Display system for refrigerated display case
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retail display cases face limitations in additional point-of-sale advertising due to space constraints, and existing solutions do not effectively utilize the transparent glass to enhance product visibility and advertising without cluttering the retail area.
Innovation Solution
An LED assembly is integrated into a transparent LCD system, where LEDs are arranged along the edges of a two-way light guide that allows light to exit both surfaces, with thermal management through top and bottom thermal plates, and is designed to accommodate thermal expansion, allowing for flexible placement and effective illumination of products and advertising graphics within the display case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If transparent LCD is positioned along with transparent glass to display advertising materials, then advertising visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transparent LCD display with the existing transparent glass structure by integrating LED assemblies behind the glass. The LED assemblies include light guides, diffusers, and thermal management components that are merged into a single integrated unit mounted to the rear of the display case, allowing advertising information to be displayed without adding separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal plates as intermediary components between the LEDs and the transparent glass. These thermal plates serve as heat sinks to manage thermal energy from the LEDs, preventing excessive heat from affecting the LCD display or the glass, while also providing a mounting structure for the LED assembly.
2Temperature
If LEDs are placed in thermal communication with thermal plates to manage heat, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal plates are merged with the LED assembly structure, serving dual purposes as both thermal management components and mounting structures. The thermal plates are directly attached to the LEDs and integrated into the overall assembly that is mounted to the display case, eliminating the need for separate thermal management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal plates perform self-service by passively dissipating heat from the LEDs through conduction and convection. The large surface area of the thermal plates allows heat to be dissipated directly to the surrounding air and display case structure without requiring active cooling systems, fans, or complex thermal control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If light guide is permitted to float to account for thermal expansion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide assembly is designed with floating mounting that allows it to expand and contract dynamically in response to thermal changes. The light guide can move independently within its mounting structure, accommodating thermal expansion of the transparent glass and display case without creating stress or distortion that would compromise the display or structural integrity.
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 enhances product visibility and advertising by providing additional lighting that can illuminate products and graphics within the display case, while maintaining a clutter-free environment by utilizing the existing transparent glass, thereby increasing customer awareness and potential sales.
Implementation Method 1
The top LEDs are preferably placed in thermal communication with a top thermal plate which is placed in conductive thermal communication with the rear glass
Implementation Method 2
The bottom LEDs are preferably placed in thermal communication with a bottom thermal plate which is also placed in conductive thermal communication with the rear glass
Implementation Method 3
The light guide is preferably sandwiched between a front and rear bracket but is permitted to float up/down or left/right (as one observes the image on the LCD) to account for thermal expansion/contraction of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
A display system for a refrigerated display case includes a door assembly which permits access to a product storage compartment. The door assembly includes an electronic display layer positioned within an enclosure defined by a front cover layer, a rear cover layer, and a spacer extending about a perimeter of interior surfaces of the front and rear cover layers. The front cover layer permits viewing of images displayed at the electronic display layer through the front cover layer. Electronic equipment for operating the electronic display layer is located outside of the enclosure.