Optical Layer Microstructure Uniform Flank Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical layers with random base angles on microstructures, used in lamps, result in low efficiency for surface illumination and inadequate light distribution curves, especially with non-directional light sources like OLEDs, and fail to effectively suppress glare.

Innovation Solution

An optical layer with a microstructure featuring elevations that have uniform flank sections forming angles between 10° to 26°, allowing for precise light shaping and high efficiency, particularly with non-directional or partially directional light sources, while minimizing glare and aesthetic visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If optical layers with random base angles on microstructures are used, then glare is reduced and light source visibility is minimized, but illumination efficiency is low and light distribution curve cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare reductionVSAvoidillumination efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different microstructure configurations to different regions or aspects of the optical layer. Specifically, it uses elevations with uniform flank sections at controlled angles (10°-26°) to achieve both glare reduction and high illumination efficiency simultaneously, rather than using random base angles throughout the entire optical layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the critical parameter of base angle from random (10°-60° as in prior art) to a controlled uniform range (10°-26°). This parameter optimization enables the optical layer to achieve both glare reduction and high illumination efficiency with non-directional light sources like OLEDs, while also producing desired light distribution curves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If foils are used as optical layers, then manufacturing is simplified, but light distribution control and efficiency for surface illumination are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoil manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlight distribution precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the elevation angle parameter to a specific uniform range (10°-26°) which enables precise light distribution control while maintaining foil-based manufacturing simplicity. This parameter control allows the optical layer to achieve desired light distribution curves and high illumination efficiency without complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If non-directional light sources like OLED are used, then lighting coverage is improved, but light cone formation and directionality control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight coverage areaVSAvoidlight cone formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The uniform flank sections of the elevations create localized light redirection at controlled angles, which collectively shapes the overall light cone from non-directional OLED light sources. This local light control enables precise light cone formation while maintaining broad coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

By controlling the elevation angle within 10°-26°, the patent optimizes light cone formation from non-directional sources. This parameter control enables the optical layer to transform omnidirectional OLED light into directed light cones while maintaining wide area illumination coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 optical layer achieves high light output and precise light distribution, reducing glare and providing an unobtrusive appearance, suitable for various applications including architectural lighting, with enhanced light guidance and aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

The elevations of the microstructure each have a flank section which is adjacent to the reference plane and describes a uniform angle with the reference plane... enables relatively high efficiency in the illumination of a surface and that can be used efficiently with non-directional or partially directional light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the microstructure is intended to help the optics fitted with the film to reduce glare from penetrating light by directing the light from the side of the elevations of the microstructure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3353581B1Optical layer and light fixture with such an optical layer
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 REGENT BELEUCHTUNGSKORPER
  • EP3353581B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3353581B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An optical layer (1) made of a light-permeable material comprises a surface (13) and an optical micro-structure (11) having a plurality of elevations (111). The elevations (111) in the micro-structure (11) project from a reference plane (15) that is parallel to the surface (13). Each elevation (111) in the micro-structure (11) has a flank section (112) adjoining the reference plane (15), said flank section forming a uniform angle (α) with the reference plane (15). Said uniform angle (α) is in a range of approximately 10° to approximately 26° or in a range of approximately 13° to approximately 23° or in a range of approximately 15° to approximately 20°. The optical layer (1) according to the invention allows a light fixture to achieve a high light output rate (LOR) and at the same to produce a preferred light distribution curve (LVK).