Optical Element Internal Reflector Sunlight Back Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information systems face challenges in reducing back reflection of sunlight, which affects the desired radiation intensity, color, and contrast ratio, leading to low illumination efficiency and increased production costs due to complex adjustment requirements.

Innovation Solution

An optical element with an internal reflector that utilizes total reflection to direct sunlight away from the exit surface, minimizing back reflection by adjusting the angle of sunlight entry and exit, and incorporating a geometric structure to further reduce reflections, along with a single or repetitive reflector design for efficient light guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If absorber materials are used to reduce back reflection of sunlight, then the contrast ratio is improved, but the illumination efficiency deteriorates due to light absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveback reflection of sunlightVSAvoidillumination efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful back-reflected sunlight into a beneficial effect by using a geometric structure to redirect it toward the light source, where it is re-absorbed and converted into useful illumination, thereby improving contrast ratio without sacrificing illumination efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a geometric structure as an intermediary element that mediates between the exit surface and the light source, redirecting back-reflected sunlight toward the light source rather than allowing it to escape, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing reflections and maintaining illumination efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If absorber materials and complex adjustment mechanisms are used to reduce back reflection, then the contrast ratio is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveback reflection of sunlightVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate absorber materials and complex adjustment mechanisms by integrating the reflection reduction function directly into the geometric structure of the optical element itself, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining contrast ratio improvement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of reducing back reflection and maintaining optical performance into a single geometric structure, eliminating the need for separate absorber materials and adjustment mechanisms, thus simplifying the overall device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If precise alignment of light source and lens is required, then the optical performance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric geometric structures within the optical element that are specifically designed to redirect back-reflected sunlight toward the light source regardless of minor alignment variations, thereby maintaining optical performance while reducing manufacturing precision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The geometric structure is designed to effectively handle a range of sunlight angles and alignment variations, providing robust performance even with partial misalignment, thus reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 enhances illumination efficiency, reduces back reflection, and simplifies production by eliminating the need for absorber materials and precise alignment, while maintaining desired optical standards and contrast ratios.

Implementation Method 1

the optical element comprises an internal reflector to reflect sunlight entering the optical element at the exit surface out of the optical element through a side surface of the optical element by way of total reflection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3267427B1Optical element for an information system for displaying information

Publication Date: 2019.04.17 ORTANA ELEKTRONIK YAZILIM TAAH SAN VE TIC AS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6(c)

AI summary

An optical element (OP) for an information system for displaying information comprises an optical axis (OA) to display information by directing light received at an entrance surface (5) from a light source (2) through the optical element to an exit surface (6) for the light to exit the optical element. The optical element further comprises an internal reflector (12) to reflect sunlight entering the optical element at the exit surface out of the optical element through a side surface of the optical element by way of total reflection.