Circular Polarization Illumination Device for Plant Growth

Solution Overview

Problem

Current circular polarization illumination devices are inefficient in irradiating right-hand or left-hand polarized light at a large light amount from respective light sources, limiting their effectiveness in regulating plant growth.

Innovation Solution

A circular polarization illumination device comprising a light-emitting source, a reflective polarizing plate that transmits and reflects polarization components, a reirradiation unit for changing the polarization state, and a circular polarization conversion unit, which together enable efficient conversion of light into circularly polarized light for plant growth regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a polarizing plate and a retardation plate are used to obtain circularly polarized light, then circular polarization can be achieved, but only half or less of the desired light amount is obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight amountVSAvoidlight loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of light absorption by conventional polarizers into a beneficial reflective process. By using a reflective polarizing plate, the light that would normally be absorbed is instead reflected and recycled through the reirradiation unit, eventually converting it into useful circularly polarized light. This transforms energy loss into a functional part of the light generation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous light recycling through the reirradiation unit, which repeatedly irradiates the reflective polarizing plate until the light is fully converted into circularly polarized light. This continuous action ensures that no light energy is wasted, maximizing the utilization of the light source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Productivity

If conventional polarizers are used, then polarization can be achieved, but the efficiency of light conversion is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of light absorption by conventional polarizers into a beneficial reflective process. By using a reflective polarizing plate, the light that would normally be absorbed is instead reflected and recycled through the reirradiation unit, eventually converting it into useful circularly polarized light. This transforms energy loss into a functional part of the light generation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous light recycling through the reirradiation unit, which repeatedly irradiates the reflective polarizing plate until the light is fully converted into circularly polarized light. This continuous action ensures that no light energy is wasted, maximizing the utilization of the light source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If linearly polarized light is used for plant irradiation, then growth regulation can be attempted, but no significant growth difference is exhibited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth regulation effectivenessVSAvoidgrowth response variability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the polarization parameter from linear to circular polarization. By using circularly polarized light instead of linearly polarized light, the patent activates the plant's photoreceptors that are sensitive to circular polarization, thereby achieving significant and reliable growth regulation effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The device efficiently promotes or inhibits plant growth by irradiating right- or left-circularly polarized light, enhancing growth regulation and preventing harmful insect infestations while minimizing light pollution.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective polarizing plate that transmits one of the polarization components of incident light from the light-emitting light source and reflects the other polarization component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

reirradiation unit for changing a polarization state of the light reflected from the reflective polarizing plate to reirradiate the reflective polarizer with the light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization state change: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

circular polarization conversion unit for converting the light having been transmitted through the reflective polarizing plate into circularly polarized light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCircular polarization conversion: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS9848540B2Circular polarization illumination device and plant growth regulation method

Publication Date: 2017.12.26 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a circular polarization illumination device which can irradiate right-circularly polarized light at a large light amount from a light source of right-circularly polarized light with a high efficiency and can irradiate left-circularly polarized light at a large light amount from a light source of left-circularly polarized light with a high efficiency, and a plant growth regulation method that can efficiently regulate the promotion or inhibition of the growth of plants by using the circular polarization illumination device. Moreover, the illumination device includes a light-emitting light source, a reflective polarizing plate, reirradiation unit, and circular polarization conversion unit.