Light Redirecting Film with Multi-Peak Prismatic Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light redirecting films face challenges in protecting microstructured elements from mechanical and chemical damage during lamination, and the addition of protective layers can degrade their optical performance and light redirecting properties.
Innovation Solution
A film construction comprising a microstructured optical film bonded to a cover film via an adhesive layer, where the microstructured prismatic elements penetrate partially into the adhesive, allowing for a low-index interface that maintains light redirection while minimizing refraction, and incorporating diffusing agents like silica or TiO2 nanoparticles to scatter light and reduce glare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective layer is added to protect microstructured elements from mechanical and chemical damage, then protection is improved, but optical performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
A thin protective film is applied over the microstructured prismatic elements to provide mechanical and chemical protection while minimizing optical degradation. The film acts as a flexible shell that protects the fragile microstructures from damage during handling and cleaning, while its thin nature reduces interference with light redirection properties
Solution Approach 2:
An adhesive layer serves as an intermediary between the microstructured film and the protective layer or substrate. This intermediate layer allows for bonding while maintaining the optical performance of the microstructured elements by providing a controlled interface that minimizes refraction and reflection losses
2Reliability
If a protective layer is added to protect microstructured elements, then protection is improved, but light redirecting properties are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
A thin protective film is applied over the microstructured prismatic elements to provide mechanical and chemical protection while minimizing optical degradation. The film acts as a flexible shell that protects the fragile microstructures from damage during handling and cleaning, while its thin nature reduces interference with light redirection properties
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive index of the protective layer is carefully selected and optimized to match or closely approximate the refractive index of the microstructured prismatic elements. By controlling this optical parameter, the protective layer minimizes refraction and reflection at the interface, thereby preserving the light redirecting properties while providing necessary protection
3Strength
If microstructured elements are bonded to a substrate, then attachment is improved, but optical performance is degraded due to refraction
Solution Approach 1:
The refractive index of the adhesive layer is carefully selected and optimized to match or closely approximate the refractive index of the microstructured prismatic elements. By controlling this optical parameter, the adhesive minimizes refraction and reflection at the bonding interface, thereby maintaining strong attachment while preserving optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
An adhesive layer serves as an intermediary between the microstructured film and the protective layer or substrate. This intermediate layer allows for bonding while maintaining the optical performance of the microstructured elements by providing a controlled interface that minimizes refraction and reflection losses
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 effectively protects the microstructured elements, maintains optical performance, and enhances light distribution, reducing glare and improving energy efficiency by redirecting sunlight effectively, thus offering improved energy savings and visual comfort.
Implementation Method 1
Light Redirection Films (LRFs), provide natural lighting by redirecting incoming sunlight upward, onto the ceiling
Implementation Method 2
LRFs can consist of linear optical microstructures that reflect incoming sunlight onto the ceiling
Implementation Method 3
a adhesive layer comprising an adhesive, wherein the adhesive layer has a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface
Implementation Method 4
incorporating diffusing agents like silica or TiO2 nanoparticles to scatter light and reduce glare
Data Source
AI summary
Light redirecting film articles include a microstructured optical film, such as a daylight redirecting film, bonded to another film. This type of assembly may serve various purposes. For example, the assembly may protect the structured film, provide additional functionality, such as diffusion or infrared reflection, and/or facilitate attachment of the microstructured optical film to a mounting surface, such as a glazing or window pane.