US20210239391A1 - Edge Fluorescing Acrylic Light Bar Display for Transportation Refrigeration Units - Google Patents
Edge Fluorescing Acrylic Light Bar Display for Transportation Refrigeration Units Download PDFInfo
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- US20210239391A1 US20210239391A1 US17/237,387 US202117237387A US2021239391A1 US 20210239391 A1 US20210239391 A1 US 20210239391A1 US 202117237387 A US202117237387 A US 202117237387A US 2021239391 A1 US2021239391 A1 US 2021239391A1
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- emitting diodes
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- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims description 6
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 title description 19
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008595 infiltration Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000001764 infiltration Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920006397 acrylic thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 description 3
- ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N tert-butyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(C)(C)OC(=O)C=C ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004382 potting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 108010043121 Green Fluorescent Proteins Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004069 differentiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007850 fluorescent dye Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011835 investigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D27/00—Lighting arrangements
- F25D27/005—Lighting arrangements combined with control means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25D29/003—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for movable devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/20—Refrigerated goods vehicles
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
- F25D11/003—Transport containers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/36—Visual displays
Definitions
- the disclosure relates to transport refrigeration. More particularly, the disclosure relates to status lights for trailers and containers.
- transport refrigeration units will have external status displays.
- Key examples involve truck boxes, refrigerated trailer boxes, and refrigerated intermodal containers (which may be carried on trailers).
- the display may be positioned so as to be visible to the driver seated in the truck or tractor cab (e.g., via a side or center rear view mirror).
- indicators comprise a binary status indicator (often termed “light bar”) such as where two groups of light emitting diodes (LED) are behind different color lenses (e.g., green and amber) so that green light is used to indicate normal operational condition and amber light is used to indicate an abnormal condition needing further investigation by the driver.
- the indicator may be triggered in response to one or more of numerous specific abnormal conditions, including: low-fuel in a unit having a genset; engine over temperature; cargo box out of set point range; and mechanical faults such as high pressure in the refrigeration system.
- an indicator display comprising: a fluorescent plastic first member of a first color and having a first face; and a fluorescent plastic second member of a second color, different from the first color, and having a first face.
- One or more first light emitting diodes are between the first member and the second member and positioned to illuminate the first member preferentially to the second member.
- One or more second light emitting diodes are between the first member and the second member and positioned to illuminate the second member preferentially to the first member.
- the one or more first light emitting diodes are on a first strip or tape and the one or more second light emitting diodes are on a second strip or tape facing oppositely to the first strip or tape.
- the first and second members are fluorescent dye-doped acrylic; the first member first face and second member first face are coplanar; and the first member first face and second member first face bear relieved indicia.
- the indicator further comprises a light sensor.
- the light sensor is between the first member and the second member.
- the light sensor is a phototransistor.
- a transport refrigeration system comprises the indicator display and further comprises a container having an interior and an exterior and a refrigeration system positioned for cooling the interior.
- the indicator is positioned on the exterior.
- the transport is a trailer.
- the transport refrigeration system further comprises a controller configured to operate the indicator: in a first condition wherein the one or more first light emitting diodes are on and the one or more second light emitting diodes are off; and in a second condition wherein the one or more first light emitting diodes are off and the one or more second light emitting diodes are on.
- the controller is configured to detect an abnormal situation and, responsive to the detecting, switch the indicator from the first condition to the second condition.
- the abnormal situation is selected from the group consisting of a low-fuel situation, a loss-of-refrigerant situation, engine over temperature, cargo box out of set point range, and high pressure in the refrigeration system.
- FIG. 1 is a view of an indicator display.
- FIG. 2 is a cutaway via of the display of FIG. 1 taken along plane II-II.
- FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of the display of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of the display of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of a portion of the display of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of an LED tape.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of a truck and refrigerated trailer combination.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the combination of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 1 shows an indicator display 20 comprising a housing 22 and a display unit 24 held by/within the housing.
- the housing has an open front end through which the display unit is visible.
- the exemplary housing may be molded or machined plastic, machined, or bent metal, or the like.
- Wiring 26 extends from the display unit through the housing to a connector 28 .
- the connector 28 may be mounted on the housing and a separate cable or other wiring may connect thereto.
