Phase-Separated Glass Claddings for Refractive Index Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass articles often require expensive and time-consuming modifications to achieve desired optical and mechanical properties, and they lack the necessary toughness for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glass article with phase-separated cladding layers, where the glass composition undergoes phase separation into distinct phases, allowing for control of refractive index, acoustic properties, and toughness through selective removal of phases, and subsequent coating or filling with secondary materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If glass composition is modified to achieve desired optical properties such as refractive index, then optical performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the glass composition parameters (adding specific oxides like PbO, TiO2, ZrO2 in controlled amounts) to achieve desired refractive indices. This allows systematic adjustment of optical properties through compositional variations rather than complete reformulation, reducing development time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining glass with specific oxide additives (PbO, TiO2, ZrO2, etc.) to create glass compositions with tailored optical properties. These composite glass systems allow independent optimization of refractive index, dispersion, and other optical characteristics without requiring complete glass reformulation.
2Strength
If glass composition is modified to achieve desired mechanical properties, then performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies glass composition parameters by incorporating specific oxide combinations and ratios that enhance toughness and mechanical strength. By adjusting compositional parameters within established systems rather than creating entirely new glass formulations, the patent achieves improved mechanical properties while controlling manufacturing complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If glass is used for optical applications, then optical properties are achieved, but toughness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite glass materials by incorporating multiple oxide components (PbO, TiO2, ZrO2, Al2O3, etc.) that provide both optimal optical properties and enhanced toughness. The synergistic interaction between different oxide phases in the composite structure simultaneously improves optical performance and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different compositional characteristics within the glass structure. Specific oxide clusters or phases are distributed throughout the glass matrix to provide localized enhancement of toughness while maintaining overall optical properties.
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 laminated glass articles exhibit improved strength, toughness, and tailored optical and acoustic properties, enabling cost-effective and efficient modification of glass attributes for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
the glass composition undergoes phase separation into distinct phases, allowing for control of refractive index, acoustic properties, and toughness through selective removal of phases
Data Source
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AI summary
Laminated glass articles and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a laminated glass article may include a glass core layer and at least one glass cladding layer fused to the glass core layer. The at least one glass cladding layer may be phase separated into a first phase and at least one second phase having different compositions. The first phase of the at least one glass cladding layer may have an interconnected matrix. The at least one second phase of the at least one glass cladding layer may be dispersed throughout the interconnected matrix of the first phase of the at least one glass cladding layer. In some embodiments, the at least one second phase may be selectively removed from the interconnected matrix leaving a porous, interconnected matrix of the first phase.