Processed Slab with Embedded Fiber Optic Cables for Light Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stone slabs with embedded optical elements pose challenges in light transmission and aesthetic integration, as existing methods often require external optical bundles and permanent grids, which complicate handling and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
The integration of fiber optic cables of equal length to the slab thickness within a particulate mineral mix, allowing light transmission through total internal reflection, and positioned in a predetermined array for aesthetic enhancement without external visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external optical bundles and permanent grids are used for light transmission, then light transmission function is achieved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical elements (fiber optic cables) directly into the slab structure during the molding process, merging the light transmission function with the slab itself. This eliminates the need for separate external optical bundles and permanent grids, resolving the contradiction between achieving light transmission and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are nested within the particulate mineral mix and embedded in the slab matrix. The fiber optic cables are positioned inside the slab thickness, with their ends visible at the surfaces but the bulk of the optical elements contained within the slab structure, similar to a nested doll configuration.
2Shape
If optical elements are embedded within the slab, then aesthetic integration is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements are positioned in a predetermined array within the mold before the particulate mineral mix is fully compacted. This preliminary positioning ensures proper aesthetic arrangement while allowing the embedding process to follow a standardized sequence, reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that optical elements have lengths approximately equal to the slab thickness, with controlled variations (within 15% of exactly equal). This parameter control ensures that optical elements are properly embedded without extending beyond surfaces, achieving aesthetic integration while maintaining manufacturability through defined tolerances.
3Illumination intensity
If optical elements extend beyond slab surfaces, then light transmission is enhanced, but handling and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements are positioned such that only their ends extend slightly beyond the slab surfaces, while the majority of the optical element length is contained within the slab. This local extension at specific locations (front and rear surfaces) provides light transmission functionality while minimizing the overall protrusion that would complicate handling and installation.
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
Facilitates light transmission between the front and rear surfaces of the stone slab, enhancing visual appeal while simplifying handling and installation by embedding optical elements within the slab, eliminating the need for external bundles and permanent grids.
Implementation Method 1
allowing light transmission through total internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes systems and process for forming processed slabs having embedded optical elements.