- the display unit 24 includes a first portion 30 and a second portion 32 for respectively displaying two different status indicia.
- first and second portions may be formed as respective first and second fluorescent plastic members (e.g., the aforementioned fluorescent dye-doped acrylics) of different coloration which are selectively lit via light emitting diodes (LEDs) (discussed below).
- the display unit portions may also have written or other graphical indicia which become apparent, or at least more prominent, when lit.
- Exemplary respective indicia 34 and 36 of the two portions may be formed such as via engraving or molding-in recesses to first surfaces 40 and 42 ( FIG. 2 ) of the two portions. Engraving or other contouring may leave facets that increase the surface area for light to pass.
- Regions of the first surfaces 40 and 42 away from the indicia may be masked such as via paint 150 ( FIG. 2A ).
- other surfaces of the portions 30 , 32 may have reflective or absorptive coatings or be in contact with members having reflective or absorptive properties.
- an absorptive (e.g., matte black) coating or material 152 FIG. 2B ) on the backsides of the portions 30 , 32 or on the mating front face of the rear wall of the housing. This absorptive material prevents fluorescing of the members due to ambient light entering the front faces and then reflecting back.
- Transverse surfaces e.g. along or of the interior surfaces of the perimeter wall portions of the housing may bear a reflective coating or material 154 ( FIG. 2C ) (e.g., white or metallic).
- FIG. 1 also shows a light sensor 50 between the first portion 30 and second portion 32 .
- An exemplary light sensor is a phototransistor-, photodiode-, or photoresistor-type sensor. Alternative mounting positions for the sensor 50 (if present at all) may include other locations on the housing 22 .
- FIG. 2 shows one or more first LEDs 60 positioned to illuminate the first portion 30 preferentially to the second portion 32 (i.e., more than the second portion, if the second portion at all).
- One or more second LEDs 62 are positioned to illuminate the second portion 32 preferentially to the first portion.
- the first diodes face toward an edge 64 of the first portion 30 and away from an adjacent edge 66 of the second portion 32 .
- the second LEDs face oppositely.
- both sets of LEDs are accommodated in a gap between the portions 30 and 32 .
- the gap may largely be filled with an in situ formed member such as a body 68 of potting material (e.g., cured in place).
- An exemplary potting material is an optically clear epoxy.
- An exemplary two-part epoxy is available from M.G. Chemicals, Ltd., Burlington, Ontario, Canada, under product no. 8322.
- the exposed front face of the body 68 may be covered by the paint 150 or by a separate material 160 ( FIG. 2A ) (e.g., tape) to prevent infiltration of ambient light to reduce unintended fluorescing.
- the material 160 may have a hole 162 ( FIG. 1 ) through which the sensor 50 is exposed or protrudes.
- Arrays of the LEDs may be pre-formed as respective strips or tapes 70 , 72 .
- Exemplary strips or tapes comprise a strip or tape carrier 74 with the associated LEDs mounted on one face of the carrier.
- Exemplary LED tapes are commercially available pre-formed with conductive traces 80 ( FIG. 3 ) on the carrier. When the tapes are cut at predetermined locations 82 , the traces leave contacts 84 which may be mated to a wiring connector (not shown).
- Alternative embodiments may have discrete LEDs or LEDs mounted on circuit boards rather than tapes. Wiring extending from such connector may form or be connected to the wiring 26 and/or connector 28 .
- FIG. 2 also shows the light sensor 50 and its wiring which may pass through the body 68 to become or be connected to the wiring 26 and connector 28 .
- the connector 28 includes one or more separate contacts for independently powering the two groups of light emitting diodes and one or more contacts for sensor output. Yet other functions may be integrated with the indicator display 20 but are not discussed herein.
- the first portion 30 comprises plastic doped with a green fluorescent dye so that when lit the green universal color of normal operating condition is displayed.
- FIG. 1 shows three “OK” indicia 34 to be illuminated for normal operating condition.
- the second portion 32 may be otherwise similar material but doped with a different color such as red or amber to indicate an abnormal/alert condition.
- FIG. 1 shows an “ATTENTION” indicia 36 to be illuminated for an abnormal/alert condition (e.g., a situation selected from the group consisting of a low-fuel situation, a loss-of-refrigerant situation, engine over temperature, cargo box out of set point range, and high pressure in the refrigeration system).
