Skylight Dome Curved Prismatic Ridges Light Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skylight domes are inefficient in directing incident light from various sun angles due to their simple, constant wall thickness and suboptimal prismatic or refractive surface arrangements, leading to reflection or non-optimal refraction of sunlight away from the dome's axis.
Innovation Solution
A skylight dome with internal surfaces featuring prismatic structures formed as adjoining facets of curved ridges, extending between meridians, where the ridges are arranged in bands and designed to refract light optimally across different sun angles by varying facet angles and widths from the dome's apex to its periphery, enhancing light capture efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple dome with constant wall thickness is used, then the dome structure is simple to manufacture, but it has little effect on directing incident light and results in poor light transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The dome transitions from uniform thickness to variable thickness with localized prismatic structures. The internal surface features prismatic elements with varying angles and dimensions at different locations, allowing each region to optimize light direction for specific incident angles while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The dome incorporates curved prismatic ridges that follow the spherical geometry of the dome surface. These curved prismatic structures maintain compatibility with the dome's overall curved shape while introducing light-directing functionality through their geometric configuration
2Productivity
If prismatic structures are added to direct light, then light transmission efficiency improves, but the dome structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The prismatic light-directing structures are segmented into discrete ridges distributed across the dome surface. Each ridge acts as an independent light-directing element, allowing the complex function to be achieved through multiple simple, repeatable units rather than a single complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The prismatic ridges are curved to follow the dome's spherical geometry, allowing them to integrate seamlessly with the dome's overall shape. This curvature approach maintains aesthetic simplicity and structural coherence while introducing the necessary light-directing complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If prismatic structures are optimized for a specific sun angle (e.g., 40 degrees latitude), then light transmission is optimized for that location, but the structure is not optimal for other sun angles or latitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The prismatic ridge parameters (angle, width, spacing) are systematically varied across the dome surface rather than maintaining uniform dimensions. This gradient in parameters allows the structure to adapt to a range of incident light angles, improving performance across different latitudes and times of day
Solution Approach 2:
The prismatic ridge structure is designed to perform multiple functions: directing high-angle sunlight, low-angle sunlight, and intermediate angles all toward the light tube. The varied prismatic geometry provides universal light-directing capability for different solar positions and geographic locations
4Productivity
If refracting elements are arranged as continuous circles parallel to the dome periphery, then light gathering ability improves, but sunlight striking the dome away from optimal regions is reflected or not optimally refracted
Solution Approach 1:
The prismatic structures use curved ridges that follow the dome's spherical geometry rather than flat or circular patterns. This curvature allows the prismatic elements to effectively intercept and redirect light from a broader range of incident angles, including oblique rays that would miss straight ridges
Solution Approach 2:
The prismatic ridges exhibit asymmetric geometry with varying angles and dimensions along their length and across different locations on the dome. This asymmetry allows optimization for multiple sun positions and angles, improving performance for both direct and oblique sunlight incidence
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 configuration optimizes refractive efficiency, capturing a significant portion of incident light regardless of sun angle, reducing light reflection and improving overall light transmission into the building.
Implementation Method 1
prismatic structures arranged so as to direct incident light from without said dome to points below a lower periphery of said dome; at least one of said adjoining facets of each of said curved ridges is a refracting facet
Implementation Method 2
a reflective cylindrical light tube extending from below said lower periphery of said dome
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A dome for a skylight which is formed of light transmitting material. The dome has at least an internal surface with prismatic structures. The prismatic structures are arranged so as to direct incident light from without said dome to points below a lower periphery of said dome. The prismatic structures are formed as adjoining facets of a plurality of curved ridges. Each of said curved ridges extending from a first upper end to a second lower end.