Transparent Light Guide Plate With Internal Extraction Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transparent glass articles, such as windows and sunroofs, lack effective illumination systems that can distribute light evenly and maintain transparency, especially when used in applications with low index of refraction differences between the light guide layer and adjacent layers, leading to unsatisfactory light distribution and sensitivity to surface contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A transparent illumination system incorporating a light diffusing, light guide layer with a strengthened structural glass layer and a light source optically coupled to the minor edge surface, featuring an optical element to increase angular emission of light and light extraction features embedded within the glass material to direct light out of the plate, while minimizing the impact of surface contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light guide layer with low index of refraction difference is used to maintain transparency, then transparency is improved, but light distribution becomes unsatisfactory and the system becomes sensitive to surface contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating light extraction features at specific locations within the light guide layer. These features are strategically positioned to extract light where needed while maintaining transparency in other areas. The features have varying sizes, shapes, and distributions to optimize light extraction locally without compromising overall transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer or coating on the surface of the light guide layer to reduce sensitivity to contaminants. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator between the light guide layer and the external environment, maintaining optical performance even when surface contaminants are present.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple high-brightness light sources are used to achieve even light distribution, then illumination performance is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light extraction function into multiple distributed features throughout the light guide layer. Instead of using multiple light sources, a single light source is used with light extraction features that segment and redistribute the light evenly across the transparent surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The light extraction features act as intermediary elements between the single light source and the transparent surface. These features receive light from the source and redistribute it evenly across the surface, eliminating the need for multiple light sources while achieving uniform illumination.
3Illumination intensity
If light extraction features are added to improve light distribution, then illumination performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes parameters such as the size, shape, depth, and distribution of light extraction features to achieve effective light extraction with relaxed manufacturing tolerances. By carefully selecting and optimizing these parameters, the system achieves good light distribution without requiring extremely precise manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The light extraction features have varying local properties (different sizes, shapes, and densities) optimized for their specific positions within the light guide layer. This local optimization allows effective light extraction with manufacturing processes that can accommodate reasonable variations in feature dimensions.
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 system achieves improved light distribution and resistance to surface contaminants, allowing for high-temperature operation and harsh environmental conditions, with a reduced number of high-brightness light sources and enhanced illumination performance.
Implementation Method 1
Light from the light source is transmitted across the light guide layer via total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
the light extraction features are configured to direct light out of the light guide layer and through the first major surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A transparent illumination system (110) and related light guide plate (24) is provided. The system is configured to facilitate total internal reflection propagation of light through the light guide plate (24) despite low index of refraction differences between the glass material of the light guide layer (24) and the adjacent layer. The system includes a light source (114), such as a laser diode, and an optical element (116) to fan out light from the light source (114) in the plane of the light guide plate (24). The light guide plate (24) includes internal light extraction features (70).