller in operative communication with the climate control system and the lighting assembly. The controller is configured to receive a command to regulate a temperature within a selected zone of the plurality of cooling zones, adjust operation of the climate control system to adjust the temperature within the selected zone, identify a selected lighting zone of the plurality of lighting zones that corresponds to the selected zone, and illuminate the selected lighting zone to provide feedback regarding the operation of the climate control system. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a chilled chamber defining a plurality of cooling zones, a climate control system for selectively providing a flow of cooling air into the plurality of cooling zones, and a lighting assembly comprising a plurality of lighting zones corresponding to the plurality of cooling zones. The method includes receiving a command to regulate a temperature within a selected zone of the plurality of cooling zones, adjusting operation of the climate control system to adjust the temperature within the selected zone, identifying a selected lighting zone of the plurality of lighting zones that corresponds to the selected zone, and illuminating the selected lighting zone to provide feedback regarding the operation of the climate control system. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG.  1    provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  2    provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of  FIG.  1   , with the doors of the fresh food chamber shown in an open position. 
         FIG.  3    provides another perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of  FIG.  1   , with the doors of the fresh food chamber shown in an open position. 
         FIG.  4    provides a perspective view of a storage drawer of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of  FIG.  1    according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  5    provides a front view of a chilled chamber of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of  FIG.  1   , with a rear panel and other components illustrated in phantom to reveal components of a climate control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  6    provides a schematic view of the exemplary climate control system of  FIG.  5    according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  7    provides a cross sectional view of a damper assembly of the exemplary climate control system of  FIG.  5    according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  8    provides a perspective view of the exemplary damper assembly of  FIG.  7    according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  9    provides a perspective view of a storage bin and a supply port defined within the storage bin according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  10    provides a perspective view of a damper assembly that may be used with the exemplary storage bin of  FIG.  9    according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  11    provides a method of operating a refrigerator appliance and a lighting assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). 
     Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin. 
       FIG.  1    provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance  100  includes a housing or cabinet  102  that extends between a top  104  and a bottom  106  along a vertical direction V, between a first side  108  and a second side  110  along a lateral direction L, and between a front side  112  and a rear side  114  along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system. 
     Cabinet  102  defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, cabinet  102  defines fresh food chamber  122  positioned at or adjacent top  104  of cabinet  102  and a freezer chamber  124  arranged at or adjacent bottom  106  of cabinet  102 . As such, refrigerator appliance  100  is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, or a single door refrigerator appliance. Moreover, aspects of the present subject matter may be applied to other appliances as well, such as other appliances including fluid dispensers. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular appliance or configuration. 
     Refrigerator doors  128  are rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet  102  for selectively accessing fresh food chamber  122 . In addition, a freezer door  130  is arranged below refrigerator doors  128  for selectively accessing freezer chamber  124 . Freezer door  130  is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber  124 . To prevent leakage of cool air, refrigerator doors  128 , freezer door  130 , and/or cabinet  102  may define one or more sealing mechanisms (e.g., rubber gaskets, not shown) at the interface where the doors  128 ,  130  meet cabinet  102 . It should be appreciated that doors having a different style, position, or configuration are possible within the scope of the present subject matter. 
       FIG.  2    provides a perspective view of refrigerator appliance  100  shown with refrigerator doors  128  in the open position. As shown in  FIG.  2   , various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber  122  to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include bins  134  and shelves  136 . Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins  134  may be mounted on refrigerator doors  128  or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber  122 . It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  1   , a dispensing assembly  140  will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Although several different exemplary embodiments of dispensing assembly  140  will be illustrated and described, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar components and features. Dispensing assembly  140  is generally configured for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly  140  is illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly  140  while remaining within the present subject matter. 
     Dispensing assembly  140  and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess  142  defined on one of refrigerator doors  128 . In this regard, dispenser recess  142  is defined on a front side  112  of refrigerator appliance  100  such that a user may operate dispensing assembly  140  without opening refrigerator door  128 . In addition, dispenser recess  142  is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess  142  is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user. 
