Modular LED Lighting Array With Reflective Optics for Display Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lighting fixtures for refrigerated display cases have poorly controlled light emission, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption, as well as limited design flexibility due to their large dimensions, which results in inadequate illumination and glare issues.
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 targeted areas within display cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional LED fixtures with large dimensions are used, then sufficient illumination coverage is achieved, but the number of fixtures that can be installed within a cooler is limited and design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional large LED fixture into multiple small modular LED lighting modules. Each module contains a limited number of LEDs arranged on a compact PCB, allowing multiple modules to be installed within the same cooler space. This segmentation enables flexible configuration to match different cooler interior dimensions and arrangements while collectively providing sufficient illumination coverage.
2Power
If conventional LED fixtures with elongated housing are used, then adequate light output is achieved, but the fixtures cannot be easily adjusted or tailored to meet different cooler configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into independent modular units that can be selectively installed in different positions and orientations within the cooler. Each module maintains adequate light output through optimized LED arrangement and optical design, while the modular nature allows the overall system to be configured to match various cooler sizes and product display requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized modular design with universal mounting interfaces allows the same LED lighting module to be used across different cooler types and configurations. The modules can be arranged in various patterns and combined in different quantities to suit specific installation requirements, providing multi-functionality and broad adaptability.
3Device complexity
If conventional light fixtures with poorly controlled light emission are used, then simple fixture design is achieved, but light falls outside target area causing glare and reducing operating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Each LED module incorporates localized optical control features including reflective surfaces positioned near the LEDs and apertures strategically placed in the housing. These local optical elements direct light from each LED into the target display area while preventing light from escaping in unwanted directions. This localized light control approach improves overall system efficiency without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms.
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 operational efficiency and reduces energy consumption by precisely illuminating desired areas while minimizing glare and increasing design flexibility to accommodate various cooler configurations.
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.