Transparent Layered Element Screen Printed Diffuse Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard transparent glazing reflects light in a specular manner, causing sharp reflections that reduce visibility and pose safety risks, while translucent glazing does not provide clear vision, necessitating a solution for diffuse reflection without compromising transmission.
Innovation Solution
A transparent layered element with two outer dielectric layers of matching refractive index and a central layer of different refractive index or metallic material, where contact surfaces between layers are textured and parallel, achieved through a manufacturing process involving screen printing of the central layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If standard transparent glazing is used, then clear vision through the glazing is maintained, but sharp specular reflections are generated reducing visibility and causing glare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface properties to different parts of the glazing system. The outer surfaces remain smooth for clear transmission, while the inner surfaces (contact surfaces between layers) are textured to provide diffuse reflection. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve clear vision and reduce harmful reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite layered structure combining transparent dielectric materials with different refractive indices. The multiple layers with varying optical properties work together to manipulate light paths, enabling diffuse reflection at internal interfaces while maintaining clear transmission through the overall glazing system.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If translucent glazing is used, then sharp reflections are minimized, but clear vision through the glazing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent differentiates surface textures within the glazing structure. Only the internal contact surfaces between layers are textured to provide diffuse reflection, while the outer surfaces remain smooth to maintain clear transmission. This localized texturing avoids the need for overall translucency.
Solution Approach 2:
The glazing is divided into multiple functional layers with distinct surface properties. The segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions: some interfaces handle reflection while others handle transmission, enabling independent optimization of each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If magnetron cathode sputtering is used to deposit the central layer, then high optical properties are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs screen printing with a disposable silkscreen template instead of complex magnetron sputtering equipment. This approach uses simple, inexpensive materials and processes to achieve the required central layer deposition, dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adequate optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and electrical system of magnetron sputtering with a simpler mechanical screen printing process. This substitution eliminates the need for vacuum chambers, magnetic fields, and sophisticated deposition control systems.
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 maintains specular transmission while achieving diffuse reflection, reducing glare and improving visibility, with optical properties comparable to those achieved by magnetron sputtering, and is easier to implement than magnetron cathode sputtering.
Implementation Method 1
Reflection by glazing is said to be diffuse when radiation incident on the glazing at a given angle of incidence is reflected by the glazing in multiple directions
Implementation Method 2
Transmission through glazing is said to be specular when radiation incident on the glazing at a given angle of incidence is transmitted by the glazing at an angle of transmission equal to the angle of incidence
Implementation Method 3
a central layer interposed between the outer layers, this central layer being formed either by a single layer which is a dielectric layer with a refractive index different from that of the outer layers or a metallic layer
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a transparent layered element having a diffuse reflection property, characterized in that the central layer is deposited by screen printing.