     Dispensing assembly  140  includes an ice dispenser  144  including a discharging outlet  146  for discharging ice from dispensing assembly  140 . An actuating mechanism  148 , shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet  146  for operating ice or water dispenser  144 . In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser  144 . For example, ice dispenser  144  can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outlet  146  and actuating mechanism  148  are an external part of ice dispenser  144  and are mounted in dispenser recess  142 . By contrast, refrigerator door  128  may define an icebox compartment  150  ( FIG.  2   ) housing an icemaker and an ice storage bin (not shown) that are configured to supply ice to dispenser recess  142 . 
     A control panel  152  is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel  152  includes one or more selector inputs  154 , such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. In addition, inputs  154  may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly  140 . In this regard, inputs  154  may be in communication with a processing device or controller  156 . Signals generated in controller  156  operate refrigerator appliance  100  and dispensing assembly  140  in response to selector inputs  154 . Additionally, a display  158 , such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel  152 . Display  158  may be in communication with controller  156 , and may display information in response to signals from controller  156 . 
     As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate refrigerator appliance  100 , dispensing assembly  140  and other components of refrigerator appliance  100 . The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations. 
     Referring again briefly to  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment, cabinet  102  also defines a mechanical compartment  170  at or near the bottom  106  of the cabinet  102  for receipt of a hermetically sealed cooling system  172 . In general, sealed cooling system  172  is configured for transporting heat from the inside of refrigerator appliance  100  to the outside (e.g., by executing a vapor-compression cycle or another suitable refrigeration cycle). As is generally understood by those of skill in the art, the hermetically sealed system  172  contains a working fluid, e.g., refrigerant, which flows between various heat exchangers of the sealed system  172  where the working fluid changes phases while transferring thermal energy. 
     In this regard, as best shown in  FIG.  5   , sealed system  172  may include a compressor  174 , a condenser  176 , an expansion device  178 , and one or more evaporators  180  connected in series by a fluid conduit that is charged with a refrigerant. Within sealed system  172 , refrigerant flows into compressor  174 , which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the refrigerant through condenser  176 . Within condenser  176 , heat exchange with ambient air takes place so as to cool the refrigerant. A condenser fan  182  may be used to pull air across condenser  176 , so as to provide forced convection for a more rapid and efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant within condenser  176  and the ambient air. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, increasing air flow across condenser  176  can, e.g., increase the efficiency of condenser  176  by improving cooling of the refrigerant contained therein. 
     An expansion device  178  (e.g., an electronic expansion valve, capillary tube, or other restriction device) receives refrigerant from condenser  176 . From expansion device  178 , the refrigerant enters evaporator  180 . Upon exiting expansion device  178  and entering evaporator  180 , the refrigerant drops in pressure. Due to the pressure drop and/or phase change of the refrigerant, evaporator  180  is relatively cool. An evaporator fan  184  is typically provided at each evaporator  180 , e.g., to force air across and around the at least one evaporator  180  to transfer thermal energy from the air to the evaporator  180  (and more particularly, to the working fluid or refrigerant therein). 
     In this manner, a flow of cooling air (identified herein generally by reference numeral  186 ) exits the evaporator  180  and may be distributed to one or more of the chilled chambers  122  and/or  124 . Specifically, one or more ducts may extend between the mechanical compartment  170  and the chilled chambers  122  and/or  124  to provide fluid communication therebetween, e.g., to provide chilled air  186  from the hermetically sealed cooling system  172 , e.g., from an evaporator  180  thereof, to one or more of the chilled chambers  122  and/or  124 . 
     The sealed system  172  depicted and described herein is provided by way of example only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present subject matter for other configurations of the refrigeration system to be used as well. For example, according to alternative embodiments, sealed system  172  may include additional components, e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser. For example, refrigerator appliance  100  may have two or more split evaporators, e.g., one dedicated primarily to cooling fresh food chamber  122  and one dedicated primarily to cooling freezer chamber  124 . In addition, alternative plumbing configurations, valves, and flow regulators may be used to route refrigerant throughout sealed system  172 . 
     In some embodiments, refrigerator appliance  100  also includes one or more sensors that may be used to facilitate improved operation of refrigerator appliance  100 , such as described below. For example, in order to obtain temperature measurements within one or more chilled chambers  122 ,  124  (or regions/zones within chilled chambers  122 ,  124 ), refrigerator appliance  100  may include a plurality of temperature sensors (identified herein generally by reference numeral  190 ). Controller  156  may be communicatively coupled with temperature sensors  190 , may receive signals from these temperature sensors  190  that correspond to the temperature of an atmosphere or air within their respective locations, and may implement responsive action, e.g., by directing more or less cooling air  186  toward that region or chamber. 
