Segmented Scattering Enamel Layer for Glazed Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminous glazed units with scattering layers have a blurred appearance and low light transmission, with haze levels of 90 to 100% and light transmission less than 40%, which affects their clarity and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An enameled substrate with a scattering layer comprising a glassy matrix and microcrystals, featuring a discontinuous scattering pattern of micropads with specific dimensions and arrangements to enhance light transmission and reduce haze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional scattering layer is used to extract light from the glazed unit, then light extraction capability is achieved, but transparency in the 'off' state deteriorates and haze increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scattering layer is segmented into discrete micropads distributed across the glass surface rather than forming a continuous layer. This segmentation allows light to pass through the spaces between micropads, improving transparency in the off state while the micropads themselves maintain light extraction capability when illuminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The scattering layer exhibits local quality variations where micropads of different sizes and densities are distributed across the surface. Areas with higher micropad density provide stronger light extraction, while areas with lower density maintain better transparency, creating a balanced optical performance throughout the glazed unit.
2Illumination intensity
If a conventional scattering layer is used to extract light from the glazed unit, then light extraction capability is achieved, but haze level increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the scattering layer into discrete micropads, the continuous scattering path that causes high haze is broken. Light can pass through the inter-pad spaces with minimal scattering, reducing haze while the micropads themselves provide controlled light extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the scattering layer by controlling micropad size (0.1-1.0 mm), spacing, and density. These parameter adjustments optimize the balance between light extraction and haze reduction, achieving lower haze levels compared to conventional continuous scattering layers.
3Illumination intensity
If a continuous scattering enamel layer is applied to the glass surface, then light scattering is achieved, but light transmission decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous enamel layer is replaced with discrete micropads, creating a segmented scattering structure. This segmentation reduces the total amount of scattering material while maintaining effective light extraction, thereby improving light transmission through the glazed unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential light scattering function from the continuous enamel layer and concentrates it into discrete micropads. This extraction removes the unnecessary material between micropads that would otherwise block light transmission, achieving better optical performance.
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 achieves improved transparency in the 'off' state while maintaining light extraction capabilities, with light transmission increased to at least 70% and haze reduced to at most 30%, enhancing the clarity and functionality of the glazed units.
Implementation Method 1
a scattering layer made of scattering enamel comprising a glassy matrix including a vitreous binder... The scattering layer includes at least one first scattering pattern... the first scattering pattern including a set of separate micropads of said scattering enamel
Implementation Method 2
a scattering layer made of scattering enamel comprising a glassy matrix including a vitreous binder (preferably glass-crystalline binder in a vitreous binder with (micro)crystals, generated in situ during firing)
Data Source
AI summary
An enameled substrate includes a first glass sheet including, on a first main face, a scattering layer made of scattering enamel, including a vitreous matrix, the scattering layer including a first pattern having a width of at least 0.1 mm and a surface S0, the first pattern including a set of separate micropads of the scattering enamel, wherein, by defining within the first scattering pattern an analysis surface area S1 of less than S0, S1 being at least 50 μm by 50 μm and at most 100 μm by 600 μm, and a surface area S2 which is a sum of the surface areas of the micropads in the surface area S1, the first scattering pattern is defined by an equivalent mean diameter Am of the micropads of less than 10 μm and of at least 1 μm.