UV-Absorbing Window Coatings for Bird-Safe Invisible Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods to prevent bird collisions with windows, such as UV reflectance or absorption patterns, are not effective in being invisible to humans while visible to birds, and alternative methods like translucent or frosted elements compromise transparency.
Innovation Solution
Development of UV absorbing inks and films for glass that are visible to avian eyes but invisible to humans, using formulations with binders, carriers, UV/VIS absorbing and reflective components, and additives applied via methods like gravure or spray, creating patterns that alert birds to window hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If UV reflectance or absorption patterns are used to prevent bird collisions, then bird safety is improved, but the patterns are not effectively invisible to humans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the spectrum: the coating absorbs UV wavelengths (300-400nm) to create visible patterns for birds, while remaining transparent to human-visible wavelengths (400-700nm). This local differentiation in spectral response allows the same coating to serve dual purposes of bird protection and human invisibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the coating by selecting UV-absorbing compounds with specific absorption spectra that peak in the UV range but have minimal absorption in the visible range. This parameter selection ensures the coating appears invisible to humans while creating detectable patterns for UV-sensitive birds.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If translucent or frosted elements are applied to glass to create patterns, then bird visibility is improved, but glass transparency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical modification only to the UV spectrum portion of light, leaving the visible spectrum transmission unaffected. The coating creates local optical differences that are selectively perceived by birds (through UV absorption patterns) while maintaining uniform transparency for human observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical modifications to glass (such as frosting, etching, or applying translucent elements) with a molecular-level UV-absorbing coating. This substitution maintains the physical integrity and optical clarity of the glass for humans while creating the necessary visual patterns for bird safety through UV optical properties.
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 UV absorbing inks and films effectively deter birds from colliding with windows by providing visible cues in the UV range while maintaining transparency for humans, reducing bird fatalities.
Implementation Method 1
UV absorbing inks and films for glass that provide a pattern that is visible to avian eyes, but is invisible to a human from at least ten feet away
Implementation Method 2
The binder is an acrylic, a polyurethane, a polyester, a polyether, a silicone, a fluoropolymer, a polyisobutylene (PIB), an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), an ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), a natural rubber, and/or a synthetic rubber
Data Source
AI summary
Ultraviolet (UV) absorbing inks and films for surfaces such as glass and/or plastic are provided that include patterns visible to avian eyes, but invisible to a human at least ten feet away. Such invention is aimed at reducing the number of window strikes that result in bird deaths. A formulation may include a binder, a carrier. A formulation may include a base configured to dissolve and solubilize the binder such that it can be applied to the carrier. A formulation may include at least one of an ultraviolet (UV)/visible (VIS) absorbing (UAC) component and a UV/VIS reflective (URC) component.