Flexible Linear Light Emitting Element Using Acrylic Elastomer Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible linear light emitting elements are limited in their ability to bend and achieve high luminance due to rigid materials and insufficient light scattering effects, restricting their application in decorative and ornamental uses.
Innovation Solution
A flexible linear light emitting element is developed using a cored layer made from an acrylic thermoplastic elastomer with a block copolymer of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate, integrated with a clad layer of fluorine resin through co-extrusion molding, allowing for enhanced flexibility and light scattering, and incorporating a white pigment to improve luminance and color stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a transparent resin with high flexural modulus of elasticity is used for the cored layer, then the structural strength and integrity of the linear light emitting element is improved, but the flexibility and ability to bend along curved surfaces is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the cored layer by using acrylic resin with specific flexural modulus values (300-1500 MPa) and controlling the clad layer thickness (0.1-1.0 mm) to achieve the desired balance between strength and flexibility. This allows the element to maintain structural integrity while being adaptable to curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a cored layer made from acrylic resin and a clad layer made from fluorine resin. This composite material approach combines the high strength and light scattering properties of acrylic resin with the flexibility and protective properties of fluorine resin, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and flexibility.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a transparent resin with high light transmittance is used for the cored layer, then the light transmission efficiency is improved, but the light scattering effect is deteriorated resulting in minimized luminance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different optical properties within the cored layer. By controlling the resin composition and adding light scattering agents in specific concentrations, the patent achieves both efficient light transmission through the material and sufficient light scattering to enhance luminance, with each property optimized in its appropriate region or aspect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light scattering agents that create micro-scale scattering centers within the transparent acrylic resin matrix. This approach maintains the overall transparency and light transmission efficiency of the material while creating sufficient scattering effects to enhance luminance, effectively resolving the contradiction between transmission efficiency and scattering effect.
3Productivity
If the cored layer and clad layer are integrated through co-extrusion molding, then the manufacturing efficiency and structural integrity are improved, but the manufacturing precision and material compatibility are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes processing parameters including extrusion temperature (180-250°C for acrylic resin, 200-300°C for fluorine resin), pressure, and cooling rates to ensure proper material flow and bonding during co-extrusion molding. These parameter controls enable successful integration of the two different resin materials while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and structural integrity.
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 solution enables the element to be bent extensively and significantly improves luminance, addressing the limitations of previous elements by providing increased flexibility and enhanced light emitting performance, making it suitable for various decorative applications.
Implementation Method 1
sufficient light scattering effect is not brought within the cored layer when light is entered into the element from the light source
Implementation Method 2
such a contrivance is must as providing the same with a light reflection layer to enhance the amount of luminescence
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible linear light emitting element to be flexibly bent along the shape of an object to be decorated or to be bent in accordance with a linearly represented decorative letter or decorative pattern of any kind and to excel in light emitting performance such as luminance as well as a method of producing the same. The optical fiber type linear light emitting element includes a bar-shaped extrusion-molded article in which a clad layer made from a fluorine resin is integrally formed over the periphery of a cored layer made from an acrylic thermoplastic elastomer; and a block copolymer of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate or a block copolymer of methyl acrylate and butyl acrylate, the flexural modulus of elasticity (according to ASTM D790) of the copolymers ranging from 50 to 500 MPa, is adopted for the material of the cored layer.