Luminous multiple glazing unit for an item of furniture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated cabinet displays face issues with fogging and frost on the glass surfaces due to temperature differences, affecting visibility and requiring complex and costly solutions for thermal insulation and light integration, while existing luminous glazings lack optimal light distribution and modular lighting options.
Innovation Solution
A luminous multiple glazing system for refrigerated cabinet doors featuring a peripherally attached light source with LEDs and optical fibers, integrated into a housing that allows for easy access, modular replacement, and enhanced thermal insulation, using a cover that is impermeable to fluids and dust, and includes anti-icing and low-emission layers for improved visibility and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If triple glazing with low-emission coatings and heated substrates is used to prevent fogging and frost, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the glazing system into separate functional layers: transparent insulating layers, heating elements, and light-emitting components. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, reducing the complexity of integrating multiple functions into a single complex structure while maintaining effective fogging and frost prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the glazing system including thermal insulation, anti-fogging through heating, and light emission for product display. By combining these functions in a coordinated multi-layer system rather than separate complex assemblies, the overall device complexity is reduced while achieving reliable multi-functional performance.
2Reliability
If complex insulating glazing structures are implemented to maintain visibility, then prevention of fogging and frost is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing is segmented into modular layers that can be manufactured separately and assembled systematically. This includes separate transparent insulating layers, heating elements, and light-emitting components, allowing each to be optimized and manufactured independently at lower cost rather than requiring complex integrated manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes low-emission coatings with specific optical parameters that reflect infrared radiation while transmitting visible light. By changing the optical parameters of the coating layers rather than increasing structural complexity, the system achieves effective thermal insulation and fogging prevention at lower manufacturing cost.
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are integrated into the glazing structure, then illumination function is improved, but ease of maintenance and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting components are segmented into separate replaceable modules positioned at the periphery of the glazing structure. This allows the light sources to be independently accessed and replaced without disturbing the main glazing assembly or insulating layers, significantly improving maintenance ease while maintaining effective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sources are extracted from the core insulating glazing structure and positioned in peripheral mounting structures. This extraction allows the light sources to be easily removed and replaced independently, solving the maintenance difficulty while preserving the thermal performance of the main glazing assembly.
4Ease of repair
If peripheral mounting structures are added for light sources, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are extracted from the main glazing assembly and mounted in simple peripheral structures. This extraction adds minimal structural elements while providing excellent maintenance access, as the light sources can be reached from the outside without disassembling the complex multi-layer insulating glazing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of integrating light sources into the complex glazing structure, the patent inverts the approach by mounting light sources on simple peripheral structures that face the glazing. This inversion simplifies the overall structure while maintaining light emission functionality and greatly improving maintenance ease.
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 solution provides durable, efficient, and modular lighting that maintains visibility by preventing fogging and frost, while allowing for easy maintenance and cost-effective upgrades, enhancing the clarity and functionality of refrigerated cabinet displays.
Implementation Method 1
the first sheet then acting as a guide for the injected light, means for extracting the guided light to form at least one luminous zone
Implementation Method 2
at least two glass substrates separated by a layer of gas
Implementation Method 3
provided for at least one of them with a low-emissivity coating
Implementation Method 4
light source with a support section called source support, source chosen from a self-supporting optical fiber of the type cord with a lateral part forming the emitting zone and among light-emitting diodes
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to a luminous multiple glazing unit for a furniture item door, especially for a refrigerated furniture item door, comprising: a first sheet (1) made of mineral or organic glass; a second sheet (1') spaced apart from the first sheet by peripheral means; a peripheral light source (2) having a supporting strip called the source holder (3); and means for extracting the guided light (12') in order to form at least one luminous zone, the source holder being housed in a housing (70) surround by material (7) forming a frame, including an assembly element (7) covered by a cap (4); the cap (6) and the diode holder can be removed from the glazing unit.