     As used herein, “temperature sensor” or the equivalent is intended to refer to any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for measuring the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensors  190  may be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, etc. In addition, temperature sensors  190  may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to a controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature of the air surrounding the temperature sensors  190 . Although exemplary positioning of temperature sensors is described and illustrated herein, it should be appreciated that refrigerator appliance  100  may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature and/or other sensors according to alternative embodiments. 
     Referring now generally to  FIGS.  3  through  10   , a climate control system  200  which may be used with refrigerator appliance  100  will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. In this regard, for example, climate control system  200  may generally include a sealed cooling system, such as sealed cooling system  172 , for selectively regulating the temperature within fresh food chamber  122 , freezer chamber  124 , or with in specific zones in each of those chambers  122 ,  124 . Specifically, as best shown in  FIGS.  3  and  5   , fresh food chamber  122  generally defines seven zones within which the temperature may be independently regulated by climate control system  200 . 
     Specifically, these zones are identified in the figures as a first zone  201 , a second zone  202 , a third zone  203 , a fourth zone  204 , a fifth zone  205 , a sixth zone  206 , and a seventh zone  207 . In this regard, for example, the first zone  201 , the second zone  202 , and the third zone  203  may be the primary storage zones which include or are defined in part by shelves  136  for supporting food items thereon. In addition, fourth zone  204  may be a convertible drawer or a deli storage drawer. Fifth zone  205 , six zone  206 , and seventh zone  207  may be positioned proximate a bottom of fresh food chamber  122  and may include crisper drawers or other produce storage drawers. It should be appreciated that the zone configuration described herein is only exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner. Although climate control system  200  is described herein as being configured for selectively regulating the temperatures within each of zones  201 - 207 , it should be appreciated that refrigerator appliance  100  may include any other suitable number and configuration of zones while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     In general, climate control system  200  may independently regulate a temperature within each of zones  201 - 207  by regulating the temperature and the flow rate of the flow of cooling air  186  received by each zone  201 - 207 . For example, according to exemplary embodiments, the temperature of the flow of cooling air  186  may be regulated by adjusting the operation of sealed cooling system  172 . In addition, refrigerator appliance  100  may further include a flow regulating assembly  210  for selectively diverting or regulating the flow of cooling air  186  throughout refrigerator appliance  100 . 
     In this regard, flow regulating assembly  210  may include any suitable number and type of flow regulating devices, such as fans, air handlers, blowers, dampers, control valves, etc. In addition, flow regulating assembly  210  may include any suitable number of ducts or plumbing configurations for directing the flow of cooling air  186  as needed throughout cabinet  102 . Although an exemplary flow regulating assembly  210  will be described below according to an exemplary embodiment, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to flow regulating assembly  210  and climate control system  200  while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG.  5   , portions of a liner positioned within cabinet  102  are illustrated in phantom to reveal aspects, components, and features of flow regulating assembly  210 . Specifically, as illustrated, flow regulating assembly  210  may generally include an air distribution tower  212  that is generally configured for directing the flow of cooling air  186  to each of the respective cooling zones  201 - 207 . A schematic representation of climate control system  200 , including both sealed cooling system  172  and flow regulating assembly  210  is provided in  FIG.  6    according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
     As illustrated, air distribution tower  212  generally includes or defines one or more supply ducts  214  and one or more return ducts  216  that are fluidly coupled to sealed system  172  and to each of the respective zones  201 - 207 . Referring specifically to  FIG.  6   , air distribution tower  212  defines a single supply duct  214  and a single return duct  216  for each of zones  201 - 203 , i.e., six total ducts. These supply ducts  214  and return ducts  216  each extend from their respective zones to a central plenum  218 , through which the flow of cooling air  186  is introduced to the air distribution tower  212 . 
