Illuminated Glass Panel Beveled Waveguide Light Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminating glazing systems, such as those in vehicles, struggle to direct light in a specific angle without compromising aesthetics by using opaque deflectors that protrude from the glazing, which degrades the transparency and flatness when the light source is off.
Innovation Solution
A flat waveguide with a beveled edge is integrated at the edge of the glazing, where the light is injected and reflected to reduce the angle of incidence, allowing for targeted light orientation rather than wide diffusion, using a reflective coating to maximize light reflection and minimize refraction loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an opaque deflector is fixed to the illuminated face near the diffusing element to direct light, then the light direction is controlled, but the transparency and flatness of the glazing are degraded when the light source is off
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting function is extracted from the main glazing surface and relocated to a separate flat waveguide component with a beveled edge. This allows the deflector to be positioned at the edge of the glazing rather than protruding from the illuminated face, maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the glazing when not in use while still providing light direction control.
Solution Approach 2:
A flat waveguide with a beveled edge serves as an intermediary component between the light source and the glazing surface. The waveguide receives light from the LED module and uses its beveled edge to reflect and direct the light at controlled angles, eliminating the need for opaque deflectors on the glazing face.
2Illumination intensity
If a light source with high power is used to inject sufficient luminous flux into the waveguide, then the light output is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the refractive index parameters of the waveguide material and the adhesive layer to maximize light coupling efficiency. By carefully selecting materials with appropriate refractive indices and optimizing the geometric parameters of the beveled edge, the system achieves high light extraction efficiency, reducing the energy required to produce the desired luminous flux.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite structure combining the waveguide material with an adhesive layer of different refractive index. This composite arrangement creates optimal optical conditions for light injection and extraction, improving overall system efficiency and reducing energy consumption while maintaining high luminous flux output.
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
This solution enables efficient and aesthetically pleasing directional lighting within the vehicle or building, ensuring the light is focused where needed without disturbing other areas, while maintaining the glazing's transparency and flat appearance.
Implementation Method 1
When this reflection by the beveled edge is predominantly specular, it allows the light to be directed in a specific direction rather than being diffused at a very wide angle
Implementation Method 2
The light emitted by the LEDs enters through the edge of a sheet of glass and is guided by it to a diffusing element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an illuminating glass panel which includes: a first transparent sheet (1) of glass or plastic having a first main surface (11), a second main surface (12) and a side surface (13); a flat waveguide (3) having a first main surface (31), a second main surface (32), an injection side surface (33) and a bevelled side surface (34), opposite the injection side surface; a light source (2), preferably an LED module, positioned opposite the injection side surface (33) of the flat waveguide (3), the flat waveguide (3) being attached via the second main surface (32) thereof to the first main surface (11) of the first sheet of glass (11).