Light Guide Mirror Assembly with Thin Prisms for Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light collecting apparatuses are unable to precisely control the output direction and position of light beams, and they lack an effective mechanism to separate and utilize photovoltaic and photo-thermal frequency bands simultaneously with minimal engineering cost and mechanical disturbance.
Innovation Solution
A light guide mirror assembly comprising thin prisms with triangular microstructures and an electromechanical control system that allows for precise adjustment of the output path of light beams, enabling the assembly to direct light towards a designated spot and separate the processing of photovoltaic and thermal energy bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar concentrator panels are used to collect light, then light collection efficiency is improved, but the system requires sophisticated mechanical facilities for orientation and tracking, increasing device complexity and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light collection system into multiple independent thin prism units arranged in arrays, where each unit can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex mechanical tracking facilities while maintaining high light collection efficiency, as the prisms work together to redirect sunlight to solar cells without requiring precise panel orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical orientation and tracking facilities with optical elements (thin prisms) that passively redirect light through refraction and reflection. The prisms are designed with specific geometric angles to automatically redirect sunlight to solar cells regardless of the panel's orientation, eliminating the need for sophisticated mechanical tracking systems.
2Ease of operation
If conventional prism arrays are used to output light beams, then light direction can be adjusted, but the adjustment range is limited and cannot satisfy user demands for precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable and movable thin prism units that can dynamically change their position, orientation, and arrangement configurations. This dynamic capability allows the system to precisely control light beam direction and coverage area, expanding the adjustment range beyond conventional fixed or limited-adjustment prism arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the thin prism array system to perform multiple functions: it can concentrate light, redirect light in various directions, adjust beam coverage area, and adapt to different installation configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single system to satisfy diverse user demands for light control without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Productivity
If conventional light collecting apparatus are used, then light collection is achieved, but they cannot separate and utilize photovoltaic and photo-thermal frequency bands simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface treatments and material properties to different regions of the thin prism structures. Specific areas of the prisms are designed with properties optimized for photovoltaic frequency bands, while other areas are optimized for photo-thermal frequency bands. This local differentiation allows simultaneous separation and utilization of both energy bands without requiring completely separate collection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges photovoltaic and photo-thermal energy collection functions into a single integrated thin prism array system. The prisms are designed to simultaneously redirect different frequency bands of sunlight to appropriate solar cells or thermal absorption surfaces, combining what would traditionally require separate systems into one unified structure, thereby reducing engineering cost and mechanical complexity.
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 allows for precise control of light beam direction and energy distribution, enhancing the application distance and efficiency in various applications such as energy generation, illumination, and thermal management by re-concentrating light into directional beams.
Implementation Method 1
A light guide mirror assembly comprising at least two thin prisms superimposed in a first direction and arranged with predetermined spacing, inclined angle and setting
Implementation Method 2
Each of the triangular microstructures comprises a vertical face substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface and an inclined face at an acute angle smaller than 90° with respect to the bottom surface
Implementation Method 3
The mirror assembly also comprises at least one prism rotating module mounted at a position selected from the group consisting of the one or more bases, an accommodation recess on the one or more bases, the one or more universal tubes and an accommodation recess in the one or more universal tubes, and connected to one of the at least two thin prisms, so that the one of the at least two thin prisms is adapted for being driven to rotate around the first direction or a direction at the inclined angle
Implementation Method 4
An optical path sensor is optionally disposed in front of, behind or onto the at least two thin prisms. The optical path sensor is provided with a plurality of photosensors, with either all of the photosensors being adapted for detecting light beams projected along the same direction, or some of the photosensors being adapted for detecting light beams projected along different directions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light guide mirror assembly, which includes at least two thin prisms in combination with a rotating module. The thin prisms are oriented to direct the light beam towards the designated spot. The bases carrying the thin prisms are fixed by base fasteners or a moveable holder module, and the thin prisms are adjusted in terms of the spacings among them, the inclined angle thereof and the settings thereof to improve the output orientation and beam convergence of the light beam. The invention is useful in illumination, photo-thermal power generation, photovoltaic power generation, heat extraction air conditioner and light beam communication. The invention is also useful in other applications, such as weather control, fire extinguishment, pest control, energy transmission, telecommunication, rock cutting, molten lava casting and light beam probing.