Glass-inclusive sample viewer, and/or associated methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Design architects face challenges in accurately evaluating the aesthetic qualities of glass samples due to difficulties in comparing subtle changes in transmission and reflection properties, especially when viewed indoors or outdoors under different lighting conditions, leading to potential misinterpretations and missed specifications in projects.
Innovation Solution
A versatile sample viewer that transforms into multiple configurations for indoor and outdoor viewing, allowing for accurate evaluation and comparison of glass samples, including a transportation configuration, while eliminating the need for separate packaging and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If glass samples are viewed indoors under artificial lighting, then viewing convenience is improved, but accuracy of aesthetic evaluation deteriorates due to inability to assess outdoor performance and subtle transmission/reflection changes
Solution Approach 1:
The viewer box is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used for transporting glass samples, for indoor viewing under artificial lighting, and for outdoor viewing under natural light. This multi-functionality allows architects to evaluate samples in both indoor and outdoor conditions using a single device, thereby maintaining viewing convenience while improving aesthetic evaluation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewer box incorporates movable components including removable panels and adjustable viewing angles. These dynamic features allow the box to be reconfigured for different viewing conditions (indoor/outdoor) and to optimize the viewing angle for assessing off-axis properties such as transmission, reflection, and coloration at various angles.
2Measurement precision
If glass samples are viewed outdoors under natural light, then accuracy of aesthetic evaluation is improved, but viewing convenience deteriorates due to lack of protection from elements and difficulty in comparison
Solution Approach 1:
The viewer box provides a protected environment that can be used both indoors and outdoors. When used outdoors, the box protects the samples from direct exposure to elements while still allowing natural light to illuminate the samples for accurate evaluation. The box thus combines the advantages of outdoor natural lighting with the protective benefits of an enclosed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewer box is divided into multiple compartments and includes removable panels that can be taken away or adjusted. This segmentation allows architects to access and compare multiple samples simultaneously while maintaining protection from the elements, thereby improving both viewing convenience and evaluation accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple glass samples are compared at different times and locations, then variety of evaluation contexts is improved, but reliability of comparison deteriorates due to human inability to accurately recall and compare from memory
Solution Approach 1:
The viewer box contains multiple slots and compartments designed to hold several glass samples simultaneously. This segmentation enables architects to compare multiple samples side-by-side in the same location and under the same lighting conditions, eliminating the need to rely on memory when comparing samples viewed at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewer box creates uniform viewing conditions for all samples contained within it, regardless of whether the viewing location is indoors or outdoors. By providing consistent lighting, angle, and protective environment for all samples, the box ensures that comparisons are made under equipotential conditions, thereby improving reliability.
4Strength
If separate packaging and viewer packs are used for glass samples, then protection during transport is improved, but waste and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The viewer box combines the functions of protective packaging and viewing device into a single integrated structure. The box provides adequate protection for glass samples during transport while simultaneously serving as the viewing device once the samples arrive. This merging eliminates the need for separate packaging materials and additional viewer packs, thereby reducing waste and overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewer box is designed to fulfill multiple roles: it protects samples during transport, stores samples safely, and provides the viewing function for aesthetic evaluation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated packaging and viewing devices, reducing material waste while maintaining adequate protection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain example embodiments relate to a box or other viewer that accommodates one or more glass-inclusive samples and that is usable in a plurality of different configurations to facilitate evaluation of the sample(s) from indoor and outdoor viewing perspectives. The sample viewer is “convertible” between a transportation configuration and the indoor and outdoor viewing perspective configurations. For example, certain example embodiments may be used as glass-inclusive sample shipping and storage containers that transform into miniature mockup walls with little manual effort and with little risk of human viewers looking at glass the wrong way (e.g., a manner that would lead to a false impression of the visual aesthetic of the sample(s) therein). The glass-inclusive sample(s) may include one or more uncoated or coated glass sheets, insulated glass (IG) units, vacuum insulated glass (VIG) units, laminated products, and/or the like.