Electronic shelf label and shelf illumination devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic shelf illumination systems mounted on ceilings suffer from shadow effects, limited light beam variability, and high installation and maintenance costs, making them unsuitable for retail environments due to the need for expensive infrastructure and complex operation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic shelf label system where the illumination device is integrated into the shelf structure, allowing independent control of light sources to provide precise and flexible illumination, reducing costs and energy consumption, and enabling dynamic lighting effects to attract customers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If illumination devices are mounted on the ceiling, then the entire shelf area can be illuminated, but shadow effects occur and light beam variability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent illumination devices, each integrated into individual electronic shelf labels positioned along the shelf. Each device can be independently controlled to illuminate specific product zones, eliminating shadow effects and enabling variable light beams adapted to different product arrangements without requiring a single ceiling-mounted source.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expensive illumination devices with high variability are installed, then light beam control is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic shelf label serves multiple functions: it displays price and product information while simultaneously housing an illumination device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ceiling-mounted illumination systems, reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining adaptable light beam control through independent regulation of each label's illumination device.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex control devices are used to achieve precise illumination, then illumination precision is improved, but operation complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each electronic shelf label with its integrated illumination device operates autonomously, with independent control capabilities built into the label itself. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external control systems, reducing operational complexity while maintaining precise illumination control for each shelf section through localized regulation.
4Illumination intensity
If ceiling-mounted illumination devices are used, then overall shelf illumination is achieved, but energy consumption accumulates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system transitions from static ceiling-mounted devices to dynamic electronic shelf labels with independently controllable illumination devices. Each label can dynamically adjust its illumination output based on local requirements, enabling precise energy allocation only where and when needed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective shelf 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 system eliminates shadow effects, reduces installation and maintenance costs, and allows for flexible and energy-efficient illumination, enhancing product visibility and customer engagement while minimizing operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
The display screen comprises a light source to provide a backlit for the display screen
Implementation Method 2
an illumination device, which is independently controllable form the light source and arranged to emit light from the electronic shelf label from a different wall than its front wall
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic shelf label, which is arranged to be attached to a shelf, preferred to a shelf rail located at the front edge of a shelf floor, more preferred to form the shelf rail by itself and to be directly attached to the shelf floor, the electronic shelf label comprises: a display screen arranged on or as the front wall of the electronic shelf label to display content in the form of a still or video image, the display screen comprises a light source to provide a backlit for the display screen, and an illumination device, which is independently controllable form the light source and arranged to emit light from the electronic shelf label from a different wall than its front wall.