Method for modifying the transmission of glasses and glass ceramics and glass or glass ceramic articles that can be produced according to the method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modifying the absorption properties of glass and glass ceramic materials to change transmission are either complex, costly, or result in undesirable surface changes, and often require additional materials or coatings that can affect the mechanical and chemical properties of the components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving localized and temporary exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as laser radiation, to heat the material and alter its absorption coefficient without the need for additional materials or coatings, allowing for modification of transmission throughout the thickness or volume of the material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If joining two different materials with different transmission is used to modify transmission locally, then transmission modification is achieved, but device complexity increases and mechanical strength decreases due to joining seams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different transmission properties within a single monolithic glass or glass ceramic component. Through controlled crystallization or composition variation in specific areas, the material exhibits spatially varying optical properties without requiring joins or coatings, thus reducing device complexity while achieving local transmission modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains homogeneity by using a single monolithic material system throughout the component. By varying crystallization conditions or composition within the same base material, uniform mechanical and chemical properties are preserved across the entire component, avoiding the heterogeneity introduced by joining different materials or applying coatings.
2Illumination intensity
If joining two different materials is used to modify transmission, then transmission modification is achieved, but reliability decreases due to thermal shock resistance and chemical resistance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates locally modified transmission regions through controlled crystallization or composition variation within a monolithic material. This approach maintains uniform thermal and chemical resistance across the entire component, as all regions are part of the same material system with compatible expansion coefficients and chemical stability, eliminating the reliability issues associated with joining dissimilar materials.
3Illumination intensity
If coating is used to modify transmission, then transmission modification is achieved, but surface quality deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves local transmission modification through internal material property variation via controlled crystallization or composition adjustment. This eliminates the need for surface coatings entirely, preserving the original smooth surface quality and haptic properties while achieving the desired optical modification through the bulk material properties.
4Illumination intensity
If coating is used to modify transmission, then transmission modification is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to masking and adhesion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves spatially selective transmission modification through controlled crystallization or composition variation during manufacturing. By adjusting processing parameters such as temperature gradients, heating rates, or chemical composition in specific regions, the desired optical properties are obtained directly in the final component without requiring additional coating steps, masking operations, or adhesion control, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
5Illumination intensity
If additional materials or coatings are used to modify transmission, then transmission modification is achieved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves transmission modification through controlled variation of crystallization or composition within the base glass or glass ceramic material itself. This eliminates the need for additional coating materials or joined components, thereby avoiding the material loss associated with applying, adhering, or integrating external materials. The modification is achieved using only the constituent elements of the base material.
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 method enables efficient modification of transmission in glass and glass ceramic materials without altering their composition or surface, improving display capabilities, light conductivity, and allowing for permanent markings without damaging the glass matrix, while avoiding the use of additional materials or coatings.
Implementation Method 1
directing electromagnetic radiation onto a localized surface area of the glass or glass ceramic article, which radiation is absorbed in the volume of the glass or glass ceramic material
Implementation Method 2
choosing a power density of the electromagnetic radiation such that the irradiated region of the glass or glass ceramic article is heated up
Data Source
AI summary
A product is provided that includes a volume-colored monolithic glass or glass ceramic element and to a method for producing same. The glass or glass ceramic element has a first region in which the coloration is modified so that light transmission of the first region differs from light transmission of a second, adjacent region. The light scattering in the region of modified coloration in the glass or glass ceramic remains the same as light scattering in the second, adjacent region with non-modified light transmission.