Refrigerated Showcase Door Frame LED Layout to Prevent Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Showcases with LED illumination systems face challenges in maintaining cooling efficiency due to heat generation, dew condensation, and short lamp life, especially in low-temperature environments, where fluorescent lamps require time to reach intensity and have reduced lifespan from frequent ON/OFF cycles.
Innovation Solution
The integration of LED illumination apparatus with thermally conductive materials and a control system that adjusts illumination based on customer presence and temperature, using electric heaters to prevent dew condensation, and optimizing heat exchange to maintain efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a fluorescent lamp is used for illumination in the display chamber, then illumination can be provided, but the cooling efficiency is lowered due to heat generation and the lamp life shortens from frequent ON/OFF cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fluorescent lamp to LED illumination apparatus, changing the illumination source parameter. LED provides sufficient illumination intensity while generating less heat and enabling longer operational life even with frequent ON/OFF cycles, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination quality and lamp reliability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a heater is embedded in the door frame to prevent dew condensation, then dew condensation is suppressed, but the cooling efficiency is lowered due to heat leakage into the display chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the LED illumination apparatus into a beneficial effect by using it to prevent dew condensation on the door frame. The heat exchange relation between the LED apparatus and door frame allows the illumination heat to warm the door frame surface, preventing dew formation without requiring additional heating energy, thus eliminating the contradiction between dew prevention and cooling efficiency
3Use of energy by moving object
If the illumination apparatus is adjusted based on customer presence, then energy consumption is reduced, but the illumination intensity may be insufficient when customers are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic illumination control where the LED illumination apparatus adjusts its operation based on customer presence detection. The system can operate at reduced intensity or remain off when no customers are present, and activate to full intensity when customers approach, optimizing the balance between energy consumption and illumination intensity requirements
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 ensures high durability and consistent illumination intensity for LEDs, reduces dew condensation, and prolongs lamp life, improving both illumination and cooling efficiency while minimizing energy costs.
Implementation Method 1
the LED illumination apparatus is provided on the surface of the door frame on the side of the display chamber in a heat exchange relation
Implementation Method 2
a magnet-embedded packing is attached to the outer edge of the door on an opening side... the door rotatable around one side of the opening comes in close contact with a metal frame member on the opening side by the magnetic force of a magnet provided in the door
Implementation Method 3
in the opening edge of the main body on which the door abuts, a heater has been embedded in the inner surface of the door frame made of the metal, and the surface of the door frame on the side of the glass door has been heated constantly by the energization of the heater
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An object is to provide a showcase in which appropriate illumination is realized by an LED illumination apparatus having a high durability against turning ON/OFF and capable of securing a predetermined illumination intensity even under an environment at a low temperature and in which dew condensation caused in a door frame can effectively be suppressed. The showcase (1) in which the inside of a display chamber (5) constituted in a main body (2) so as to display commodities is illuminated by the LED illumination apparatus (15) includes a glass door (7) which openably closes an opening of the display chamber (5), and a metal door frame (45) which is provided in the main body so as to constitute an opening edge of the display chamber and on which the glass door abuts, and the LED illumination apparatus (15) is provided on the surface of the door frame (45) on the side of the display chamber (5) in a heat exchange relation.