Modular LED Lighting Array for Precise Display Case Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lighting fixtures for refrigerated display cases have poorly controlled light emission, leading to inefficiencies in illumination, increased energy consumption, and limited design flexibility, making them unsuitable for various cooler configurations and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An LED lighting array system comprising discrete, low-profile modules with side-emitting LEDs and internal reflecting surfaces, allowing precise control of light direction and generation, mounted along a support member to efficiently illuminate target areas within display cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional LED fixtures with large elongated housings are used, then sufficient light output is achieved, but the fixtures occupy excessive space and cannot be easily adjusted to meet different cooler configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional single large LED fixture is divided into multiple discrete lighting modules that can be independently configured. Each module contains its own housing, light engine with LEDs, and optical components, allowing them to be arranged in different patterns and quantities to suit various cooler sizes and shapes while collectively providing the required illumination levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension elongated fixture design to a multi-dimensional modular array configuration. Modules can be arranged in linear arrays, grid patterns, or custom three-dimensional configurations depending on the cooler geometry, enabling adaptation to different spatial requirements without compromising light output
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional light fixtures with poorly controlled light emission are used, then installation is simple, but light falls outside the target area causing glare and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
Each lighting module incorporates localized optical control features including side apertures positioned at specific locations, internal reflecting surfaces with particular geometries, and external lenses with specific optical properties. These localized optical characteristics ensure that light from each module is precisely directed into the target display area, preventing glare and eliminating wasted light while maintaining straightforward module-level installation
3Volume of moving object
If discrete lighting modules with low overall height are used, then modules can be mounted in low-profile configuration, but achieving sufficient illumination requires more modules
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete low-profile lighting modules are merged into a coordinated array system where modules are electrically and optically integrated. The modules work collectively as a unified lighting solution, with their combined light output achieving sufficient illumination levels for the display case while each individual module maintains its low-profile characteristics for space-efficient mounting
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 system enhances operating performance and efficiency by minimizing glare and energy waste, allowing for customizable installation to meet different cooler requirements, reducing material and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A second portion of light generated by the side-emitting LEDs is redirected by the reflecting surface through said apertures and the lens into the cooler
Data Source
AI summary
An LED lighting array system includes discrete lighting modules spatially arrayed along a support member to provide illumination of items within a display case. The modules have a low overall height that results in them being mounted in a low-profile configuration at various locations along the support member. The modules include a housing with opposed first and second sets of side apertures, a plurality of internal reflecting surfaces associated with the apertures, respectively, an external lens, a multi-sided light engine and a group of side-emitting LEDs. During operation, a first portion of light generated by the side-emitting LEDs is discharged through apertures and the lens into the cooler to illuminate contents therein, while a second portion of light generated by the side-emitting LEDs is redirected by the reflecting surface through said apertures and the lens into the cooler.