LED lighting assembly and method of lighting for a merchandise display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescent lighting fixtures in retail stores inefficiently direct light to merchandise display shelves, leading to uneven illumination, high maintenance costs, and environmental concerns due to mercury-containing lamps.
Innovation Solution
An LED lighting assembly with reflective surfaces and lenses that project light beams in specific directions to enhance illumination on merchandise displays, reducing energy consumption and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluorescent lighting fixtures are used to illuminate merchandise display shelves, then the shelves can be illuminated, but the light is not efficiently directed leading to uneven illumination with higher shelves too bright and lower shelves too dark
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting function by using individual LEDs instead of a single fluorescent lamp, allowing each LED to be independently directed at specific shelves. This segmentation enables precise control over which shelves receive light from which LEDs, resolving the uniformity issue while maintaining overall illumination efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by directing different LEDs at different shelves based on their specific lighting needs. Lower shelves receive light from LEDs positioned to target them specifically, while higher shelves receive light from other LEDs, creating locally optimized illumination quality for each shelf rather than uniform illumination from a single source.
2Illumination intensity
If fluorescent lamps are used for lighting fixtures, then illumination can be provided, but maintenance costs are high due to frequent lamp replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs LEDs which have significantly longer lifespans compared to fluorescent lamps, eliminating the need for frequent replacements. Although LEDs have higher initial cost, their extended operational life (typically 50,000+ hours versus 10,000-15,000 hours for fluorescent) dramatically reduces long-term maintenance costs and labor requirements.
3Illumination intensity
If fluorescent lamps are used in large retail chains, then illumination can be maintained, but environmental harm occurs due to mercury content in the lamps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful mercury-containing fluorescent lighting system into a beneficial LED-based system that eliminates mercury waste. By transitioning to LEDs, the system not only maintains illumination but also converts an environmentally harmful lighting solution into a sustainable one, benefiting both the environment and operational continuity.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If fluorescent lighting fixtures are installed above shelving units, then light can be emitted downward, but most light is not captured and directed to the front of shelves resulting in energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning individual LEDs to target specific shelves directly in front of them, rather than emitting light generally downward. Each LED is strategically placed and angled to illuminate its designated shelf area, ensuring that light energy is delivered precisely where needed and captured effectively by the merchandise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of light delivery by using multiple LEDs at different positions and angles rather than a single overhead fixture. This parameter change in light source distribution enables precise targeting of shelves, maximizing light capture efficiency and minimizing energy waste.
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 LED lighting assembly provides more focused and efficient illumination, reducing energy usage and maintenance costs while improving product visibility and sales, with a longer LED lifespan compared to fluorescent lamps.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of reflective surfaces located adjacent to the LEDs, wherein the reflective surfaces are positioned such that the LED projects a first light beam in a first direction and the reflective surface directs a second light beam in a second direction different than the first direction
Implementation Method 2
lenses placed over a corresponding one or more of the plurality of LEDs, and wherein the lenses capture the light from a respective LED, modify the beam pattern, and re-project the light
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lighting assembly and method for illuminating a vertical planar area, such as a merchandise display. The lighting assembly can comprise two opposing support arms and a lighting bar extending between the two opposing support arms, a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs mounted to the inside of the lighting bar; and a plurality of reflective surfaces located adjacent to the plurality of LEDs, wherein the plurality of reflective surfaces are positioned such that the LEDs project a first light beam in a first direction and a second light beam in a second direction different than the first direction.