Photoluminescent Window Waveguide for Adjustable Interior Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windows lack the ability to provide adjustable and efficient illumination, relying on external light sources or passive materials that do not offer dynamic control over light color and intensity, limiting their functionality in interior lighting and visual effects.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a waveguide with photoluminescent material, such as a phosphor layer, surrounded by cladding layers and located between structural glass layers, which is pumped by a light source like LEDs to produce adjustable and colored visible light illumination, allowing for dynamic control of interior lighting and visual effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional windows are used without photoluminescent material, then the window structure remains simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the window lacks adjustable illumination capability and dynamic light control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the window structure with a waveguide and photoluminescent material into a single integrated unit. The waveguide is embedded within the window layers, merging the functions of light transmission (window) and light guidance/illumination (waveguide) into one component, thereby adding adaptability without requiring separate illumination devices
Solution Approach 2:
The window is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a transparent separator and an adjustable illumination source. By incorporating the waveguide and photoluminescent material, the window can dynamically control light transmission and emit adjustable illumination, making it a multi-functional component that replaces both window and lighting fixture
2Adaptability or versatility
If photoluminescent material is integrated into the window waveguide, then adjustable and colored visible light illumination is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The photoluminescent material is applied locally within specific regions of the waveguide structure. Different areas of the window can have different photoluminescent properties, allowing for localized color and intensity control. This localized approach simplifies manufacturing compared to requiring uniform complex coatings across the entire window surface
Solution Approach 2:
The window employs composite material construction with multiple layers including structural glass layers, waveguide core, cladding layers, and photoluminescent material. Each layer has specific properties optimized for its function, and their combination creates the desired overall performance. This modular composite structure facilitates manufacturing by allowing each layer to be produced and then assembled
3Illumination intensity
If a waveguide with photoluminescent material is used for interior illumination, then efficient and adjustable lighting is provided, but the window layers and waveguide structure become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is segmented into distinct components: the waveguide core for light propagation, the photoluminescent material for wavelength conversion, and the cladding layers for optical confinement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system efficiency, and facilitates modular manufacturing and assembly
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
Enables efficient and adjustable interior illumination, with the ability to modify light color and intensity, enhancing the functionality of windows in vehicles and buildings by using photoluminescent materials that respond to ultraviolet light, reducing visible light haze, and providing a flexible means for creating various lighting effects.
Implementation Method 1
A light source such as an ultraviolet light source provides pump light to the waveguide core. The pump light is guided within the waveguide and excites the photoluminescent material. This causes the photoluminescent material to luminesce and create visible light illumination.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may have a window. The window may have a waveguide that includes photoluminescent material such as a phosphor layer. The waveguide may have a waveguide core surrounded by cladding layers. The waveguide may be located between an outer structural glass layer and an inner structural glass layer. A light source such as an ultraviolet light source provides pump light to one or more edges the waveguide. The pump light is guided within the waveguide and excites the photoluminescent material. This causes the photoluminescent material to luminesce and create visible light illumination. The visible light illumination may be used to light up an interior region of the system.