LCD Display Case Transparency Control for Product Radiation Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exposure to light and electromagnetic radiation can cause products in display cases to degrade, limiting their shelf life, as transparent cases allow undesirable radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
Replacing at least one side of a display case with a liquid crystal display (LCD) that can be controlled to vary transparency based on time, ambient light, or door activity, allowing the products to be shielded from radiation during non-use hours by making the LCD opaque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transparent display cases are used to allow customer viewing of products, then visibility and accessibility are improved, but product degradation from radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display case incorporates a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel that can dynamically change its transparency state between transparent and opaque based on operational conditions. During retail hours, the LCD remains transparent to allow customer viewing. During non-retail hours or when the door is closed, the LCD transitions to opaque state to block radiation and protect products, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility and product protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the display case by controlling the LCD panel's state. By adjusting the transparency parameter from transparent to opaque based on time of day, door sensor input, or operational mode, the system allows flexible control over radiation exposure while maintaining product display functionality when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the LCD is kept transparent during all hours to maintain visibility, then customer accessibility is maintained, but energy consumption increases and product protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The LCD panel operates periodically rather than continuously, transitioning between transparent and opaque states based on retail hours and door activity. During non-retail hours or when the door is closed for extended periods, the LCD switches to opaque state and reduces power consumption, eliminating the need for continuous power supply while maintaining visibility during operational hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses door sensors and timing circuits to automatically control the LCD's transparency state without requiring manual intervention. When the door is closed or during non-retail hours, the system automatically transitions the LCD to opaque state and reduces power consumption, enabling the system to serve itself by optimizing energy usage based on operational conditions.
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
Extends the shelf life of products by preventing degradation from radiation exposure during non-use hours by dynamically controlling the transparency of the LCD in display cases.
Implementation Method 1
the LCD is a normally-black LCD which can be described as an LCD which is opaque or black when voltage is not applied to the pixel electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the transparency of a display case having a door is disclosed. A transparent electronic display is positioned within the door, a controller is electrically connected to the electronic display and configured to track the present time, a network connectivity device is in electrical connection with the controller and communication with a communications network, and a remotely located user interface receives user input through the communications network. The user input is used to generate the transparency data, which is used by the controller to drive the electronic display at various transparency levels.