     In this regard, the flow of cooling air  186  may exit evaporator  180  of sealed cooling system  172  and enter central plenum  218 . From central plenum  218 , flow regulating assembly  210  may generally direct the flow of cooling air  186  throughout fresh food chamber  122  (e.g., through one or more of zones  201 - 207 ). In order to receive supply air and feedback return air, each zone  201 - 203  may include a supply port  220  which is fluidly coupled to the respective supply duct  214  and a return port  222  that is fluidly coupled to the respective return duct  216 . In this manner, as shown for example in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  6   , the flow of cooling air  186  may pass upward through air distribution tower  212  before passing into zones  201 - 203  from a left side of air distribution tower  212  and returning back toward sealed system  172  through return ports  222  from the right side of air distribution tower  212 . 
     Although each of zones  201 - 203  are illustrated as having dedicated supply and return ports  220 ,  222 , it should be appreciated that according to exemplary embodiments, the fourth through seventh zones  204 - 207  may only include supply ports  220 , and may not include dedicated return ports. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, each of zones  204 - 207  include only supply ports  220  for providing the flow of cooling air  186  therein. Notably, the closed-loop flow of air may be achieved as the flow of cooling air  186  passes through cracks in or around storage bins  134  before returning back into central plenum  218  through a primary return (not shown) or through return ports  222  associated with zones  201 - 203 . Other flow configurations are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIGS.  6  through  10   , flow regulating assembly  210  may further include one or more damper assemblies  230  that are operably coupled to air distribution tower  212 , central plenum  218 , or other supply and return ducts for selectively directing the flow of cooling air  186  into zones  201 - 207  and throughout refrigerator appliance  100 . In this regard, according to an exemplary embodiment, a pivoting damper  232  is operably coupled to each of the supply ducts  214  and return ducts  216  to regulate the flow of cooling air  186  through air distribution tower  212 . In this manner, each damper  232  may be independently pivoted between an open position that permits the flow of cooling air  186  through the respective supply port  220  or return port  222  and a closed position that prevents the flow of cooling air  186  therethrough. In addition, it should be appreciated that damper  232  may be positioned at an intermediate position, e.g., to facilitate a partially restricted airflow. 
     As illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment, damper assembly  230  includes a drive mechanism  234  that generally includes a motor and/or transmission assembly  236  that is configured for rotating a drive shaft  238 . Mounted along the drive shaft  238  are a plurality of mechanical actuators  240  that selectively and independently urge dampers  232  toward the open position. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, each damper  232  may be spring-loaded toward the closed position and may be actuated toward the open position when a protrusion  242  on the respective mechanical actuator  240  engages a cam actuator  244  defined on damper  232 . According to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter, controller  156  may be configured for selectively opening and/or closing each damper  232  independently of each other to regulate the precise flow rates of the flow of cooling air  186  that passes into or is returned from each respective zone  201 - 207 . 
     Referring now briefly to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , zones  204 - 207  may also include damper assemblies  230  that are configured for regulating the flow of cooling air  186  therethrough. According to exemplary embodiments, these damper assemblies operate in the same manner as described above. For example, as shown in  FIG.  9   , storage bin  134  includes a supply port  220  that is defined proximate a rear side of storage bin  134 . This rear side of storage bin  134  may be seated directly against central plenum  218 , which may define an aperture (not shown) covered by a bin damper  250 . In this regard, bin damper  250  may act in a manner the same or similar to dampers  232  to regulate the flow of cooling air  186  into storage bin  134 . As noted above, air may be returned through air distribution tower  212  or through another return duct defined behind the storage bins  134 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3  through  5   , a lighting assembly  260  that may be used with refrigerator appliance  100  will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Specifically, as explained briefly above, light assembly  260  is generally intended to provide an improved user experience with refrigerator appliance  100 , e.g., by providing intuitive feedback to the user regarding the flow of cooling air throughout refrigerator appliance  100 . In addition, lighting assembly  260  may be used to indicate when a particular zone  201 - 207  has reached its setpoint temperature, to identify flow restrictions or other operating issues, or to provide any other useful information to the user of refrigerator appliance  100 . 
     Specifically, according to exemplary embodiments, lighting assembly  260  generally includes a plurality of light sources  262  positioned throughout fresh food chamber  122 . Specifically, each of these light sources  262  may be positioned or oriented toward a plurality of lighting zones  264 . These lighting zones  264  may correspond to the plurality of cooling zones  201 - 207 . In this regard, each of cooling zones  201 - 207  includes one or more light sources  262  that may be operated as an independent light zone, e.g., to isolate and illuminate that particular zone to draw or focus a user&#39;s attention. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, it may be desirable to identify the location of supply port  220  and/or return port  222 , e.g., to help a user avoid placing food items in locations which might block these ports  220 ,  222 . For example, to inform the user of the location of supply port  220  and return port  222  in each of zones  201 - 203 , light sources  262  may be positioned over or adjacent to at least one of supply port  220  and  222 . In addition, or alternatively, light sources  262  may be positioned at any other suitable portion of zones  201 - 203 . In addition, each of zones  204 - 207  may further include dedicated light sources  262  positioned therein for selectively illuminating each of the respective storage bins  134 . 
