Photoluminescent Container Substrate for Low-Light Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers, such as coasters and trays, lack functionality to maintain visibility and aesthetic appeal in low-light environments, as they do not provide a means to illuminate objects placed on them after the light source is extinguished.
Innovation Solution
A photoluminescent container with a substrate and an overlay image, where the substrate is coated with a photoluminescent layer that absorbs radiant energy and emits light, and the overlay is light transmissive to allow the emission of light through, creating a glowing effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional containers are used, then they provide basic containment and protection functions, but they lack visibility and aesthetic appeal in low-light environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the container substrate with a photoluminescent layer and an overlay in a single integrated structure. The photoluminescent layer is applied directly to the substrate surface, and the overlay is positioned over the photoluminescent layer, creating a unified container assembly that provides both containment and luminescence functions without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes photoluminescent materials that change their optical properties by absorbing radiant energy during the day and emitting light in dark environments. The photoluminescent layer absorbs ambient light and re-emits it as visible light, enabling the container to transition from a non-luminous state to a glowing state, thereby providing visibility in low-light conditions.
2Illumination intensity
If a photoluminescent layer is added to the substrate, then the container glows in the dark, but the structural integrity and moisture resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin photoluminescent layer applied as a coating on the substrate surface. This thin film approach allows the photoluminescent functionality to be integrated without significantly altering the substrate's thickness or structural properties. The overlay also acts as a protective thin film that seals the photoluminescent layer while maintaining the container's overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of the substrate, photoluminescent layer, and overlay working together. The substrate provides structural support and moisture resistance, the photoluminescent layer provides luminescence, and the overlay provides protection and light transmission. This composite approach allows each layer to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall reliability of the container.
3Loss of information
If an overlay is placed over the photoluminescent layer, then the image is visible, but light transmission may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay is designed with light-transmissive properties that allow the photoluminescent light to pass through while displaying the image. The overlay material and image design are optimized to transmit a sufficient portion of the emitted light, ensuring that the container maintains its glow-in-the-dark functionality while simultaneously providing visible imagery when illuminated.
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 photoluminescent container maintains visibility and aesthetic appeal by glowing in the dark, allowing objects on it to be easily located and enhancing its functional and decorative purposes beyond ambient lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A photoluminescent layer on the upper surface absorbs radiant energy and emits radiant energy in the form of light when the level of radiant energy available for absorption falls below a predetermined level
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes a substrate including a brightening agent on its upper surface and a photoluminescent layer on, or impregnated into, the upper surface. The photoluminescent layer on said upper surface absorbs radiant energy and emits radiant energy in the form of light. The substrate is optionally formed from a moisture absorbent material, a moisture resistant material, or a combination thereof. Optionally, an overlay that is substantially light transmissive, that includes an overlay image that is at least partially light transmissive, overlies the substrate. Optionally, a case may be provided to receive and at least partially encase the substrate and, optionally, at least one overlay.