Structured Adhesive Layer for Uniform Pictogram Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety and escape sign lights with flat designs face challenges in achieving uniform illumination of pictograms due to unbalanced light distribution, often requiring additional structures and frames for proper alignment, which complicates the design and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A structured adhesive layer with amplitude or frequency-modeled grids is applied to the light exit surface or the back of the pictogram, controlling light distribution to ensure uniform illumination, and LEDs can be integrated as a self-adhesive strip, eliminating the need for a frame and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flat design lamp with LEDs and light guide plate is used, then the lamp structure is simplified and can be mounted in different ways, but the light distribution becomes unbalanced with the pictogram being better illuminated in an area closer to the LEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a structured adhesive layer with varying dot densities to different regions of the light guide plate. The adhesive dots are arranged in amplitude-modeled or frequency-modeled grids where the dot density corresponds to the local illumination requirements - higher density in areas needing more light diffusion and lower density in areas already well-illuminated. This creates local optical properties that compensate for the inherent non-uniform LED light distribution, achieving uniform overall illumination of the pictogram.
2Illumination intensity
If additional structures or imprinted structures are applied to the light exit surface to improve uniform illumination, then the illumination uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and additional components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adhesive layer (used for mounting the pictogram) with the light distribution control function. The structured adhesive layer serves dual purposes: it provides mechanical adhesion to hold the pictogram in place and simultaneously acts as an optical element to control light extraction and distribution. This eliminates the need for separate light-distributing structures or imprinted patterns on the light guide plate, simplifying manufacturing while achieving uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical bonding of the pictogram to the light guide plate, control of light extraction from the light guide, and distribution of light across the exit surface. By making the adhesive layer multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired optical performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a light frame is added to hold various parts in proper alignment, then the alignment is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the light frame component from the traditional lamp design. Instead of using a separate frame to hold the light guide plate and pictogram in alignment, the invention relies on the structured adhesive layer to provide both adhesion and alignment. The adhesive dots are positioned in specific patterns that naturally align the pictogram with the light guide plate features, removing the need for additional mechanical support structures.
4Illumination intensity
If a structured adhesive layer with amplitude-modeled grid is applied, then uniform light density is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs amplitude-modeled or frequency-modeled grids in the adhesive layer structure. These grid patterns are designed with specific mathematical properties that allow for controlled light diffusion. The amplitude modeling varies the dot size or density according to a gradient function, while frequency modeling uses periodic patterns with specific spatial frequencies. These parameterized designs enable uniform light distribution while being manufacturable using standard screen printing or adhesive application techniques, balancing optical performance with manufacturing feasibility.
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 uniform light density and distribution across the pictogram, enhancing visibility while reducing the complexity and cost of the lighting system by eliminating the need for additional frames and alignment devices.
Implementation Method 1
A structured adhesive layer with amplitude or frequency-modeled grids is applied to the light exit surface or the back of the pictogram, controlling light distribution to ensure uniform illumination
Implementation Method 2
The structured adhesive layer achieves a uniform light density and light distribution with regard to the pictogram
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The luminaire (1) comprises a transparent light guide and distribution plate (2) whose light entry edge (3) is associated with the LEDs (4). The lateral light exit surface (5) of the light guide and distribution plate is associated with the icon (6). A patterned adhesive layer (7) is formed between the icon and the light exit surface, such that the adhesive layer faces the back side (8) of the icon. The adhesive layer is applied through stencil printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, or punching printing.