Diffusive Layer for Uniform High-Luminance Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emitting devices using discrete sources struggle to achieve uniform and high-luminance light emission over long lengths due to limitations in light guide technology, which restricts luminance and pattern versatility, especially for ultraviolet applications.
Innovation Solution
A diffusive layer composed of a laminate of transparent films with diffusive elements at concentrations below the percolation threshold, which can be reflective, transmitting, or both, is used to diffuse light from radiation sources, enhancing light distribution and luminance while allowing for longer continuous light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If light guides made from high refractive index material are used to create a line of light from a point source, then a thin line of light can be achieved, but the length of the line is effectively limited and cannot be easily configured end-to-end to create a longer continuous line
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light guide into multiple separate light guide members that can be individually manufactured and then joined end-to-end. Each light guide member can be produced within the constraints of molding equipment, and multiple members are coupled together to form a continuous light-emitting structure of arbitrary length, thereby resolving the limitation on line length while maintaining the thin profile achieved through high refractive index materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes coupling light guide members end-to-end where the end of one member connects to the end of another, creating a nested or sequential arrangement that extends the overall length. This allows multiple standardized segments to be combined like nested dolls to achieve the desired total length while preserving the optical properties of each individual segment
2Device complexity
If a limited number of light sources are used in light guides, then the device complexity is reduced, but the luminance and perceived visual brightness of the resulting line is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the light guide into multiple members, the system can incorporate multiple light sources distributed across different segments. Each light guide member can contain one or more light sources, and when coupled end-to-end, the cumulative effect produces a longer continuous line with enhanced overall luminance and visual brightness without requiring an excessive number of light sources in any single location
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for strategic placement of light sources at specific locations along the light guide members, optimizing the distribution of luminance along the length. Different segments can have light sources positioned to address local illumination requirements, creating zones of high brightness where needed while maintaining overall system efficiency
3Device complexity
If discrete light sources are used to create illumination, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination created cannot be blended into a uniform lighting condition
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide members act as intermediaries between the discrete light sources and the target surface. These members receive light from point sources and distribute it along their length through total internal reflection and controlled emission, transforming the non-uniform output of discrete sources into a uniform continuous line of light that provides consistent illumination across the illuminated area
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 diffusive layer effectively achieves uniform light emission with high luminance over extended lengths, enabling versatile patterns and efficient ultraviolet light distribution for applications like sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusive layer including a laminate of a plurality of transparent films. At least one of the plurality of transparent films includes a plurality of diffusive elements with a concentration that is less than a percolation threshold. The plurality of diffusive elements are optical elements that diffuse light that is impinging on such element
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of diffusive elements can be diffusively reflective, diffusively transmitting or combination of both
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the plurality of transparent films includes a plurality of diffusive elements with a concentration that is less than a percolation threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A diffusive layer including a laminate of a plurality of transparent films is provided. At least one of the plurality of transparent films includes a plurality of diffusive elements with a concentration that is less than a percolation threshold. The plurality of diffusive elements are optical elements that diffuse light that is impinging on such element. The plurality of diffusive elements can be diffusively reflective, diffusively transmitting or combination of both. The plurality of diffusive elements can include fibers, grains, domains, and/or the like. The at least one film can also include a powder material for improving the diffusive emission of radiation and a plurality of particles that are fluorescent when exposed to radiation.