Contactless Printed Lenticular Optical Structure for Compact Household Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
The technical implementation of optics for household appliances often requires a high technical effort, making it challenging to efficiently produce and install optical devices in appliances with limited installation space.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing an optical device using contactless printing of an optical structure with lens-shaped optical elements on light-conducting glass, allowing light to propagate through multiple reflections and exit through lens-shaped elements, thereby simulating multiple light sources and creating flexible light patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional printing techniques are used to apply optical elements, then the optical structure can be applied to the substrate, but the technical effort and complexity of production increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical contact printing techniques with a contactless printing method. Optical elements are deposited onto the substrate without physical contact between the printing head and substrate, eliminating mechanical complexity while achieving the same optical structure application. This substitution reduces both technical effort and device complexity simultaneously.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are placed at the perception point in household appliances, then light can be directly perceived by users, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical structure with lens-shaped optical elements as an intermediary between the light source and the user's perception point. Light from a remotely positioned source is coupled into a light-conducting substrate and guided to the perception location through total internal reflection, then emitted through the optical elements. This intermediary system enables direct illumination at the perception point while allowing flexible light source placement, reducing installation space requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If light sources are placed at remote positions in household appliances, then installation space is optimized, but light coupling and transport complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal light transport system using a light-conducting substrate with integrated optical elements that can accommodate various light source positions and configurations. The same substrate structure serves multiple functions: guiding light from different remote positions, distributing light to multiple perception points, and providing mechanical support. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while optimizing installation space.
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 method reduces the technical effort required for optics production, enabling the creation of various light scenarios in household appliances with limited installation space, while maintaining effective light distribution and perception.
Implementation Method 1
provided with a hydrophobic surface coating by depositing fluorosilanes on the surface by a CVD technique
Implementation Method 2
depositing fluorosilanes on the surface by a CVD technique
Implementation Method 3
it can propagate in the glass by multiple reflection at the interfaces to the outer environment of the glass
Implementation Method 4
After reflection on the optical structure, at least part of the reflected light exits the glass through the glass surface
Implementation Method 5
After reflection on the optical structure, at least part of the reflected light exits the glass
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical device (1) for a household appliance. In a first step a) of the method, a substrate (2) of translucent glass is provided. According to a second step b) of the method, the substrate (2) is printed contactlessly with an optical structure (3) comprising a plurality of lenticular optical elements (4).