Modular Light Panel Transparent Substrate Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular light panels with printed circuit boards (PCBs) and additional sensor units suffer from reduced light output due to light absorption and disrupted light propagation, leading to non-uniform illumination, which is undesirable for many lighting applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular light panel design featuring a transparent base substrate and a transparent protecting layer with a refractive index less than or equal to the base substrate, encapsulating light sources and environment sensors, which guides light and minimizes absorption, along with optional features like scattering structures and wireless communication modules for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensor units are introduced to provide environmental sensing functionality, then the functionality of the lighting system is improved, but light output and uniformity deteriorate due to light absorption and disrupted light propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful effect of light absorption by removing the traditional PCB substrate and replacing it with a transparent base substrate. This eliminates the PCB's light absorption and disruption of light propagation, thereby resolving the contradiction between adding sensor functionality and maintaining light output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the base substrate by using transparent materials with specific refractive indices. The base substrate has a refractive index of 1.4-1.7 and the protecting layer has a refractive index of 1.3-1.6, creating optimal conditions for light propagation while accommodating sensor units without significant light loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensor units are introduced to provide environmental sensing functionality, then the functionality of the lighting system is improved, but light uniformity deteriorates due to disrupted light propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the PCB substrate that disrupts light propagation and replaces it with a transparent base substrate. This extraction of the harmful element allows light to propagate uniformly across the panel while still accommodating sensor units for environmental monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a transparent base substrate and a transparent protecting layer with carefully selected refractive indices. This composite material approach optimizes both light uniformity and sensor functionality by creating a homogeneous optical path.
3Illumination intensity
If a transparent base substrate and transparent protecting layer are used to guide light and minimize absorption, then light output and uniformity are improved, but device complexity increases due to refractive index matching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies refractive index ranges (base substrate: 1.4-1.7, protecting layer: 1.3-1.6) that balance optical performance with manufacturing feasibility. These parameter specifications provide design guidance while allowing flexibility in material selection, thus managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent base substrate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, guides light propagation, and accommodates sensor units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high light output.
4Measurement precision
If environment sensor units are integrated on the first surface, then environmental sensing capability is improved, but light absorption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional PCB substrate that caused significant light absorption and replaces it with a transparent base substrate. This allows sensor units to be mounted on the first surface for environmental sensing while minimizing light absorption, as the transparent material allows light to pass through with minimal loss.
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 design enhances light output and uniformity while offering increased functionality, including environmental sensing and control, and allows for flexible and efficient assembly of multiple panels without dedicated connections, facilitating applications like room lighting and thermal mapping.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent protecting layer, having a second refractive index that is less than or equal to the first refractive index, arranged to encapsulate the array of one or more light sources upon the first surface and form a composite structure with the transparent base substrate for guiding light produced by the one or more light sources within the composite structure
Implementation Method 2
a transparent protecting layer, having a second refractive index that is less than or equal to the first refractive index, arranged to encapsulate the array of one or more light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A modular light panel includes a transparent base substrate, an array of light sources, at least one environment sensor unit mounted on the base substrate, and a transparent protecting layer encapsulating the light sources and the environment sensor unit(s). The refractive index of the transparent protecting layer is equal or less than that of the base substrate. The modular light panel might also include a wireless communication module.