LED Mullion Assembly for Door Seal Heating in Refrigerated Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerated display cases face inefficiencies in heat management, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced seal integrity due to heat transfer into the refrigerated space, which affects condensation and fogging on door frames and glass.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated mullion with integrated LEDs that efficiently transfers heat generated by the LEDs to warm the door seals, reducing the need for additional heating elements and optimizing energy usage by utilizing the heat from both LEDs and existing heating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heating elements are installed in the door frame and mullion to warm door seals, then seal integrity and condensation reduction are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function and heating function into a single integrated LED system. The LED light fixture serves dual purposes: providing illumination and generating heat to warm the door seals, thereby eliminating the need for separate heating elements and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the heat that would normally be considered waste or harmful (heat generated by LEDs that could transfer into the refrigerated space) into a beneficial effect by directing it to warm the door seals. This approach transforms potential energy loss into useful thermal energy for maintaining seal integrity and preventing condensation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heating elements are installed to prevent condensation on door frame and glass, then condensation and fogging are reduced, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light fixture is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: illumination and anti-condensation heating. By integrating these functions into a single device, the system reduces the need for separate heating elements and lowers overall operating costs while effectively preventing condensation and fogging on the door frame and glass.
3Illumination intensity
If heat from LEDs is allowed to transfer into the refrigerated space, then illumination function is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases and condenser pump workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a thermally isolated environment for the LED fixture where heat is directed specifically to the door seals rather than being allowed to disperse into the refrigerated space. The insulated mounting structure ensures that thermal energy is concentrated where needed (at the seal interface) while maintaining proper illumination function.
4Ease of operation
If separate heating elements and LED fixtures are installed, then heating and illumination functions are provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating element and LED light fixture into a single integrated assembly. This combination simplifies the overall device structure by eliminating separate components, reducing installation complexity, and lowering maintenance requirements while maintaining both heating and illumination functions.
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
This solution enhances the operational efficiency of refrigerated display cases by reducing energy consumption, extending the life of the condenser pump, and maintaining seal integrity while minimizing condensation, thereby improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
a thermally conductive support structure for the illumination assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigerated display case with an illuminated support member or “mullion” that efficiently transfers heat generated by at least one light emitting diode (LED) to warm and maintain door seals. The invention further relates to a low-profile, elongated LED light fixture that is retrofitted to the display case mullion to provide efficient illumination. The LED light fixture includes an elongated frame having a central hub extending longitudinally along the frame. A pair of opposed arms extending upwardly at an angle from the central hub, wherein the terminus of each arm has a curvilinear configuration that defines a receiver. At least one leg extends rearward from the central hub. Two legs are spaced a distance apart to define an elongated central cavity that receives a fastener for securement of the fixture to the vertical support within the display case. A printed circuit board resides within a channel of the central hub and a plurality of LEDs are electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board. A substantially planar lens cover resides within the receiver for securement to the frame.