Phase-Separated Glass Light Guide for Efficient Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light transmitting panels require separate light extraction layers to refract light, which can increase complexity and reduce optical clarity due to phase separation in glass materials, leading to reduced transmittance and efficiency in guiding and scattering light.
Innovation Solution
A light transmitting panel utilizing a phase-separated glass material with distinct refractive indices, where one phase guides light and the other phase scatters it, eliminating the need for a separate light extraction layer by integrating the scattering function into the light guide layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a separate light extraction layer is used to refract light, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guidance function and light extraction function into a single light guide layer by creating phase-separated regions within the glass material. The first phase guides light through total internal reflection while the second phase extracts light through scattering, eliminating the need for separate extraction layers and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide layer uses composite glass material with phase-separated regions having different refractive indices. This composite structure allows simultaneous light guidance and extraction functions within a single layer, resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and device complexity.
2Loss of energy
If phase separated glass material is used for light scattering, then light extraction is improved, but optical clarity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific phase-separated regions with different optical properties only where needed for light extraction. The majority of the light guide layer maintains homogeneous composition for optimal light guidance, while localized regions contain the second phase for scattering. This selective application preserves overall optical clarity while enabling efficient light extraction at specific locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If phase separated glass material is used, then light scattering function is integrated, but transmittance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by incorporating only a controlled amount of the second phase material at optimized concentrations and distributions. This allows the light guide layer to maintain its primary light guidance function with high transmittance while providing sufficient scattering capability for effective light extraction. The second phase is present in sufficient quantity to enable extraction but not so much as to significantly compromise overall transmittance.
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
This solution enhances light extraction efficiency, reduces panel complexity, and maintains optical clarity by using phase-separated glass to guide and scatter light within the same layer, improving transmittance and functionality in architectural and vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
the first material phase functions to guide the input light along the light guide layer
Implementation Method 2
the second material phase functions to scatter the input light so that at least part of the input light is directed out of the light guide layer as an output light
Implementation Method 3
the first material phase and the second material phase have different indices of refraction
Data Source
AI summary
A light transmitting panel includes a lighting device and a light guide layer. The lighting device emits an input light. The light guide layer is formed from a phase separated glass material that includes a first material phase and a second material phase, wherein the first material phase functions to guide the input light along the light guide layer and the second material phase functions to scatter the input light so that at least part of the input light is directed out of the light guide layer as an output light.