Light Emitting Decorative Panels Shading Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emitting transparent panels face challenges in achieving uniform illumination due to shading effects caused by light source distance and pattern geometry, leading to noticeable shadows that detract from the intended decorative pattern.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves sizing and positioning light-extracting depressions on the panel surface based on distance from the light source and the number of depressions between the source and the surface feature, with irregularities in the depression angles and depths to minimize shading and create a uniform illumination effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light extracting deformities are formed by etching or molding with uniform size, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the illumination uniformity across the panel is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the characteristics of light extracting deformities based on their location on the panel. Specifically, the deformities have different sizes, shapes, or depths depending on their distance from the light source, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific illumination needs rather than using a uniform design throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical parameters of the light extracting deformities (such as size, shape, depth, or density) as a function of position on the panel. This systematic variation of parameters compensates for the non-uniform light distribution, creating more uniform overall illumination while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Illumination intensity
If light extracting deformities increase in size with distance from the light source, then the illumination distribution is improved, but shading effects create visible shadows that detract from the decorative pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses local quality to address shading by making the deformities' characteristics location-dependent. By adjusting the size, shape, or depth of individual deformities based on their specific position relative to the light source and other deformities, the patent optimizes light extraction at each location to minimize shadow formation while maintaining overall illumination balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional approach: instead of making deformities uniformly larger with distance to compensate for light decay, it uses a more nuanced strategy where deformities closer to the light source (which cause shading) are designed with different characteristics than those farther away. This inverted thinking allows the closer deformities to extract less light or be positioned to avoid casting shadows on critical decorative elements.
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 approach results in a visually uniform pattern illumination, reducing the appearance of shadows and enhancing the aesthetic appeal by creating a consistent light distribution across the panel, allowing for more precise control over light intensity and pattern visibility.
Implementation Method 1
some of the light within and passing along the panel will be interrupted and redirected outward from the surface of the panel
Implementation Method 2
given a pattern of light extracting deformities or disruptions in the surface of the panel, some of the light within and passing along the panel will be interrupted and redirected outward
Implementation Method 3
Most of the light from the light sources in a transparent panel with flat, parallel surfaces will have a shallow enough angle to continuously reflect from the surfaces of the panel and be confined within the panel
Data Source
AI summary
Light emitting decorative panels using a light source at the edge thereof that may have a desired uniformity of light emission from a pattern thereon, and which are not subject to local shadows (shading) in a pattern part from patterns or pattern parts between the respective pattern or pattern part and the light source. The elimination of shading is achieved by the depressions of a given geometry disposed in an arc having a center at the light source, and sizes each depression or arc segment of a depression in being chosen accordance with 1), the distance of the respective depression or depression segment from the source of light, and 2), the number of depressions between the respective depression and the source of light, with a second order correction for the position of depressions between the respective depression and the source of light.