Lighting assembly for electronic display and graphic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Retail display cases face limited space for additional point-of-sale advertising, and existing solutions do not effectively utilize the transparent glass to enhance product visibility and advertising without cluttering the retail area.
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 to illuminate products and static graphics within the display case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional POS advertising is added to retail display cases, then advertising awareness and sales potential increase, but the retail area becomes cluttered and space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions advertising from traditional external signage to the transparent glass surface itself by integrating an LCD display layer within the glass structure. This allows advertising content to be displayed on the glass surface without occupying additional retail space, effectively utilizing the vertical/dimensional space of the display case glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent glass in display cases serves dual functions: maintaining its traditional role as a transparent barrier while simultaneously functioning as a display surface for advertising content. The glass becomes a multi-functional element that combines structural integrity with information display capabilities.
2Loss of information
If transparent LCD is positioned along with transparent glass to display advertising, then advertising visibility increases, but thermal management becomes challenging due to LED heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal interface material is introduced as an intermediary between the LED and the heat sink structure. This material facilitates efficient heat transfer from the LED to the heat dissipation system, acting as a mediator that improves thermal coupling and manages the heat generated by the LED without directly contacting the transparent LCD.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat generation function is separated from the light emission function by extracting the thermal management system (heat sink, thermal paste, thermal pad) as a distinct component. This allows the LED to focus on light emission while the extracted thermal management system handles heat dissipation independently.
3Illumination intensity
If LEDs are integrated into the transparent LCD assembly to illuminate products and graphics, then product visibility and advertising effectiveness increase, but the assembly becomes more complex with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The LED assembly is merged with the transparent LCD assembly by integrating the LED, light guide, and heat sink components into a unified structure that works together with the LCD layer. This combining of functions reduces the number of separate assemblies and simplifies the overall system while maintaining illumination and display capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the LED is positioned within the assembly, the light guide surrounds or contains the LED, and the heat sink encloses or supports the LED and light guide components. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact integrated unit.
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 product visibility and advertising by allowing additional advertising while maintaining a clutter-free retail environment, increasing awareness and potential sales through effective use of transparent glass in display cases.
Implementation Method 1
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. Similarly, the bottom LEDs are preferably placed in thermal communication with a bottom thermal plate which is also placed in conductive thermal communication with the rear glass.
Implementation Method 2
LEDs are preferably arranged along the top and bottom edges of a two way light guide which permits the light to exit both the front and rear surface of the light guide.
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent electronic display layer is placed between a front and rear transparent layer. A light guide is positioned behind the transparent electronic display layer and has an outer edge. Lighting elements are positioned adjacent to the outer edge. A cavity is positioned adjacent to and on an opposing side of the lighting elements as compared to the light guide such that light exiting the lighting elements enters both the light guide and the cavity. A graphic may be provided at the cavity.