Rod Lens Element for Display Case LED Lighting to Reduce Headlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display case lighting systems do not effectively utilize the transparent glass surfaces to enhance product presentation by minimizing direct LED light visibility from outside, leading to suboptimal consumer perception of products and advertising displays.
Innovation Solution
Positioning a plurality of LEDs along the edges of a display case with a rod lens element that directs light internally, using a mounting structure with a blinder to prevent headlighting by refracting light away from observers, allowing only reflected light to be visible through the transparent or semi-transparent glass and LCD.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are positioned along the edges of the display case to illuminate products, then the products receive adequate lighting, but direct LED light becomes visible from outside the display case creating a headlighting effect that detracts from product presentation
Solution Approach 1:
A rod lens element is introduced as an intermediary optical component between the LED light source and the display case glass. This rod lens refracts and redirects the light paths, serving as a mediator that allows light to pass through the glass while preventing direct visibility of the LED sources from outside the display case, thereby eliminating the headlighting effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by using a rod lens element with specific refractive index and geometry. This alters the light propagation paths, bending light rays at specific angles to achieve internal illumination while blocking direct line-of-sight to the LED sources, thus transforming the lighting geometry to resolve the contradiction
2Illumination intensity
If transparent glass is used in display cases to allow product visibility, then consumers can view products clearly, but additional POS advertising on the glass surface requires specialized lighting that complicates the lighting system
Solution Approach 1:
The rod lens element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it illuminates products on shelves, enables clear viewing through transparent glass, and provides effective lighting for POS advertising displays. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate lighting systems for different purposes, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining all required 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
Enhances product presentation by ensuring that LED light is primarily directed internally, reducing direct light visibility from outside and improving the overall impression of products and advertising displays within the display case.
Implementation Method 1
a rod lens element that directs light internally, using a mounting structure with a blinder to prevent headlighting by refracting light away from observers
Data Source
AI summary
The exemplary embodiments herein provide a lighting system for a display case having at least one edge. A lighting assembly is positioned along an edge of the display case or a door assembly, where a transparent or semi-transparent rod is positioned adjacent to the lighting assembly to act as a lens element. The rod is generally placed parallel to the edge of the display case or door assembly. The lighting assembly preferably includes a mounting structure which contains a substrate with a plurality of LEDs along with the rod. A blinder may extend rearwardly from the mounting structure to prevent headlighting.