Non-Uniform Switchable Shutter Filter for Welding Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing darkening filters for protective gear, such as welding shields, often limit visibility due to their inflexible uniform shutter patterns, which switch large areas to a dark state, compromising user visibility while providing light protection.
Innovation Solution
A non-uniform pattern of switchable shutters with varying sizes, shapes, and spacings, controlled by a shutter control system that uses light intensity mapping and eye position information to dynamically adjust states, allowing for flexible protection without unnecessary obstruction of the view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a uniform pattern of equidistantly arranged switchable shutters is used, then protection from high intensity light is provided, but visibility is unnecessarily limited due to large areas being switched to dark state
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple independently controllable switchable shutters arranged in a grid pattern, allowing selective activation of individual shutters or groups of shutters based on light intensity requirements in different regions
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter can have different shutter states (dark or light) simultaneously, with shutters in high light intensity regions switching to dark state while shutters in low light intensity regions remain in light state, providing localized protection without compromising overall visibility
2Illumination intensity
If a non-uniform pattern of switchable shutters is used, then visibility is improved by reducing unnecessary dark areas, but protection from light may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A light sensor array detects light intensity distribution across different regions of the filter, and a controller adjusts the state of individual shutters based on this feedback, dynamically optimizing the balance between protection and visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter pattern transitions from static uniform arrangement to dynamic non-uniform configuration, where shutters can independently switch between light and dark states in real-time based on varying light conditions and user needs
3Ease of manufacture
If regular arrays of equidistantly arranged shutters are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility in switching areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The filter comprises multiple independently controllable switchable shutters arranged in a grid pattern, allowing selective activation of individual shutters or groups of shutters based on light intensity requirements in different regions
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter pattern transitions from static uniform arrangement to dynamic non-uniform configuration, where shutters can independently switch between light and dark states in real-time based on varying light conditions and user needs
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 provides effective protection from high-intensity light while minimizing impact on visibility, enabling more accurate work and reduced switching times by selectively switching shutters based on light intensity and user gaze direction.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid-crystal molecules orientate themselves in a particular direction when a voltage is applied across the liquid-crystal cell under the control of an electronic module
Implementation Method 2
The photodetector recognizes the presence of the incident light-to-be-filtered, and an electronic module generates a control voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to darkening filters 10, 10′ which are suitable for selectively darkening an optically transmissive window 20 for protection from light, in particular from high intensity light. The darkening filter 10, 10′ is mounted in a forward-facing optically transmissive window 20 and comprises a non-uniform pattern 30 of switchable shutters 32 capable of being switching to at least a dark state and a light state by a shutter control system 40. The present disclosure also relates to a method of operating such darkening filters 10, 10′. The present disclosure furthermore relates to vision-protective headgears 100, 100′, welding shields 110 and panes 120 comprising the darkening filters 10, 10′ according to the present disclosure.