Polymer Concrete Molded Elements with Photoluminescent Base Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing molded elements with photoluminescent properties are not cost-effective and do not provide sufficient chemical and mechanical resistance, limiting their durability and surface quality.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming molded elements from polymer concrete with photoluminescent particles exclusively in the base layer, surrounded by a surface layer with high mechanical and chemical resistance, allowing for efficient use of photoluminescent particles and optional additional particles for optical effects, and assembling these elements into composite panels with variable patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If photoluminescent particles are admixed in the entire shaped element, then photoluminescent properties are achieved, but production costs increase and particle usage is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotoluminescent propertiesVSAvoidproduction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating photoluminescent particles exclusively in the base layer rather than distributing them throughout the entire shaped element. The base layer has thickness d3 and contains the photoluminescent particles, while the surface layer has thickness d2 and remains free of these particles. This localized placement ensures photoluminescent properties are achieved in the visible area while significantly reducing the total amount of expensive photoluminescent particles required, thereby lowering production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a surface layer with high mechanical and chemical resistance is applied, then durability and surface quality are improved, but production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical and mechanical resistanceVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the shaped element into two distinct functional layers: a surface layer (thickness d2) providing high mechanical and chemical resistance, and a base layer (thickness d3) containing photoluminescent particles. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function and applied in separate sequential steps, making the production process manageable and systematic rather than overly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by first applying the surface layer with high mechanical and chemical resistance before applying the base layer containing photoluminescent particles. This sequential approach ensures that the protective surface layer is established first, creating a stable foundation, and then the photoluminescent base layer is applied on top. This preliminary arrangement simplifies the overall production process by breaking it into logical, sequential steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If photoluminescent particles are placed only in visible areas, then production costs are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costsVSAvoidparticle placement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by confining photoluminescent particles to the base layer which has a defined thickness d3, ensuring they are positioned only in visible areas where they serve their photoluminescent function. This localized placement in the base layer, beneath the surface layer, automatically achieves cost reduction while the layered structure provides a natural framework that guides particle placement without requiring excessive manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach reduces production costs, enhances the durability and surface quality of molded elements with photoluminescent properties, and allows for versatile and cost-effective production of elements with improved chemical and mechanical resistance.

Implementation Method 1

Methode zur Herstellung von Formkörpern mit photolumineszierenden Partikeln... Formkörper (1), die aus Polymerbeton gebildet werden, in deren Basis-Schicht (3), welche von einer Oberflächen-Schicht (2) bedeckt und geschützt ist, photolumineszierende Partikel... eingeführt werden

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2652081B1Method for producing molded elements comprising photoluminescent and/or night luminous particles, a molded element and composite plate made of a plurality of molded elements
Publication Date: 2014.12.17 POLYCARE RES TECH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2652081B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing molded elements (1) comprising photoluminescent and/or night luminous particles (6). According to the invention, the molded elements (1) are formed of polymer concrete, in the base layer (3) of which photoluminescent and/or night luminous particles (6) and/or further particles (7) are introduced, the base layer being covered and protected by a surface layer (2). The invention further relates to a molded element (1) comprising photoluminescent and/or night luminous particles (6) and an assembly comprising a plurality of molded elements (1).