Rotatable Under-Shelf Light Fixture for Retail Merchandise Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Merchandise in large retail stores, particularly on tall and deep racks, is often shaded by overhead lighting, making it difficult for customers to see clearly due to inadequate illumination from traditional overhead lights.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable light fixture with a cylindrical main body, mounting rings, and a diffuser that can be positioned at any angular orientation, providing flexible and directed lighting by being mounted below shelves and behind crossbeams, allowing for daisy-chaining of fixtures for efficient power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional overhead lights are used in large retail stores with tall and deep racks, then the lighting system is simple and easy to install, but the merchandise is shaded from overhead light and difficult for customers to see clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from overhead lighting (vertical dimension) to under-shelf lighting (horizontal dimension). The light fixture is mounted below the shelf and directs light downward and forward onto the merchandise, illuminating items that would otherwise be in shadow behind the shelf front. This dimensional change allows light to reach merchandise without requiring complex overhead lighting systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-position light fixtures are used, then the installation is simple, but the lighting direction cannot be adjusted to illuminate different areas of merchandise
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture incorporates a rotatable mechanism that allows the main body to be rotated to different angular orientations within the mounting ring. This dynamic feature enables the lighting direction to be adjusted after installation to illuminate different areas of merchandise, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple installation through the mounting ring and clamp design.
3Productivity
If multiple light fixtures are installed separately with individual power sources, then each fixture is independent and easy to replace, but the power distribution system becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements daisy-chain connectivity where multiple light fixtures are electrically connected in series through connectors on the fixtures themselves. This merging of power distribution into a unified system allows efficient power delivery to multiple fixtures while maintaining the ability to easily replace individual fixtures. The connectors enable seamless electrical connection between fixtures, reducing the need for complex wiring infrastructure.
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 effective and flexible lighting that illuminates merchandise from below, overcoming shading issues and enhancing visibility, while being easily mountable and energy-efficient through the use of LEDs and DC power conversion.
Implementation Method 1
the mounting rings maintain friction with the main body via spring tension
Implementation Method 2
the one or more light sources comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 3
the driver circuit converts alternating current (AC) line voltage to a direct current (DC) voltage for driving the LEDs
Implementation Method 4
a diffuser covering the open side of the main body and enclosing the one or more light sources within the light fixture
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture includes a main body, at least a portion of which is generally cylindrical, the main body having an open side, and one or more light sources disposed within the main body. The light fixture further includes one or more mounting rings configured to substantially encircle the main body and configured for mounting the light fixture. A diffuser may be provided, covering the open side of the main body and enclosing the one or more light sources within the light fixture.