- an abnormal/alert condition e.g., a situation selected from the group consisting of a low-fuel situation, a loss-of-refrigerant situation, engine over temperature, cargo box out of set point range, and high pressure in the refrigeration system.
- both sets of LEDs may be the same color such as a
- FIG. 4 shows a refrigerated transport system (transport refrigeration system) 200 .
- the exemplary system 200 is a tractor 202 and trailer 204 combination.
- the exemplary tractor 202 comprises a cab 206 and a powertrain (e.g., diesel engine-based) for driving one or more sets of wheels.
- a forward portion of the trailer 204 is pivotally mounted atop a rear portion of the tractor and supported thereby.
- the trailer comprises a container or box 210 having an interior 212 and an exterior 214 .
- the trailer further comprises a refrigeration system 220 positioned for cooling the interior.
- An exemplary refrigeration system 220 is mounted in an equipment box 222 along a front of the container.
- the exemplary refrigeration system 220 is a vapor compression system comprising a compressor for driving refrigerant flow along a recirculating refrigerant flowpath.
- the refrigerant flowpath proceeds downstream from an outlet or discharge port of the compressor through a heat rejection heat exchanger to reject heat to the external environment (e.g., via a fan-forced external airflow).
- Refrigerant may then be expanded such as in an expansion device (e.g., electronic expansion valve, thermal expansion valve, orifice, capillary device, or the like) and passed to a heat absorption heat exchanger in thermal communication with the interior (e.g., via a fan-forced internal airflow).
- an expansion device e.g., electronic expansion valve, thermal expansion valve, orifice, capillary device, or the like
- refrigerant may return to a suction port or inlet of the compressor.
- An exemplary compressor is driven by an integral electric motor which, in turn, is powered by an internal combustion engine generator (genset).
- generator internal combustion engine generator
- the exemplary display 20 is mounted proximate a forward driver's side end of the container so as to be visible by the driver seated in the cab using the driver's side rear view mirror 240 ( FIG. 4 ) (e.g., within 0.1 m of the corner of the footprint of the container).
- FIG. 4 further shows a controller 250 .
- the controller may receive user inputs from an input device (e.g., switches, keyboard, or the like) and sensors (not shown, e.g., pressure sensors and temperature sensors at various refrigeration system locations, fuel, temperature, or other sensors associated with the genset, and/or other system, component, or operational parameter errors).
- the controller may be coupled to the sensors and controllable system components (e.g., valves, the bearings, the compressor motor, vane actuators, and the like) via control lines (e.g., hardwired or wireless communication paths) and similarly coupled to one or more output devices (and/or have integrated output devices).
- the controller may be coupled to the indicator 20 via the connector 28 mating with a complementary connector on the controller.
- the controller may include one or more: processors; memory and/or storage (e.g., for storing program information for execution by the processor to perform the operational methods and for storing data used or generated by the program(s)); and hardware interface devices (e.g., ports) for interfacing with input/output devices and controllable system components.
- processors e.g., central processing unit (CPU)
- memory and/or storage e.g., for storing program information for execution by the processor to perform the operational methods and for storing data used or generated by the program(s)
- hardware interface devices e.g., ports
- the controller may be configured (e.g., via programming or hard coding) to power the first LEDs in a normal situation and the second LEDs in one or more abnormal situations.
- the controller may be configured to determine such abnormal situations (e.g., low-fuel in a unit having a genset, engine over temperature, cargo box out of set point temperature range, and mechanical faults such as abnormally low or high pressure in the refrigeration system and/or other indication of loss of refrigerant) and responsively switch between the two conditions of the indicator display.
- the system may be made using otherwise conventional or yet-developed materials and techniques.
- display 20 may be made as a drop-in-replacement for an existing LED display wherein groups of LEDs directly illuminate through lenses.
- the existing transport refrigeration system may be provided and the existing display removed.
- the replacement display 20 may be mechanically installed in place and electrically connected via the wiring 26 and/or connector 28 to the existing controller (e.g., in the equipment box).
- the display 20 may be added as a retrofit of a system either lacking a display or with the retrofit preserving both the original display and the added display 20 .
- the display 20 may be included as an original equipment manufacture (OEM) feature.
