Prism Plate Varying Flank Angles Glare Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lamp covers fail to effectively manage glare and achieve uniform light distribution, especially when light is not evenly coupled across their surface, which can lead to uneven lighting and glare issues.
Innovation Solution
A transparent cover with a surface structure formed by elongated structural elements that have varying flank angles along their base lines, allowing for targeted light refraction and distribution. These elements can be designed as projections or recesses, and are preferably made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), with flank angles that increase or decrease monotonically or alternately to adjust light exit and suppress glare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a transparent cover uses a uniform surface structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the light distribution is non-uniform and glare control is poor when light is not coupled homogeneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the flank angles of structural elements at different locations on the transparent cover. Specifically, the flank angle is adapted according to the local light coupling conditions - areas with higher light intensity use smaller flank angles to reduce glare, while areas with lower light intensity use larger flank angles to enhance light distribution, achieving uniform overall illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying the flank angle parameter of the structural elements across the cover surface. The flank angle is changed as a continuous or discrete parameter depending on the light distribution requirements, allowing precise control of refraction angles to optimize both glare control and light uniformity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the flank angle is increased to control glare, then glare is reduced, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying different flank angles to different local areas. In regions where glare is the primary concern (typically areas with high light intensity), smaller flank angles are used to redirect light away from direct viewing angles. In regions where light distribution is insufficient, larger flank angles are used to enhance light scattering and improve uniformity
3Illumination intensity
If the surface structure is made complex to achieve uniform light distribution, then light distribution improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing complexity by using a single geometric parameter - the flank angle - that can be systematically varied across the surface. This approach is simpler than creating completely different structural element geometries, as it maintains the same basic structural element form while only modifying one parameter, making the structure easier to manufacture through techniques like injection molding with variable angle cores
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 solution provides improved glare control and uniform light distribution by refracting light into different spatial directions, ensuring a uniformly bright light exit even when light is not coupled homogeneously, and can be tailored to specific lighting configurations such as fluorescent tubes or LEDs.
Implementation Method 1
the light emerging from the cover is refracted in different spatial directions
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The transparent cover (100) has a base surface with a surface structure that is formed from structural elements (110,120-122). The structural elements of the base surface are arranged in vertical to the base surface. The base surface is provided with edge legs (150,150'). The angles of pressure in the structural elements are varied with respect to the base surface.