     As used herein, the term “light sources” or the like may be used generally to refer to any suitable source of light for illuminating a refrigerator appliance  100  in any suitable manner. For example, light sources  262  may include any suitable number, type, position, and configuration of electrical light source(s), using any suitable light technology and illuminating in any suitable color. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, light sources  262  includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), which may each illuminate in a single color (e.g., white LEDs), or which may each illuminate in multiple colors (e.g., multi-color or RGB LEDs) depending on the control signal from controller  156 . However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, light sources  262  may include any other suitable traditional light bulbs or sources, such as halogen bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, glow bars, a fiber light source, etc. In addition, it should be appreciated that refrigerator appliance  100  may include additional lighting, such as general chamber lighting that may illuminate the entire fresh food chamber  122  and/or freezer chamber  124 . 
     Notably, controller  156  may be configured for operating lighting assembly  260  in order to provide useful information to a consumer or user of refrigerator appliance  100 . In this regard, for example, it may be useful to a user of refrigerator appliance  100  to know when the flow of cooling air  186  is being provided and into which zones  201 - 207  it is being routed. In this regard, according to exemplary embodiments, light sources  262  may be illuminated in those zones where the flow of cooling air  186  is currently being directed, e.g., based at least in part on the positioning of damper assembly  230 . 
     In addition, it should be appreciated that the lighting effects generated by lighting assembly  260  may be adjusted to indicate different operating conditions or identify particular situations. For example, light sources  262  may flash to indicate air is being directed into a particular zone  201 - 207 . In addition, light sources  262  may become constant when a particular zone  201 - 207  has reached a setpoint temperature. In this regard, for example, light sources  262  may flash as a particular zone is being cooled but may become constant once the setpoint temperature is reached. Thereafter, light sources  262  may remain at a constant intensity until the temperature within that respective zone  201 - 207  falls below or exceeds a predetermined temperature range from the temperature set point, e.g., such as plus or minus 3° F. from the setpoint, plus or minus 5° F. from the setpoint, or any other suitable temperature range. It should be appreciated that other variations of light sources  262  may be used to provide useful information to the user, such as changes in color, intensity, sequence, flashing cadence, or any other suitable variation. 
     According still other embodiments, light sources  262  may be able to inform the user when an airflow restriction has occurred. For example, if a user positions a gallon of milk directly in front of supply port  220  or return port  222 , climate control system  200  may no longer be capable of cooling that respective zone to the setpoint temperature. For example, controller  156  may detect such an airflow restriction by monitoring the temperature in the zone  201 - 207  that is restricted. If the temperature within the restricted zone has not reached the setpoint temperature within a predetermined amount of time, controller  156  may presume that the airflow to that particular zone  201 - 207  is restricted and may provide a user notification of the restriction. Specifically, when controller  156  detects a restriction, light source  262  and that respective zone  201 - 207  may flash rapidly, may turn red, or may illuminate in any other color or intensity to inform the user of the airflow restriction. 
     Notably, according to exemplary embodiments, the setpoint temperature for each zone  201 - 207  may be set by a user of refrigerator appliance  100 . For example, the user may input setpoint temperatures using control panel  152  or using a remote device that is communicatively coupled with controller  156 , such as a mobile phone running a software application. However, according to still other embodiments, such as illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , refrigerator appliance  100  may include or be operable with a temperature control module  280  which is selectively positionable in one of the plurality of zones  201 - 207 . The temperature control module  280  may be operable to and configured to communicate, e.g., wirelessly, with the controller  156 . The controller  156  may locate the temperature control module  280 , e.g., determine which zone of the plurality of zones  201 - 207  the temperature control module  280  is located or placed in, and the controller  156  may then adjust operation of the refrigerator appliance  100 , e.g., the climate control system  200 , to adjust a temperature within the zone in which the temperature control module  280  is located based on a temperature setting received by the controller  156  from the temperature control module  280 . 