- OEM original equipment manufacture
- first”, “second”, and the like in the description and following claims is for differentiation within the claim only and does not necessarily indicate relative or absolute importance or temporal order.
- identification in a claim of one element as “first” (or the like) does not preclude such “first” element from identifying an element that is referred to as “second” (or the like) in another claim or in the description.
Abstract
An indicator display (20) comprises a fluorescent plastic first member (30) of a first color and having a first face (40) and a fluorescent plastic second member (32) of a second color, different from the first color, and having a first face (42). One or more first light emitting diodes (60) are between the first member and the second member and positioned to illuminate the first member preferentially to the second member. One or more second light emitting diodes (62) are between the first member and the second member and positioned to illuminate the second member preferentially to the first member.
Description
- This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/726,741, filed Oct. 6, 2017, entitled “Edge Fluorescing Acrylic Light Bar Display for Transportation Refrigeration Units” which claims benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/418,518, filed Nov. 7, 2016, and entitled “Edge Fluorescing Acrylic Light Bar Display for Transportation Refrigeration Units”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety as if set forth at length.
- The disclosure relates to transport refrigeration. More particularly, the disclosure relates to status lights for trailers and containers.
- Often, transport refrigeration units (TRU) will have external status displays. Key examples involve truck boxes, refrigerated trailer boxes, and refrigerated intermodal containers (which may be carried on trailers). In trailer situations, the display may be positioned so as to be visible to the driver seated in the truck or tractor cab (e.g., via a side or center rear view mirror).
- One example is found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,111,250. Other indicators comprise a binary status indicator (often termed “light bar”) such as where two groups of light emitting diodes (LED) are behind different color lenses (e.g., green and amber) so that green light is used to indicate normal operational condition and amber light is used to indicate an abnormal condition needing further investigation by the driver. The indicator may be triggered in response to one or more of numerous specific abnormal conditions, including: low-fuel in a unit having a genset; engine over temperature; cargo box out of set point range; and mechanical faults such as high pressure in the refrigeration system.
- Separately, fluorescent dye-doped acrylics have been developed. Early efforts are reflected in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,276,216 and 3,928,226 and such materials were commercialized under the trademark LISA of the former Mobay Chemical Corporation, but are now available from numerous sources in multiple colors and typically identified as “fluorescent cast acrylic”. These acrylics are used, inter alia, in edge-lit signage.
- One aspect of the disclosure involves an indicator display comprising: a fluorescent plastic first member of a first color and having a first face; and a fluorescent plastic second member of a second color, different from the first color, and having a first face. One or more first light emitting diodes are between the first member and the second member and positioned to illuminate the first member preferentially to the second member. One or more second light emitting diodes are between the first member and the second member and positioned to illuminate the second member preferentially to the first member.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the one or more first light emitting diodes are on a first strip or tape and the one or more second light emitting diodes are on a second strip or tape facing oppositely to the first strip or tape.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, one or more of: the first and second members are fluorescent dye-doped acrylic; the first member first face and second member first face are coplanar; and the first member first face and second member first face bear relieved indicia.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the indicator further comprises a light sensor.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the light sensor is between the first member and the second member.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the light sensor is a phototransistor.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, a transport refrigeration system comprises the indicator display and further comprises a container having an interior and an exterior and a refrigeration system positioned for cooling the interior. The indicator is positioned on the exterior.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the transport is a trailer.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the transport refrigeration system further comprises a controller configured to operate the indicator: in a first condition wherein the one or more first light emitting diodes are on and the one or more second light emitting diodes are off; and in a second condition wherein the one or more first light emitting diodes are off and the one or more second light emitting diodes are on.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the controller is configured to detect an abnormal situation and, responsive to the detecting, switch the indicator from the first condition to the second condition.
- In one or more embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the abnormal situation is selected from the group consisting of a low-fuel situation, a loss-of-refrigerant situation, engine over temperature, cargo box out of set point range, and high pressure in the refrigeration system.
