Laminate Reflective Electroluminescent Article
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for materials that provide increased conspicuity under various conditions and can be easily integrated into garments and articles, combining the benefits of electroluminescent lighting and retroreflective materials for improved visibility in dark environments.
Innovation Solution
A laminate article comprising an electroluminescent structure with an electrode layer, phosphor layer, and transparent electrode layer, integrated with a retroreflective structure on a removable carrier film, allowing for efficient manufacturing and application on various articles, including garments, with conductive adhesive connections for power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electroluminescent structures and retroreflective structures are applied separately to garments, then each structure can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electroluminescent structures and retroreflective structures into a single integrated laminate article. The electroluminescent structure includes phosphor layers and electrode layers, while the retroreflective structure includes glass beads and binder layers, all laminated together in one assembly that can be applied to garments as a unified component, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite laminate structure that integrates multiple functional layers including electroluminescent phosphor materials, retroreflective glass beads, binder materials, and protective layers. This composite approach allows both electroluminescent and retroreflective functionalities to coexist in a single integrated article with optimized performance
2Reliability
If electroluminescent structures and retroreflective structures are applied separately to garments, then each structure can be optimized for its specific function, but the application time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electroluminescent structures and retroreflective structures into a single integrated laminate article. The electroluminescent structure includes phosphor layers and electrode layers, while the retroreflective structure includes glass beads and binder layers, all laminated together in one assembly that can be applied to garments as a unified component, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-assembles the electroluminescent and retroreflective structures into an integrated laminate article before application to the garment. This preliminary integration of multiple functional layers into a single unit allows for faster application to garments compared to separately applying and aligning multiple components
3Illumination intensity
If traditional electroluminescent lamps are used for garments, then good light source is provided in dark environments, but the weight and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-film electroluminescent structures with phosphor layers and transparent electrode layers that can be laminated onto garments. This thin-film approach provides the necessary light output for visibility in dark environments while maintaining flexibility and minimizing added weight compared to traditional bulky electroluminescent lamps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite laminate structure that integrates multiple functional layers including electroluminescent phosphor materials, retroreflective glass beads, binder materials, and protective layers. This composite approach allows both electroluminescent and retroreflective functionalities to coexist in a single integrated article with optimized performance
4Illumination intensity
If traditional electroluminescent lamps are used for garments, then good light source is provided in dark environments, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-film electroluminescent structures with phosphor layers and transparent electrode layers that can be laminated onto garments. This thin-film approach provides the necessary light output for visibility in dark environments while maintaining flexibility and minimizing added weight compared to traditional bulky electroluminescent lamps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite laminate structure that integrates multiple functional layers including electroluminescent phosphor materials, retroreflective glass beads, binder materials, and protective layers. This composite approach allows both electroluminescent and retroreflective functionalities to coexist in a single integrated article with optimized performance
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 laminate article enhances visibility in both dusk and dark conditions, improves manufacturing efficiency, and can be flexibly applied to lightweight materials, offering improved conspicuity and comfort while maintaining durability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Electroluminescent lighting is commonly used in applications requiring light weight and low power illumination. Electroluminescent lamps are typically made of a layer of phosphor and a layer of dielectric disposed between two layers of electrodes where one electrode layer is transparent or translucent, allowing light to shine through it when the lamp is powered.
Implementation Method 2
Retroreflective materials can be created in a variety of ways, including using a layer of glass beads, a specular reflective agent disposed under the beads and a binder below the specular reflector. When incident light enters the bead, the bead focuses the light on the specular reflector. The specular reflector forces the light back through the bead so that it exits in a generally opposite direction of the incident light at about the same angle. This process of reflecting light back in the general direction of its source is commonly referred to as retroreflection.
Data Source
AI summary
An electroluminescent article is described, wherein the article includes one or more electroluminescent structures, which may in some embodiments be discontinuous from each other. The article further includes one or more retroreflective structures and, optionally, a removable carrier film disposed over the electroluminescent structures and the retroreflective structures. In some embodiments, the retroreflective structures may be disposed at least partially in the light path capable of being emitted by one or more of the electroluminescent structures. Exemplary articles may, optionally, include connectors between electroluminescent structures that comprise conductive adhesive. Exemplary articles according to the present disclosure may be disposed in roll form. The present disclosure also includes methods for making such articles.