     In some embodiments, the temperature control module  280  may include a user interface  282 , e.g., a touchscreen interface, for receiving input such as temperature settings from a user and/or for providing information to a user, such as displaying visual indicators and/or temperature readings or settings, etc. In some embodiments, the temperature control module  280  may also or instead receive the user input from a remote user interface device, such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, smart home system, or other similar device. For example, the remote user interface device may be a smartphone and may run an application or “app,” whereby the remote user interface device can receive a temperature setting in the app and then transmit the temperature setting wirelessly to the temperature control module  280 . 
     In some embodiments, the refrigerator appliance  100  may include one or more wireless receivers (not shown), e.g., antennas, which is or are coupled to the controller  156  for sending and receiving signals to and from the controller  156  and the temperature control module  280 , e.g., the controller  156  may communicate with the temperature control module  280  wirelessly via the one or more antennas. In embodiments which include more than one of the wireless receivers, the controller  156  may be configured for locating the temperature control module  280  based on a wireless signal received from the temperature control module  280  via the more than one wireless receivers. For example, the controller  156  may be configured for locating the temperature control module  280  by triangulating the received wireless signal with the plurality of wireless receivers. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, the refrigerator appliance  100  may also or instead include a plurality of docking ports (not shown) that correspond to each of zones  201 - 207 . For example, each docking port may be located in one of the plurality of zones  201 - 207 , and each zone of the plurality of zones  201 - 207  may have one docking port therein. The docking ports may each be configured, e.g., sized and shaped, to receive the temperature control module  280  therein. For example, the temperature control module  280  may be generally puck-shaped, e.g., may be cylindrical with a diameter that is several times larger, e.g., two or three time larger, than the longitudinal axis. In such embodiments, the docking ports may be shallow cylindrical recesses within each zone  201 - 207  such that the temperature control module  280  may nest partially within the respective docking port for the zone in which the temperature control module  280  is located. 
     Also, each docking port may include a mechanical switch (not shown) that is contacted by a temperature control module  280  when seated within docking port. In this manner, controller  156  may be configured to locate the temperature control module  280  based on a signal received from the mechanical switch when the mechanical switch is actuated by the temperature control module  280  located in the corresponding docking port. 
     Now that the construction and configuration of refrigerator appliance  100 , a climate control system  200 , and lighting assembly  260  have been presented according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, an exemplary method  300  for operating a climate control system and a lighting assembly in a refrigerator appliance is provided. Method  300  can be used to operate climate control system  200  and lighting assembly  260 , or to operate any other climate regulation and lighting assembly. In this regard, for example, controller  156  may be configured for implementing method  300 . However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary method  300  is discussed herein only to describe exemplary aspects of the present subject matter, and is not intended to be limiting. 
     As shown in  FIG.  11   , method  300  includes, at step  310 , receiving a command to regulate a temperature within a selected zone of the plurality of cooling zones within a refrigerator appliance. In this regard, the command may be received from a user to regulate a specific zone e.g., one or more of zones  201 - 207 , to a specific set point temperature. According to exemplary embodiments, the command may be received from a user via control panel  152  via inputs  154 , from a remote device such as a mobile phone, or from a temperature control module  280 . In the event the setpoint temperature is received from temperature control module  280 , step  310  may further include identifying the zone where the temperature control module  280  is located, e.g., in a manner described above, and adjusting a temperature in the zone corresponding to that location. Notably, as explained above, each zone  201 - 207  of fresh food chamber  122  may be commanded to operate at a different setpoint temperature. 
     Step  320  includes adjusting operation of a climate control system to adjust the temperature within the selected zone, e.g., by directing a flow of cooling air into the selected zone. In this regard, for example, climate control system may operate sealed cooling system  172  to generate a flow of cooling air  186  and may use flow regulating assembly  210  and/or damper assembly  230  to split and direct the flow of cooling air  186  independently into each of zones  201 - 207  to independently control the temperature within each zone  201 - 207 . Notably, as described above, it may be desirable to provide a user with information regarding the operation of climate control system, e.g., such as where the flow of cooling air  186  being directed. 