- The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a view of an indicator display. -
FIG. 2 is a cutaway via of the display ofFIG. 1 taken along plane II-II. -
FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of the display ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of the display ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of a portion of the display ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 3 is a plan view of an LED tape. -
FIG. 4 is a side view of a truck and refrigerated trailer combination. -
FIG. 5 is a top view of the combination ofFIG. 4 . - Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
-
FIG. 1 shows anindicator display 20 comprising ahousing 22 and adisplay unit 24 held by/within the housing. The housing has an open front end through which the display unit is visible. The exemplary housing may be molded or machined plastic, machined, or bent metal, or the like.Wiring 26 extends from the display unit through the housing to aconnector 28. Alternatively, theconnector 28 may be mounted on the housing and a separate cable or other wiring may connect thereto. As is discussed further below, thedisplay unit 24 includes afirst portion 30 and asecond portion 32 for respectively displaying two different status indicia. - As is discussed further below, the first and second portions may be formed as respective first and second fluorescent plastic members (e.g., the aforementioned fluorescent dye-doped acrylics) of different coloration which are selectively lit via light emitting diodes (LEDs) (discussed below). The display unit portions may also have written or other graphical indicia which become apparent, or at least more prominent, when lit. Exemplary respective indicia 34 and 36 of the two portions may be formed such as via engraving or molding-in recesses to
first surfaces 40 and 42 (FIG. 2 ) of the two portions. Engraving or other contouring may leave facets that increase the surface area for light to pass. - Regions of the
first surfaces FIG. 2A ). Additionally or alternatively, other surfaces of theportions FIG. 2B ) on the backsides of theportions FIG. 2C ) (e.g., white or metallic). - Also a separate pre-formed housing is shown, alternative embodiments may lack a housing or have an in situ formed housing. For example, the fluorescent plastic may be wrapped with tape or painted or otherwise coated. In the illustrated example, the
first portion 30 is provided to indicate a normal or acceptable condition; whereas, thesecond portion 32 is configured to provide an alert or warning. In the exemplary embodiment, thesurfaces FIG. 1 also shows alight sensor 50 between thefirst portion 30 andsecond portion 32. An exemplary light sensor is a phototransistor-, photodiode-, or photoresistor-type sensor. Alternative mounting positions for the sensor 50 (if present at all) may include other locations on thehousing 22. -
FIG. 2 shows one or morefirst LEDs 60 positioned to illuminate thefirst portion 30 preferentially to the second portion 32 (i.e., more than the second portion, if the second portion at all). One or moresecond LEDs 62 are positioned to illuminate thesecond portion 32 preferentially to the first portion. In this example, to provide the preferential lighting, the first diodes face toward anedge 64 of thefirst portion 30 and away from anadjacent edge 66 of thesecond portion 32. The second LEDs face oppositely. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, both sets of LEDs are accommodated in a gap between theportions paint 150 or by a separate material 160 (FIG. 2A ) (e.g., tape) to prevent infiltration of ambient light to reduce unintended fluorescing. Thematerial 160 may have a hole 162 (FIG. 1 ) through which thesensor 50 is exposed or protrudes. - Arrays of the LEDs may be pre-formed as respective strips or
tapes tape carrier 74 with the associated LEDs mounted on one face of the carrier. Exemplary LED tapes are commercially available pre-formed with conductive traces 80 (FIG. 3 ) on the carrier. When the tapes are cut atpredetermined locations 82, the traces leavecontacts 84 which may be mated to a wiring connector (not shown). Alternative embodiments may have discrete LEDs or LEDs mounted on circuit boards rather than tapes. Wiring extending from such connector may form or be connected to thewiring 26 and/orconnector 28. -
FIG. 2 also shows thelight sensor 50 and its wiring which may pass through the body 68 to become or be connected to thewiring 26 andconnector 28. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, theconnector 28 includes one or more separate contacts for independently powering the two groups of light emitting diodes and one or more contacts for sensor output. Yet other functions may be integrated with theindicator display 20 but are not discussed herein. - In the exemplary embodiment, commensurate with the binary status indication, the
first portion 30 comprises plastic doped with a green fluorescent dye so that when lit the green universal color of normal operating condition is displayed.FIG. 1 shows three “OK”indicia 34 to be illuminated for normal operating condition. Thesecond portion 32 may be otherwise similar material but doped with a different color such as red or amber to indicate an abnormal/alert condition.FIG. 1 shows an “ATTENTION”indicia 36 to be illuminated for an abnormal/alert condition (e.g., a situation selected from the group consisting of a low-fuel situation, a loss-of-refrigerant situation, engine over temperature, cargo box out of set point range, and high pressure in the refrigeration system). With the two portions being fluorescent dope, both sets of LEDs may be the same color such as a basic white LED. -
