Ultraviolet and white light showcase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Showcases have not effectively utilized the fluorescent properties of ultraviolet-reactive materials, as they are typically displayed in low light or darkness to observe UV effects, hiding their unique features from customers and devaluing stones with strong fluorescence.
Innovation Solution
A showcase system combining compact ultraviolet LED assemblies with a 365 nm diode and an optical collimator, along with a white light assembly, controlled by a modulation system to stimulate visible fluorescence in ultraviolet-reactive items while maintaining broad illumination with white light, allowing for the display of fluorescent properties in a retail setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If ultraviolet radiation is used to stimulate fluorescence in ultraviolet-reactive items, then the fluorescent effect is enhanced, but the visibility of the item is reduced due to the need for low light or darkness conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultraviolet LED assemblies with white light assemblies in a single showcase system, allowing both fluorescent stimulation and general illumination to occur simultaneously. The controller coordinates both light sources to work together, merging the previously separate requirements of dark examination and bright display into a unified system that achieves both objectives at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller modulates the ultraviolet and white light assemblies in periodic cycles, switching between different lighting modes to optimize both fluorescent effect and item visibility. This periodic action allows the system to adapt between emphasizing fluorescence and emphasizing overall visibility based on display needs.
2Loss of information
If white light is used to illuminate items in a retail setting, then the visibility and display quality are improved, but the ability to stimulate visible fluorescence is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges white light illumination with ultraviolet fluorescence stimulation in a single integrated showcase. Both lighting functions operate simultaneously under coordinated control, allowing retail visibility and fluorescent effect to coexist rather than requiring separate display conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The showcase employs different lighting qualities in different zones or directions - white light for general item illumination and ultraviolet light specifically targeted at ultraviolet-reactive items. This local differentiation allows each type of lighting to optimize its function without interfering with the other.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ultraviolet LED assemblies and white light assemblies are both installed in the showcase, then both fluorescent stimulation and general illumination are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions by managing both ultraviolet and white light assemblies, acting as a universal control unit that coordinates different lighting modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems and simplifies the overall device architecture despite the added lighting capabilities.
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
Enables the striking appearance of ultraviolet-reactive items by stimulating visible fluorescence even in the presence of white light, enhancing their visibility and perceived value without compromising the ability to showcase other items.
Implementation Method 1
ultraviolet radiation, the phosphors of certain reactive materials and substances so as to produce a visually striking effect through the fluorescence of the material or substance
Implementation Method 2
a 365 nm ultraviolet LED diode disposed on the LED circuit
Implementation Method 3
an optical collimator having a parabolic lens to focus the emitted ultraviolet radiation
Implementation Method 4
an optical collimator having a parabolic lens
Implementation Method 5
a white light assembly capable of outputting white light in a range of colour temperature from 2800K to 5500K
Data Source
AI summary
A showcase is provided for displaying items, at least one of which is an ultraviolet-reactive item. The showcase has a showcase structure for containing the items to be displayed, which includes at least one glazed surface through which the items can be seen. Showcase lighting is provided wired with the showcase structure. The showcase lighting includes: at least one compact ultraviolet LED assembly; a white light assembly; and a controller for controlling the ultraviolet LED assembly and white light assembly with modulation such that the ultraviolet radiation stimulates visible fluorescence in the ultraviolet-reactive item while items in the showcase structure are broadly illuminated by the white light. A method for displaying items in a showcase, and a kit for retrofitting existing showcases is also provided.