Optical Material with 445-470 nm Transmittance Dip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical materials fail to effectively suppress melatonin secretion inhibition caused by night-time light exposure, particularly in the wavelength range of 445 nm to 470 nm, leading to disrupted circadian rhythms, and existing solutions are either complex to produce or limited in effectiveness when used outdoors.
Innovation Solution
A molded optical material with a transmittance curve that has a minimum value in the 445 nm to 470 nm range, incorporating porphyrin-based organic dyes that absorb light in this range, formulated with a resin such as polyurethane or polycarbonate, and produced through a process involving curing of a composition containing these dyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical filters are used to block specific light wavelengths for maintaining circadian rhythm, then the effectiveness of suppressing melatonin inhibition is improved, but the production process becomes complicated requiring 10 or more layers of coating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical filtering functions into a single optical material layer by incorporating specific organic dye compounds directly into the resin matrix. This eliminates the need for multiple separate coating layers while achieving the same circadian rhythm maintenance effect through integrated wavelength-selective absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining organic dye compounds (such as porphyrin derivatives) with optical resin to create a unified optical material that possesses both the mechanical properties of the resin and the wavelength-selective absorption properties of the dye, simplifying the overall structure and production process.
2Reliability
If metal microparticles are mixed into transparent material to create optical filter, then light absorption capability is improved, but the production process becomes complicated and requires special handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the absorbing medium from inorganic metal microparticles to organic dye molecules. This transformation enables the absorbing material to be dissolved or dispersed in resin at molecular level, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective light absorption in the critical 445-470 nm range.
3Reliability
If illumination device is used to adjust luminescent material intensity, then indoor circadian rhythm effect is improved, but the effect cannot be obtained when going out or in natural light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of actively emitting light to regulate circadian rhythm (as in illumination devices), the invention uses a passive approach by creating optical materials that selectively filter harmful wavelengths from ambient light. This inverted approach works universally in both indoor and outdoor environments regardless of the light source, as it addresses the spectral composition problem rather than attempting to control illumination.
4Reliability
If optical filter absorbs light in 445-470 nm range to maintain circadian rhythm, then melatonin secretion regulation is improved, but the production process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical filtering function into specific molecular components (organic dye compounds with defined absorption spectra) that can be independently selected and combined. This allows for standardized production of optical materials with predetermined wavelength-selective properties, improving production efficiency while maintaining effective melatonin regulation.
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 material effectively maintains a normal circadian rhythm by selectively absorbing night-time light in the specified wavelength range, providing a simple and industrially viable solution for both indoor and outdoor use.
Implementation Method 1
The present inventors have found an optical material in which it is possible to maintain a normal circadian rhythm by suppressing the inhibition of melatonin secretion due to light exposure at night, by selectively absorbing light in a wavelength range of 445 nm to 470 nm.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical material of the present invention has a minimum transmittance value in a wavelength range of 445 nm to 470 nm of a transmittance curve measured at a thickness of 2 mm of the optical material.