Authors:
Vikrant Maheshwari, Praveena Kakarla, Ambica Pasham
Abstract:
This invention addresses the visibility issues caused by fog accumulation on frozen aisle glass doors in grocery and retail stores. When a customer opens the freezer door to retrieve an item such as ice cream, the door fogs up due to temperature differences, obstructing visibility for subsequent customers.
The proposed solution involves using sensors to detect fog and employing either a projector to display internal shelf contents or a mechanical wiper to clear the fog instantly. This ensures better product visibility, enhances customer experience, and helps prevent missed sales opportunities.
Background:
In frozen sections of may retail grocery stores customers frequently face visibility issues after a freezer door is opened. The sudden exposure of cold interior air to warmer aisle temperatures causes fog to form on the inside of the glass. This fog takes time to dissipate naturally, during which subsequent customers cannot clearly view the products inside. If another customer opens the door again, it worsens the fogging, further delaying visibility recovery.
This delay may frustrate customers in a hurry, possibly resulting in missed sales. Existing freezer designs typically lack mechanisms for real-time fog detection and removal. There is a clear need for a quick, automated way to restore visibility immediately after the door is opened.
Description:
This invention proposes two implementation approaches to solve the visibility problem caused by fogged freezer doors:
- Fog Detection Mechanism:
- A sensor system detects fogging based on:
- A timer recording how long the door is open
- Measuring temperature differential between freezer interior and aisle environment
- Light beam interruption, indicating fog density preventing light passage through the glass
- A sensor system detects fogging based on:
- Fog Clearing Solutions:
a) Projector Display System:
-
- A projector mounted outside the freezer door displays real-time item visuals from inside the freezer onto the glass surface
- This compensates for visual obstruction and helps customers view available products without delay
b) Wiper Mechanism:
-
- A mechanical wiper installed on the inner side of the door moves vertically or horizontally
- It activates automatically after fog is detected and clears condensation, restoring visibility for the next customer
Both approaches aim to significantly reduce the inconvenience and improve product selection efficiency during peak shopping hours.
Enabling Technology:
- Temperature and humidity sensors
- Optical/light-beam sensors
- Miniature projectors
- Low-energy mechanical actuators for wipers
TGCS Reference 3412
