Display Case LED Optics for Reduced Glare Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescent tubes have a shorter lifespan than LEDs and struggle to initiate illumination in refrigerated environments, while LED lighting systems in display cases often cause glare due to specular reflection from glossy surfaces, obscuring the view of customers.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system featuring a plurality of point light sources arranged along a vertical axis, with optics configured to direct light in specific angular directions to minimize glare, ensuring that specular reflections are directed away from the consumer's eye level, and light is distributed uniformly across the display case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If fluorescent tubes are used to illuminate display cases, then illumination can be initiated in refrigerated compartments, but the lifespan is significantly shorter than LEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of LEDs by adjusting their color temperature to match fluorescent tube characteristics (2856K or 6504K) and positions them at specific heights (4.5-6.5 feet) to optimize performance in refrigerated environments, enabling LEDs to reliably initiate illumination while maintaining extended lifespan
2Productivity
If LEDs are used with higher luminance and narrow beam patterns, then the number of LEDs required is reduced, but glare is increased due to specular reflection from glossy surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical characteristics to different locations by positioning LEDs at specific heights (4.5-6.5 feet above lowermost surface) and orienting them to direct light toward vertical planes near outermost edges of product supports, creating location-specific illumination that reduces glare while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal light distribution to vertical light distribution by directing light toward vertical planes rather than horizontal surfaces, and by positioning LEDs at elevated heights to project light downward at angles that avoid specular reflection into customer eyes
3Illumination intensity
If light is directed horizontally to illuminate products, then product illumination is achieved, but specular reflection directs glare into customer eyes at typical viewing heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimension of light distribution from horizontal to vertical by directing light toward vertical planes near the outermost edges of product supports, causing specular reflections to travel vertically away from customer eye level rather than horizontally into eyes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful specular reflection into a beneficial effect by positioning LEDs and optics so that specular reflections from glossy product surfaces are directed vertically away from customer eyes, transforming potential glare into effective product illumination
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 effectively extends the lifespan of lighting systems, reduces glare from glossy surfaces, and provides even illumination, enhancing the visibility of products in display cases.
Implementation Method 1
Light that impinges on products 16 having a glossy finish specularly reflects off of the glossy surface. Specular reflection is where the angle of incidence of the light ray with respect to a normal surface of the product 16 is equal to the angle of reflection.
Data Source
AI summary
A retail display case includes a case, retail product supports in the case, and a plurality of substantially point light sources in the case. Light sources located at or near eye level of a consumer of typical height throw light at an angle from horizontal and toward retail products in the case.