     Accordingly, step  330  may include identifying a selected lighting zone of a plurality of lighting zones of a lighting assembly that corresponds to the selected zone. In this regard, as explained above according to an exemplary embodiment, lighting assembly  260  may have a plurality of light sources  262  positioned in zones  264  that correspond to zones  201 - 207 . When the selected zone  201 - 207  (e.g., as selected in step  310  and  320 ) is having temperature regulated by climate control system  200 , the light sources  262  within the corresponding lighting zone  264  may be illuminated to provide useful information regarding the operation of refrigerator appliance  100 . 
     Specifically, step  340  may include illuminating the selected lighting zone to provide feedback regarding the operation of the climate control system, e.g., to provide visual feedback regarding the flow of cooling air. In this manner, once the setpoint is obtained and climate control system  200  starts pumping the flow of cooling air  186  toward a particular zone, the light sources  262  corresponding to that zone may begin flashing to inform the user that that particular zone is being actively cooled. Similarly, once that zone approaches or reaches the setpoint temperature, the lighting effects may change, e.g., such as by turning a solid color. If the temperature within that zone falls outside a range the surrounding the setpoint temperature, that lighting zone  264  may implement still another lighting effect, such as flashing, changing color, etc. 
     According to still other embodiments, method  300  may include, at step  350 , detecting an airflow restriction that is restricting the flow of cooling air to a restricted zone of the plurality of cooling zones. For example, the airflow restriction may be detected by determining that a particular zone is not reaching its setpoint temperature after a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amount of time may be selected in any suitable manner or determined by controller  156  as the average amount of time necessary for a zone to reach its setpoint temperature, as how long it take to adjust a zone by a predetermined number of degrees, etc. 
     Step  360  may include operating the lighting assembly to provide a user notification of the airflow restriction. In this regard, when controller  156  determines that there is an airflow restriction, e.g., based on the inability to reach the setpoint temperature, controller  156  may implement a lighting sequence that brings the user&#39;s attention to the fact that there is an airflow restriction. According to exemplary embodiments, controller  156  may predict the precise supply port  220  or return port  222  where the restriction has occurred and may flash light sources  262  positioned over that respective port  220 ,  222 . According still other embodiments, controller  156  may illuminate all light sources  262  within the restricted zone in a solid red color, thereby indicating the airflow restriction or another issue with climate control system  200 . 
       FIG.  11    depicts an exemplary control method having steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although aspects of the methods are explained using refrigerator appliance  100 , climate control system  200 , and lighting assembly  260  as an example, it should be appreciated that these methods may be applied to the operation of any suitable appliance, climate control system, and/or lighting assembly. 
     Aspects of the present subject matter provide a refrigerator lighting system with a sequence of lighting effects to provide visual feedback based on the operation of a sealed refrigeration system, a flow regulating system, or the general flow of air within the refrigerator appliance. For example, a refrigerator controller is operably coupled to a refrigerator lighting system for illuminating a sequence of lighting effects based on the state of air flow system and user commands. This decorative lighting feedback system enhances the product performance along with user experience and perception of appliance quality. 
     According to exemplary embodiment, when the user places food in a particular zone and selects an associated zone temperature, the refrigerator lighting system may illuminate that zone in a particular sequence, color, or intensity, thereby highlighting the zone and providing intuitive feedback to the user. According to exemplary embodiments, the lighting sequence, color, or other characteristics may change, e.g., depending on the temperature of the airflow, the temperature of the zone relative to the setpoint temperature, or both. 
     For instance, light in a particular zone may being flashing when the sealed refrigeration system or flow regulating device is delivering cold airflow, indicating that the product is working and the chamber is approaching the temperature setpoint. Further, lighting-based feedback (e.g., via flashing, selective colors, etc.) may be used to show whether the temperature in that particular zone has reached to the user set temperature or not. For example, flashing or colors can be used to show the zone is not yet at the set temperature, but a steady light or color change might indicate the zone is at the user set temperature, or within a range surrounding the set temperature. Thus, the user can visually recognize the airflow condition in each particular zone and throughout the entire refrigerator appliance. 
     According to still other embodiments, the refrigerator lighting system could be used to alert the user when an airflow path is blocked and preventing proper operation. Moreover, the refrigerator lighting system could be used in conjunction with an independent temperature controller (e.g., using an independent temperature regulation module or temperature regulating puck) to provide feedback to the user of the zone which the temperature control module is controlling. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.