Lens and Sawtooth Light Homogenization for Thin Daylighting Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy conversion devices require large volumes, high production costs, and are difficult to install without damaging building structures, while light pipes offer low efficiency and poor lighting uniformity, hindering the efficient use of solar daylighting.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic natural light homogenization device using lens and sawtooth grating arrays to evenly disperse natural light indoors, enhancing energy utilization and protecting privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar concentrators are used to gather incident sunlight to focal points, then the collection efficiency of sunlight is improved, but the device volume becomes huge and requires higher production and material costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into two separate functional components: a lens array for light collection and a sawtooth grating array for light redirection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall device volume compared to a single large concentrator system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a focal-point-based 3D concentration system to a planar surface-based 2D redistribution system. The lens array focuses light onto the sawtooth grating surface, which then redirects light horizontally across the indoor space, effectively moving the light distribution from a vertical focal point configuration to a horizontal planar configuration.
2Productivity
If solar concentrators with long focal lengths are used, then the collection efficiency of sunlight is improved, but the device requires a large area for installation and is difficult to move for sun tracking
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical system into modular lens and grating arrays, the patent creates a compact configuration that can be easily repositioned. The segmented design eliminates the need for long focal length optics, allowing the entire system to be moved for sun tracking without requiring large installation areas.
3Area of stationary object
If light pipes are used for natural light transmission, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the lighting uniformity becomes poor and installation may damage building structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using sawtooth gratings with specific inclination angles on the rear surface to redirect light to different horizontal locations. Each local region of the grating array redirects light at specific angles to achieve uniform distribution across the indoor space, rather than relying on uniform light pipe transmission that creates poor uniformity.
4Productivity
If conventional solar energy conversion devices are installed, then the energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the production cost and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters from solar concentration requiring high-precision tracking and conversion to direct natural light redistribution using passive optical elements. This parameter change from active concentration to passive redistribution significantly reduces production and material costs while maintaining effective energy utilization.
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 device efficiently distributes natural light indoors, saving energy and reducing emissions, while being thin and easy to produce, making it suitable for applications like lighting curtains and window glasses.
Implementation Method 1
the lens array is used for collecting outdoor natural light, and transmitting to the sawtooth surface array through the intermediate medium made of the same material between the two surfaces
Implementation Method 2
the sawtooth surface array is used for deflecting the incident natural light to the indoor space after being refracted by an inclined surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a monolithic natural light homogenization lighting device and method based on lens and sawtooth grating, and the device can be used as lighting curtains, indoor shutters, window glasses and the like. The device includes a front surface and a rear surface in an array form, the first surface is a lens array, and the second surface is a sawtooth surface array; the outdoor natural light at a high angle is collected by the lens array surface, and transmitted to the sawtooth surface array through the intermediate medium made of the same material between the two surfaces, and then horizontally dispersed to the indoor space after being refracted by an inclined surface. The present invention can efficiently collect the natural light incident into the window, disperse the light evenly to all directions indoors, homogenize the indoor lighting, and effectively protect the indoor privacy. The device is thin and easy to mass produce, environmentally friendly and pollution-free.