FIG. 4 shows a refrigerated transport system (transport refrigeration system) 200. Theexemplary system 200 is atractor 202 andtrailer 204 combination. Theexemplary tractor 202 comprises acab 206 and a powertrain (e.g., diesel engine-based) for driving one or more sets of wheels. In the exemplary semi-trailer configuration, a forward portion of thetrailer 204 is pivotally mounted atop a rear portion of the tractor and supported thereby. The trailer comprises a container orbox 210 having an interior 212 and anexterior 214. The trailer further comprises arefrigeration system 220 positioned for cooling the interior. Anexemplary refrigeration system 220 is mounted in anequipment box 222 along a front of the container. - The
exemplary refrigeration system 220 is a vapor compression system comprising a compressor for driving refrigerant flow along a recirculating refrigerant flowpath. In normal cooling mode, the refrigerant flowpath proceeds downstream from an outlet or discharge port of the compressor through a heat rejection heat exchanger to reject heat to the external environment (e.g., via a fan-forced external airflow). Refrigerant may then be expanded such as in an expansion device (e.g., electronic expansion valve, thermal expansion valve, orifice, capillary device, or the like) and passed to a heat absorption heat exchanger in thermal communication with the interior (e.g., via a fan-forced internal airflow). After absorbing heat, refrigerant may return to a suction port or inlet of the compressor. An exemplary compressor is driven by an integral electric motor which, in turn, is powered by an internal combustion engine generator (genset). The foregoing is merely one basic example of a refrigeration system. - The
exemplary display 20 is mounted proximate a forward driver's side end of the container so as to be visible by the driver seated in the cab using the driver's side rear view mirror 240 (FIG. 4 ) (e.g., within 0.1 m of the corner of the footprint of the container). -
FIG. 4 further shows acontroller 250. The controller may receive user inputs from an input device (e.g., switches, keyboard, or the like) and sensors (not shown, e.g., pressure sensors and temperature sensors at various refrigeration system locations, fuel, temperature, or other sensors associated with the genset, and/or other system, component, or operational parameter errors). The controller may be coupled to the sensors and controllable system components (e.g., valves, the bearings, the compressor motor, vane actuators, and the like) via control lines (e.g., hardwired or wireless communication paths) and similarly coupled to one or more output devices (and/or have integrated output devices). In the exemplary embodiment, the controller may be coupled to theindicator 20 via theconnector 28 mating with a complementary connector on the controller. The controller may include one or more: processors; memory and/or storage (e.g., for storing program information for execution by the processor to perform the operational methods and for storing data used or generated by the program(s)); and hardware interface devices (e.g., ports) for interfacing with input/output devices and controllable system components. The exemplary indicator wiring and controller programming are effective to allow the controller to independently control the first and second LEDs or at least interdependently control them so that one group will be off when the other is on. - Thus, the controller may be configured (e.g., via programming or hard coding) to power the first LEDs in a normal situation and the second LEDs in one or more abnormal situations. Thus, the controller may be configured to determine such abnormal situations (e.g., low-fuel in a unit having a genset, engine over temperature, cargo box out of set point temperature range, and mechanical faults such as abnormally low or high pressure in the refrigeration system and/or other indication of loss of refrigerant) and responsively switch between the two conditions of the indicator display.
- The system may be made using otherwise conventional or yet-developed materials and techniques.
- Various parameters of manufacture, configuration, and use may be guided by the particular unit to which the
display 20 is applied. For example,display 20 may be made as a drop-in-replacement for an existing LED display wherein groups of LEDs directly illuminate through lenses. In such a situation, the existing transport refrigeration system may be provided and the existing display removed. Thereplacement display 20 may be mechanically installed in place and electrically connected via thewiring 26 and/orconnector 28 to the existing controller (e.g., in the equipment box). In other situations, thedisplay 20 may be added as a retrofit of a system either lacking a display or with the retrofit preserving both the original display and the addeddisplay 20. In yet other systems, thedisplay 20 may be included as an original equipment manufacture (OEM) feature. - The use of “first”, “second”, and the like in the description and following claims is for differentiation within the claim only and does not necessarily indicate relative or absolute importance or temporal order. Similarly, the identification in a claim of one element as “first” (or the like) does not preclude such “first” element from identifying an element that is referred to as “second” (or the like) in another claim or in the description.
