Prism Skylight Dome Cylindrical Ring Light Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skylight systems fail to optimize light transmission and uniformity throughout the day without complicating the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A skylight assembly with a cylindrical portion and a dome portion featuring integrally formed prism elements, including a cylindrical prism ring that circumscribes an axial segment, enhances light throughput by refracting light without increasing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If prisms are used on the cover to increase light throughput and equalize light throughput throughout the day, then light transmission is optimized, but the configuration of the prisms complicates manufacture of the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into distinct functional segments: a cylindrical portion and a dome portion, each with specific prism configurations. The cylindrical portion contains prism elements arranged to capture light at certain angles, while the dome portion contains different prism elements for capturing light at other angles. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for specific light transmission functions while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cover are assigned different optical properties and prism configurations tailored to their specific functions. The cylindrical portion has prisms oriented to capture low-angle light, while the dome portion has prisms oriented for high-angle light capture. This local differentiation optimizes light throughput across varying solar altitudes without requiring complex prisms throughout the entire cover structure.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple prism elements with different angles are used to manage solar altitude, then uniform illumination throughout the day is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prism elements are segmented into two distinct groups located in different portions of the cover: the cylindrical portion and the dome portion. Each group has prisms with specific angular configurations suited for capturing light at particular solar altitudes. This segmentation achieves uniform illumination throughout the day by addressing different solar positions with appropriately configured prism segments, while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from considering only the angular configuration of prisms to incorporating the spatial dimension by distributing different prism configurations across different portions of the cover (cylindrical vs. dome). This dimensional approach allows the system to handle varying solar altitudes by directing light from different angles into the shaft, achieving uniform illumination without requiring excessively complex prism geometries.
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 high light transmission and uniform illumination throughout the day with reduced manufacturing complexity, using a combination of prism angles and materials to manage solar altitude and prevent overheating.
Implementation Method 1
prism elements... configured to refract light
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a sunlight collection system has an upper portion with prismatic elements and a lower cylindrical portion extending from the periphery of the upper portion down to terminate in an open lower end through which light can pass. In certain embodiments, a prism ring is positioned within the cylindrical portion and is configured to refract sunlight entering the sunlight collection system.