Chromatic Mirror with Diffusing Layer for Compact Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chromatic components, such as diffusers, face challenges in implementation due to space requirements and material limitations, particularly in simulating outdoor illumination effects indoors, where a large volume is needed and mechanical resistance, fire-retardant properties, and durability are concerns.

Innovation Solution

A chromatic component comprising a mirroring surface and a diffusing layer that preferentially scatters short-wavelength light, integrated into a stratified-glass panel with an adhesive transparent polymeric film, allowing for compact design, enhanced durability, and protection from environmental factors, while maintaining the desired chromatic properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a chromatic diffuser is used to simulate outdoor illumination effects, then the chromatic property is improved, but the volume requirement increases to several cubic meters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechromatic illumination effectVSAvoidvolume requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a diffusing layer with a mirroring surface in a single integrated component. The diffusing layer preferentially scatters short-wavelength light components while the mirroring surface reflects light back through the diffusing layer, creating a compact chromatic mirror that achieves the desired illumination effect in a space-saving configuration rather than requiring a large-volume standalone diffuser

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a volumetric diffuser to a planar mirror structure. By placing the diffusing layer on a reflective surface, the chromatic effect is achieved in two dimensions (the surface plane) rather than requiring three-dimensional volume, significantly reducing the space requirement from several cubic meters to a thin panel configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If a standalone diffusing layer is used, then the chromatic property is achieved, but mechanical resistance and durability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechromatic scattering effectVSAvoidmechanical resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure by bonding a diffusing layer to a mirroring surface. This composite construction provides the chromatic scattering function of the diffusing layer while the mirroring surface contributes structural strength, fire resistance, and mechanical durability, solving the weakness of standalone diffusing materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The diffusing layer is implemented as a thin film or coating applied to the mirroring surface. This thin-film approach maintains the optical scattering function while relying on the substrate for mechanical support, achieving the desired chromatic effect without requiring thick or bulky diffusing materials that would compromise the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Illumination intensity

If a chromatic component is placed beyond the light source, then the chromatic effect is achieved, but the placement flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechromatic illumination effectVSAvoidplacement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the chromatic element beyond the light source (as in conventional diffusers), the invention inverts the arrangement by positioning the diffusing layer on a mirroring surface that faces the light source. Light reflects off the mirror through the diffusing layer, achieving the chromatic effect with the component positioned in front of rather than behind the light source, thereby improving placement flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 configuration enables easier placement of the chromatic component within the same room as the object to be illuminated, reduces the size of the component, and provides architectural durability, including fire and shock resistance, while maintaining the desired chromatic effects.

Implementation Method 1

the diffusing layer preferentially scatters short-wavelength components of impinging light with respect to long-wavelength components of the impinging light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRayleigh scattering: Rayleigh Scattering

Implementation Method 2

light regularly reflected by the chromatic mirror maintains its initial solid-angle luminance profile with merely its spectrum being affected by the wavelength-selective scattering property of the diffusing layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3410007B1Chromatic mirror and applications thereof
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 COELUX
  • EP3410007B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3410007B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3410007B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Chromatic components are presented which alleviate the usage in various applications in that this chromatic component is, according to a first aspect of the present application, made-up of a mirroring surface and a diffusing layer in front of the mirroring surface, which preferentially scatters short-wavelength components of impinging light with respect to long-wavelength components of the impinging light, and in that according to another aspect, the chromatic component is made up of a stratified-glass panel which comprises two less sheets sandwiching an adhesive transparent polymeric film wherein the adhesive transparent polymeric film forms a diffusing layer which preferentially scatters short-wavelength components of light passing the stratified-glass panel with respect to long-wavelength components of this light with respect to long-wavelength components of the same.