Direct-Mounted LED Showcase Member for Flush Display Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light sources in glass showcases, such as fluorescent fixtures and LED light bars, often require separate housings and complex mounting systems, which can increase costs, complicate installation, and obstruct product visibility due to their bulkiness and protrusions.
Innovation Solution
Direct mounting of LED modules to the showcase members, such as mullions or frames, using apertures and bezels with snap-fit, magnetic, or adhesive attachments, eliminating the need for independent housings and allowing for a thinner profile and more efficient lighting distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional light bars with separate housings are mounted to showcase members, then the light sources can be securely mounted and electrically connected, but the mounting complexity increases and the showcase member visibility is obstructed due to protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light source, housing, and mounting features into a single unified light assembly unit. The light bar is designed with integrated mounting clips and electrical connections that are built-in rather than separate components, allowing the entire assembly to be mounted as one piece to the showcase member, thereby reducing mounting complexity while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The light bar assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing illumination, securing to the showcase member via integrated clips, and establishing electrical connections through built-in terminals. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware and wiring components, simplifying the overall installation process
2Reliability
If conventional light bars with separate housings are mounted to showcase members, then the light sources can be protected and electrically connected, but the housing costs increase and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to integrate multiple protective and functional features into a single component structure. The housing simultaneously provides environmental protection for the light source, serves as the mounting interface for the showcase member, and contains the electrical connection terminals, thereby reducing the total number of parts and associated manufacturing costs
3Reliability
If conventional light bars with protruding housings are used, then the light sources can be mounted securely, but the product visibility is obstructed and additional space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the light bar protrude outward from the showcase member, the design inverts the mounting approach by having the light assembly fit into a recess or groove within the showcase member profile. This allows the light source to be securely mounted while maintaining a flush or near-flush appearance that does not obstruct product visibility or consume additional showcase space
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 approach reduces the diffraction angle of light, provides a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing illumination, lowers costs by minimizing hardware requirements, and offers additional space for product placement and deeper shelving.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light emitting diode (LED) modules are mounted directly to a member of a glass showcase
Implementation Method 2
The optical element can be a total internal reflection (TIR) lens, a Fresnel lens, a reflector, and/or the like
Implementation Method 3
The optical element can be a total internal reflection (TIR) lens, a Fresnel lens, a reflector, and/or the like
Data Source
AI summary
A showcase member of a glass showcase, the showcase member including a first portion having a plurality of apertures, a light emitting diode (LED) module positioned at one or more of the plurality of apertures and mounted to the showcase member, and a wiring harness electrically connected to the LED module, and configured to electrically connect the LED module to an LED driver circuit. The showcase member can include a second portion integral to the first portion and having tapers forming light shields protruding from the showcase member.