Transparent LCD Display Case with Thermal Plate Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retail display cases face limitations in space for additional point-of-sale advertising, and existing technologies do not effectively track or analyze the effectiveness of advertising content within these displays, particularly in environments where space is limited and energy efficiency is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system integrated with a transparent LCD assembly that includes LEDs along a two-way light guide for efficient heat dissipation and a tracking system using a CPU, door sensor, and internet/cellular connectivity to monitor and analyze display case usage, allowing for data collection and transmission to determine advertising effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If transparent LCD assembly is added to display case for additional POS advertising, then advertising effectiveness is improved, but heat generation from LEDs increases energy consumption and cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by LEDs into a beneficial feature by using the same LEDs for both illumination and heating functions. The thermal plate captures LED heat that would otherwise be wasted and uses it to maintain optimal LCD operating temperature, reducing or eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a heat sink for LEDs, a heating element for the LCD, and a temperature regulation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and lowers overall system energy consumption while maintaining advertising effectiveness.
2Temperature
If thermal plate is added to manage LED heat, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal management function into the existing structural components. The thermal plate is integrated with the LCD assembly structure, and LEDs are mounted directly to it, combining illumination, heating, and thermal management functions into a single integrated system rather than adding separate complex cooling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the heat naturally generated by LEDs to maintain LCD temperature, eliminating the need for external heating or cooling systems. The thermal plate passively manages temperature by conducting heat from LEDs to the LCD, creating a self-regulating thermal system that reduces complexity.
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 energy efficiency and the effectiveness of advertisements by providing insights into display case traffic and content performance, enabling optimized advertising strategies and reduced energy costs.
Implementation Method 1
The top LEDs are preferably placed in thermal communication with a top thermal plate which is preferably placed in conductive thermal communication with the rear glass. Similarly, the bottom LEDs are preferably placed in thermal communication with a bottom thermal plate which is also placed in conductive thermal communication with the rear glass.
Implementation Method 2
The top and bottom thermal plates permit the heat to spread out and transfer to the rear glass where it can be removed by forced or natural convection.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A system for tracking and analysing display case usage to determine the effectiveness of advertising content, the system comprising: a display case having a door capable of movement between an opened position, whereby a plurality of consumer products stored in the display case may be accessed, and a closed position, whereby the display case is substantially sealed; a transparent electronic display housed within the door and configured to display a variety of advertising content; a sensor configured to detect whether the door is in the opened position; and a CPU electrically connected to the transparent electronic display and the sensor, wherein the CPU is configured to receive data from the sensor indicating whether the door is in the opened position and data from the transparent electronic display representing the advertising content displayed on the transparent electronic display when the sensor indicates that the door is in the opened position.