Prism Outer Wall Material for Automatic Seasonal Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outer wall materials require user operation to switch between retro-reflecting direct light in summer and using it for heating in winter, which is impractical due to obstacles like rain pipes, hindering efficient energy management.
Innovation Solution
An outer wall material comprising a transparent member with a prism portion and a reflection member that automatically switches between retro-reflecting direct light in summer and transmitting it for heating in winter by adjusting the angle of incidence and reflection, using a refractive index and triangular internal angle to control light path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user operation is required to switch between retro-reflection state and non-retro-reflection state, then the outer wall material can control light behavior, but the switching cannot be performed when obstacles like rain pipes prevent user access
Solution Approach 1:
The outer wall material automatically switches between retro-reflection and non-retro-reflection states based on the angle of incident light, eliminating the need for user operation. The prism portion's geometric structure inherently directs light based on its angle of incidence, allowing the system to adapt to different seasonal conditions (summer vs winter) without requiring manual intervention or user accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its optical parameters (retro-reflection vs transmission) based on the angle of incident light. The prism portion is designed with specific angular geometry that causes it to retro-reflect light when the sun is at high angles (summer) and transmit light when the sun is at low angles (winter), automatically adapting to seasonal variations without user intervention.
2Loss of energy
If the outer wall material retro-reflects direct light in summer, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the material cannot simultaneously allow light transmission for winter heating
Solution Approach 1:
The outer wall material dynamically changes its optical function based on the angle of incident light. The prism portion's fixed geometric structure creates different optical paths depending on the angle at which light strikes it, enabling automatic transition between retro-reflection mode (for summer cooling) and transmission mode (for winter heating) as the sun's angle changes throughout the year.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its optical parameters (reflectivity vs transparency) based on the angle of incident light. When the angle of incident light exceeds a predetermined threshold, the prism portion retro-reflects light to prevent heating. When the angle is below the threshold, it transmits light to enable heating, thus adapting to different seasonal energy needs.
3Device complexity
If the prism portion and heat absorbing components are exposed externally, then the structure is simpler, but the components are vulnerable to damage and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The prism portion and heat absorbing components are nested within the outer wall material structure itself. The transparent member containing the prism portion is integrated into the wall assembly, with the heat absorbing member positioned within the wall structure. This nested arrangement protects the optical components from external damage and environmental factors while maintaining the functional integrity of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent member acts as a protective shell or film that encloses the prism portion while allowing light to pass through. This transparent protective layer shields the optical components from environmental damage (rain, dust, physical impact) while maintaining optical functionality, effectively creating a protected internal space for the sensitive components.
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 automatic switching between summer retro-reflection and winter heating without user intervention, enhancing energy efficiency and durability by protecting the prism and heat absorbing components within an internal space.
Implementation Method 1
The prism portion causes the reflection member to collect light whose angle with respect to a normal line of the plate material is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle
Implementation Method 2
the reflection member is provided on a predetermined surface of the prism portion of the transparent member. The prism portion causes the reflection member to collect light
Implementation Method 3
the reflection member causes the collected light to be retro-reflected
Data Source
AI summary
An outer wall material includes a first transparent member integrally or separately including a transparent plate material and a prism portion; and a reflection member provided on a second side of the prism portion of the first transparent member. The prism portion causes the reflection member to collect light whose angle with respect to a normal line of the plate material is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle and to retro-reflect the collected light, and transmits light whose angle with respect to the normal line of the plate material is less than the predetermined angle.