Shaped Resin Sheet Projections for Seasonal Sunlight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-modulating members for windows struggle to effectively control sunlight incidence, allowing it into rooms in winter while blocking it in summer, and are not easily usable as window members.
Innovation Solution
A light-modulating member comprising one or more shaped resin sheets with projections on one surface, where the projections have a height of 1 µm to 1 cm and a pitch interval of 10 µm to 10 cm, made from thermoplastic resins like acrylics, which are easily produced using methods like melt extrusion molding, press molding, or injection molding, and arranged with an air layer to control sunlight incidence based on seasonal angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a light-modulating member uses a simple flat structure, then it is easy to manufacture and install, but it cannot effectively control sunlight incidence based on seasonal angles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses curved or inclined projections on the resin sheet surface instead of flat structures. These projections have specific curvature radii and inclination angles that enable seasonal sunlight control while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the surface geometry parameters of the resin sheet by adding projections with specific heights, pitch intervals, curvature radii, and inclination angles. These parameter modifications enable the sheet to selectively control sunlight incidence based on seasonal solar angles while remaining manufacturable.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a light-modulating member uses complex shaped structures to control sunlight, then it can effectively restrain sunlight in summer, but it increases manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes specific geometric parameters (projection height: 1μm-1cm, pitch interval: 10μm-10cm, curvature radius: 1μm-10mm, inclination angle: 10°-45°) to achieve effective sunlight control without excessive structural complexity. These parameter ranges balance performance with manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved projection surfaces provide effective sunlight control through geometric orientation rather than complex multi-component structures. The curvature enables seasonal angle differentiation while maintaining a relatively simple single-sheet construction.
3Loss of energy
If a light-modulating member uses inclined air layers to control sunlight, then it can reduce energy consumption, but it is difficult to integrate as a window member
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the light-modulating function with the window pane structure itself by forming projections directly on the resin sheet. This integration eliminates the need for separate inclined air layer components while achieving similar energy-saving performance and improving window application compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the window pane into functional zones using projections with different inclination angles and curvature radii. This segmentation enables directional sunlight control for energy savings while maintaining the overall window structure's integrity and versatility.
4Measurement precision
If a light-modulating member uses small projection intervals, then it can precisely control light angles, but it increases material usage and production difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the pitch interval parameter within a specific range (10μm-10cm) to achieve sufficient light angle control precision without excessive material usage. This parameter optimization balances control precision with manufacturing efficiency and material economy.
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 effectively restrains sunlight in summer and allows it in winter, enhancing energy efficiency by reducing air conditioning use and maintaining transparency and ease of production for window applications.
Implementation Method 1
a light-modulating member having one or plural shaped resin sheets 1 having projections on one surface
Implementation Method 2
the projection has a height of from 1 μm or more through 1 cm or less and a pitch interval of from 10 μm or more through 10 cm or less
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a light-modulating member which restrains incidence of sunlight into a room in summer and does not restrain incidence of sunlight into a room in winter, and is also easily used as a member for window. The present invention relates to a light-modulating member produced by arranging one or a plurality of shaped resin sheets having projections on one surface, wherein the projection has a height of 1 µm or more and 1 cm or less and a pitch interval of 10 µm or more and 10 cm or less.