- One or more embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, when applied to an existing basic system, details of such configuration or its associated use may influence details of particular implementations. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (24)
1. An indicator display (20) comprising:
a fluorescent plastic first member (30) of a first color and having a first face (40) and an edge (64);
a fluorescent plastic second member (32) of a second color, different from the first color, and having a first face (42) and an edge (66);
one or more first light emitting diodes (60) between the first member edge and the second member edge and positioned to illuminate the first member edge preferentially to the second member edge; and
one or more second light emitting diodes (62) between the first member edge and the second member edge and positioned to illuminate the second member edge preferentially to the first member edge.
2. The indicator display of claim 1 wherein:
the one or more first light emitting diodes are on a first strip or tape (70); and
the one or more second light emitting diodes are on a second strip or tape (72) facing oppositely to the first strip or tape.
3. The indicator display of claim 1 wherein:
the first and second members are fluorescent dye-doped acrylic;
the first member first face and second member first face are coplanar; and
the first member first face and second member first face bear relieved indicia (34, 36).
4. The indicator display of claim 1 further comprising:
a light sensor (50).
5. The indicator display of claim 4 wherein:
the light sensor is between the first member and the second member.
6. The indicator display of claim 4 wherein:
the light sensor is a phototransistor.
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. The indicator display of claim 1 wherein:
a first condition the one or more first light emitting diodes are on and the one or more second light emitting diodes are off; and
a second condition the one or more first light emitting diodes are off and the one or more second light emitting diodes are on.
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. A method for using the indicator display of claim 1 , the method comprising:
operating in a first condition wherein the one or more first light emitting diodes are on and the one or more second light emitting diodes are off; and
operating in a second condition wherein the one or more first light emitting diodes are off and the one or more second light emitting diodes are on.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising:
detecting, via a controller (250), an abnormal situation; and
responsive to the detecting, switching from the first condition to the second condition.
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. The indicator display of claim 1 wherein:
the one or more first light emitting diodes are a first plurality; and
the one or more second light emitting diodes are a second plurality.
19. The indicator display of claim 2 wherein:
the one or more first light emitting diodes are a first plurality; and
the one or more second light emitting diodes are a second plurality.
20. The indicator display of claim 2 wherein:
the first strip or tape (70) and the second strip or tape (72) are embedded in a body (68).
21. The indicator display of claim 20 wherein:
the body (68) is an epoxy.
22. The indicator display of claim 20 wherein:
a face of the body (68) is covered by paint (150) or by a separate material (160) to prevent infiltration of ambient light.
23. The indicator display of claim 20 wherein:
the one or more first light emitting diodes are a first plurality; and
the one or more second light emitting diodes are a second plurality.
24. The indicator display of claim 20 wherein:
the first member first face and second member first face bear relieved indicia (34, 36); and
the first member first face and second member first face away from the relieved indicia are masked via paint (150).
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US17/237,387 US20210239391A1 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2021-04-22 | Edge Fluorescing Acrylic Light Bar Display for Transportation Refrigeration Units |
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US201662418518P | 2016-11-07 | 2016-11-07 | |
US15/726,741 US11035609B2 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2017-10-06 | Edge fluorescing acrylic light bar display for transportation refrigeration units |
US17/237,387 US20210239391A1 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2021-04-22 | Edge Fluorescing Acrylic Light Bar Display for Transportation Refrigeration Units |
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US11035609B2 (en) * | 2016-11-07 | 2021-06-15 | Carrier Corporation | Edge fluorescing acrylic light bar display for transportation refrigeration units |
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US20210372601A1 (en) * | 2019-12-26 | 2021-12-02 | Patrick James Palzkill | Ink lite mobile light |
US20230060182A1 (en) * | 2021-08-25 | 2023-03-02 | Ampthink, Llc | Modular lighted display panel assemblies |
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Also Published As
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US11035609B2 (en) | 2021-06-15 |
US20180128542A1 (en) | 2018-05-10 |
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