Textile Anti-Glare Device with 3D Loop Structure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-glare devices are complex to produce, aesthetically unappealing, and do not efficiently reduce glare while maintaining light intensity, as they either rely on intricate grilles or materials that attenuate light in all directions.

Innovation Solution

An anti-glare device comprising a textile material with specific web and opening dimensions, attached to a frame, which effectively reduces lateral light radiation by creating a network structure that scatters light and maintains aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a grille with louvres and side walls is used to reduce lateral radiation, then glare protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare protectionVSAvoidgrille complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex rigid grille structure with a flexible textile material that has a three-dimensional loop pattern. This textile screen achieves the same glare protection function through its geometric structure rather than through complex mechanical components, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The textile material functions as a porous structure with interconnected loops and openings. This porous geometry allows light to pass through while the three-dimensional loop pattern scatters and blocks lateral radiation, achieving glare protection without requiring solid opaque materials or complex mechanical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a translucent material is stretched in front of a light source to shield it, then glare protection is improved, but light intensity in all directions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare protectionVSAvoidlight intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The textile screen has varying properties at different locations and orientations. The three-dimensional loops are arranged to provide different levels of light transmission and scattering in different directions, allowing optimal glare protection while maintaining high light intensity in the forward direction where illumination is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat screen to a three-dimensional loop structure. This additional dimension allows the material to scatter light laterally for glare protection while maintaining open pathways for forward light transmission, thereby protecting against glare without significantly reducing overall light intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a slat arrangement is used to prevent direct view of light sources, then glare protection is improved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare protectionVSAvoidaesthetic appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible textile material with its three-dimensional loop pattern creates a visually appealing fabric-like appearance rather than the harsh, industrial look of rigid slat arrangements. The textile can be manufactured in various colors and patterns, enhancing aesthetic appeal while maintaining glare protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple tubes are used in a slat arrangement, then glare protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single textile screen component. The three-dimensional loop pattern simultaneously provides glare protection, light diffusion, and structural support, eliminating the need for multiple separate tubes, slats, or mechanical components that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the anti-glare structure from rigid mechanical components to a flexible textile material with specific geometric parameters. This material can be manufactured using textile manufacturing processes which are generally more cost-effective and scalable than precision mechanical fabrication, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device provides efficient glare protection with a low Unified Glare Rating (UGR) value, ensuring the light source is perceived with reduced glare while maintaining optimal light intensity, suitable for both residential and office lighting environments.

Implementation Method 1

The textile material has numerous webs. Openings are located between the webs. The device effectively reduces lateral light radiation by creating a network structure that scatters light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3767164B1Anti-glare device
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 KONIG THOMAS
  • EP3767164B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3767164B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3767164B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a glare protection device (10), i.e., a device which can be placed in front of a light source (16) to reduce lateral emission and thus often glare from the light source (16). More precisely, it relates to a glare protection device (10) for use with a light source (16) which comprises a textile material (12) and a holder for the textile material (12), wherein the textile material (12) extends in a main plane (H) and the textile material (12) has a plurality of webs (32; 34) between which openings (36) are located, and wherein the webs (32; 34) have a height of at least 1 mm perpendicular to the main plane (H).