Light Emitting Decorative Panels with Radial Shadow 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 depressions on the panel surface in accordance with their distance from the light source and the number of intervening depressions, with a second-order correction for position, to optimize light reflection and emission, ensuring uniform illumination and minimizing shadows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light emitting deformities are used on the panels, then light extraction and visibility are improved, but non-uniform illumination with radial shadows occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the depth of etched deformities across different regions of the panel. Deformities closer to the light source are etched deeper than those farther away, creating locally adapted light extraction characteristics that compensate for the radial shadowing effect and achieve overall uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the deformities (specifically depth) as a function of position relative to the light source. This parameter variation allows the panel to maintain consistent light extraction efficiency across different zones, transforming the uniform illumination problem into a controlled gradient structure.
2Illumination intensity
If deformities of increasing size with distance from light source are used, then light distribution is improved, but leading edge remains brightest causing radial shadow appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-compensating for the expected radial shadowing effect through controlled variation in deformity depth. The design anticipates the brightness gradient that would normally occur and counteracts it by making proximal deformities deeper, thereby preventing the radial shadow appearance before it can manifest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the deformity depths relative to the light source position. Rather than using uniform or symmetrically increasing deformity sizes, the patent creates an asymmetric depth profile where deformities closer to the light source are deeper, breaking the symmetry that would otherwise produce visible radial shadows.
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, eliminating radial shadows and enhancing the aesthetic appeal by creating a consistent light intensity across the panel, allowing for customizable visual effects.
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
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.