LED assembly for transparent liquid crystal display and static graphic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retail display cases face limited space for additional point-of-sale advertising, and existing solutions do not effectively utilize transparent glass for additional advertising while maintaining product visibility.
Innovation Solution
An LED assembly is integrated into a transparent LCD assembly, with LEDs arranged along the edges of a two-way light guide that allows light to exit both surfaces, sandwiched between thermal plates and brackets to manage thermal expansion, and positioned within display cases to illuminate products and advertising graphics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are integrated into the transparent LCD assembly to provide additional advertising lighting, then advertising effectiveness and product visibility are enhanced, but heat dissipation becomes a problem that may affect the reliability of the components
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal plates are introduced as intermediary components between the LEDs and the transparent LCD assembly. These thermal plates conduct heat away from the LEDs and distribute it across a larger surface area, preventing excessive heat buildup that would compromise component reliability while maintaining the lighting function
2Ease of manufacture
If a rigid structure is used to hold the light guide in place, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but thermal expansion and contraction of the light guide may cause misalignment or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing the light guide to move slightly in response to thermal expansion and contraction. This dynamic accommodation prevents structural damage and misalignment while maintaining proper positioning during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to accommodate changes in physical parameters (dimensions) of the light guide due to thermal effects. By allowing for dimensional changes through floating or adjustable mounting, the system maintains reliability under varying temperature conditions
3Manufacturing precision
If the light guide is firmly constrained to prevent movement, then positioning precision is improved, but the light guide cannot accommodate thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure transitions from a fully rigid constraint to a dynamic system that provides controlled movement freedom. The light guide can expand and contract thermally while maintaining sufficient positioning accuracy for proper light distribution and display alignment
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
Enhances product visibility and advertising effectiveness by providing additional lighting that can be seen from both sides of the display case without obstructing product view, while managing heat dissipation and accommodating thermal expansion.
Implementation Method 1
a two way light guide which permits the light to exit both the front and rear surface of the light guide
Implementation Method 2
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 3
to account for thermal expansion/contraction of the light guide
Data Source
AI summary
The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein provide a transparent LCD which is placed between a front glass and a rear glass. A light guide is preferably positioned behind the LCD and contains an edge. A plurality of LEDs are positioned adjacent to the edge and a cavity is positioned on the opposite side of the LEDs as the light guide. Generally, light which is exiting the LEDs is permitted to enter both the light guide as well as the cavity. A graphic may be placed in front of the cavity and could be bonded to the front glass.