Illuminated Glazing With Face-Coupled Light Input and Uniform Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for illuminating glazing, such as automotive roof windows, face challenges in achieving efficient and cost-effective illumination due to complex smoothing requirements for smooth side surfaces and mechanical weakening from drilled holes, leading to non-homogeneous light distribution and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A glazing system with a disk having a light source connected via transparent light coupling means and light extraction means, utilizing scattering, reflection, and diffraction to enhance light coupling and distribution, including structured surfaces and reflective elements for improved light management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If light is coupled into the glass pane via side surface, then light coupling efficiency is improved, but complex smoothing and polishing treatment is required due to rounded C-cut edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from side-surface light coupling to face-surface light coupling. Instead of coupling light through the rounded C-cut edge (side dimension), the light source is positioned to couple light directly into the face of the glass pane, eliminating the need for complex edge smoothing while maintaining effective light coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light-guiding element as an intermediary between the light source and the glass pane. This element facilitates light coupling into the pane face without requiring direct contact between the light source and glass edge, thereby avoiding the need for complex edge preparation.
2Loss of energy
If light sources are inserted into recesses via drilled holes, then light coupling is achieved, but homogeneous illumination is difficult and mechanical weakening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from recessed positions (drilled holes) and positions it externally at the face of the glass pane. This eliminates the need for bore holes that weaken the structure while maintaining effective light coupling through the pane face.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass pane face itself serves as the light coupling interface without requiring additional structural modifications like drilled holes or recesses. The intact glass face maintains its mechanical strength while enabling direct light coupling.
3Loss of energy
If additional single-pane safety glass is attached as a separate light guide, then light guiding function is achieved, but production costs and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guiding function with the existing glass pane structure. Instead of adding a separate safety glass layer dedicated to light guiding, the solution integrates light coupling directly into the primary glass pane, eliminating redundant components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass pane serves dual functions: maintaining its primary structural and safety functions while simultaneously serving as the light coupling interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated light-guiding components.
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 system achieves efficient, homogeneous illumination with reduced mechanical weakening and lower production costs, enhancing light intensity and distribution through structured surfaces and reflective elements.
Implementation Method 1
the light coupling means is suitable for deflecting a portion of the light arriving from the light source into transmission by scattering, reflection, refraction or diffraction
Implementation Method 2
the light coupling means is suitable for deflecting a portion of the light arriving from the light source into transmission by scattering, reflection, refraction or diffraction
Implementation Method 3
the light coupling means is suitable for deflecting a portion of the light arriving from the light source into transmission by scattering, reflection, refraction or diffraction
Implementation Method 4
the light coupling means is suitable for deflecting a portion of the light arriving from the light source into transmission by scattering, reflection, refraction or diffraction
Implementation Method 5
the light coupling means is suitable for coupling a portion of the light incident from the light source into the first pane at an angle θ greater than or equal to the angle θ total internal reflection
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to glazing (1) comprising: – at least one first sheet (1) having a first main surface (IV) and a second main surface (III), – at least one light source (4), – at least one transparent light input coupling means (5), the light source (4) being connected to the first main surface (IV) of the first sheet (1) via the light input coupling means (5), such that light from the light source (4) can be coupled into the first sheet (1), and – at least one light output coupling means (6), for coupling light out of the first sheet (1) via at least one of the main surfaces (III, IV).