Microstructured Diffuser Layer for Glare Reduction in Insulated Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional daylight redirecting microoptics in insulated glazing units often cause glare due to the vertical refraction of sunlight, leading to the formation of a 'solar column' which reduces the effectiveness of light redirection and increases brightness.
Innovation Solution
A microstructured diffuser layer is integrated into the insulated glazing units, comprising a template layer with a structured surface and a backfill layer having a microstructured surface, where the microstructured surface and an adjacent layer with a different refractive index work together as a diffusive interface to reduce glare while maintaining efficient light redirection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional daylight redirecting microoptics are used to redirect sunlight upwards, then energy efficiency is improved, but glare increases due to the formation of a solar column
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical function into two separate layers: a microoptical layer for light redirection and a diffuser layer for glare reduction. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and glare reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser layer acts as an intermediary between the microoptical layer and the interior space. It receives the redirected light from the microoptical layer and modifies its distribution to reduce glare, serving as a mediator that enables both energy efficiency and comfortable lighting conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a microstructured diffuser layer is added to reduce glare, then glare reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser layer is implemented as a thin film or coating that can be applied to the existing microoptical layer. This thin-film approach reduces complexity compared to adding substantial three-dimensional structures, while still providing effective glare reduction through microstructural surface modulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite optical system combining the microoptical layer with the diffuser layer. This composite structure integrates multiple functions (light redirection and glare reduction) into a unified system, managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate 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 solution effectively reduces glare by minimizing the visibility of the solar column while redirecting at least 80% of daylight upwards for input angles ranging from 30 to 60 degrees, enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings through improved light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a layer disposed adjacent the microstructured surface, wherein the layer disposed adjacent the microstructured surface has a refractive index that differs from the backfill layer
Implementation Method 2
The microstructured surface together with the adjacent layer functions as a diffusive layer, or in other words a diffusive interface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
Transfer tapes and methods of making transfer tapes are described. In one aspect, the transfer tape comprises a template layer having a structured surface; a backfill layer disposed on at least a portion of the template layer, the backfill layer having a microstructured surface opposite the structured surface; and a layer disposed adjacent the microstructured surface, wherein the layer disposed adjacent the microstructured surface has a refractive index that differs from the backfill layer. The microstructured surface together with the adjacent layer functions as a diffusive layer, or in other words a diffusive interface. Also described are microoptical glazing and methods of making microoptical glazing as well as insulated glazing units and methods of making insulated glazing units.