Shelf-Edge LED Diffuser Lighting for Heat-Safe Cosmetics Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting units for cosmetics display shelves consume excessive energy, generate heat, and can degrade cosmetic products, particularly those with waxes and oils, while failing to provide an optimal visual presentation.
Innovation Solution
A lighting unit with a transparent or translucent diffuser and a light emitting diode (LED) strip that directs light from one edge to another, providing backlit graphics and downlighting effects, minimizing energy consumption and heat exposure by using a single LED strip for multi-directional illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting units are used for cosmetics display shelves, then product visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases and heat is generated that degrades cosmetic products
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser element is introduced as an intermediary between the LED light source and the cosmetic products. The diffuser scatters and redirects light away from the products while maintaining illumination for visibility, thereby reducing direct heat exposure to the cosmetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system redirects illumination from a direct downward path onto the products to a lateral path along the shelf front. This dimensional change in light direction provides visibility without concentrating heat on the product surfaces.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting units are used for cosmetics display shelves, then product visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Conventional incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems are replaced with LED technology. LEDs convert electrical energy to light more efficiently, reducing energy consumption while maintaining or improving illumination quality for product visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system changes the parameters of light emission by using LEDs with specific color temperatures and intensities optimized for cosmetics display. This allows effective product visibility with lower overall energy consumption compared to conventional lighting.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If a single LED strip is used for multi-directional illumination, then energy efficiency is improved, but lighting uniformity becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The single LED strip is segmented into multiple sections with independent control capabilities. This allows different segments to be adjusted for optimal brightness and direction, achieving uniform lighting across the display while maintaining energy efficiency through selective operation of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the lighting system are optimized for different functions: some LEDs provide backlighting for graphics, others provide downlighting for products, and others provide uplighting for shelf fronts. This local quality differentiation achieves uniform overall illumination while efficiently using a single LED strip source.
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 offers energy-efficient, heat-reduced illumination that enhances product visibility and presentation while maintaining a clean aesthetic, effectively addressing the issues of excessive lighting in cosmetics displays.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting element located in said recessed channel, said lighting element comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes attached to a circuit board to form a light strip
Implementation Method 2
said diffuser scatters a portion of the light passing therethrough towards the cover so as to, in use, back light a display graphic in said gap
Implementation Method 3
a portion of the light is directed by said lighting unit in a generally downward direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A lighting unit (150) for the front edge of a display shelf is proposed. The lighting unit has a transparent or translucent elongate diffuser (160) which has elongate upper and lower edges and elongate front and rear faces. The diffuser (160) has a recessed channel (170) adjacent to extending along the elongate upper or lower edge. A lighting element (180), comprising a plurality of LED's attached to a circuit, is located in the recessed channel (170). The LED's are oriented to direct light sideways through the diffuser (160) in a direction from edge towards the other. A substantially transparent elongate cover (200) is located over the diffuser (160) and defines a gap therebetween for receiving a display graphic. The diffuser (160) scatters a portion of the light passing therethrough towards the cover (200) to back light the display graphic in the gap. The diffuser (160) also transmits a portion of the light therethrough to be emitted at the upper edge; and a portion of the light is reflected by the lighting unit (150) in a downward direction.