Automotive Lighting Unit Using Square Mini-LED Matrix Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rectangular and elongated geometric shape of mini-LED matrix display modules limits the development of complex lighting surface shapes, posing a challenge for lamp designers.
Innovation Solution
The use of mini-LED matrix display modules with a less rectangular and more square geometric shape, allowing for the composition of complex shapes while maintaining compatibility with existing electronic hardware architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elongated rectangular mini-LED matrix display modules are used, then the current electronic hardware architecture and control driver systems remain compatible, but the ability to create complex lighting surface shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting surface into multiple modular mini-LED matrix display modules that can be independently configured. Each module maintains the standard elongated rectangular geometry compatible with existing drivers, while the collection of modules can be arranged in various patterns to form complex lighting surfaces, effectively segmenting the overall design into manageable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using single elongated rectangular modules to arranging multiple such modules in two-dimensional arrays. By stacking and configuring modules in different spatial arrangements (e.g., 2x2 grids, 1x4 strips), the system creates versatility in lighting surface shapes without changing the fundamental geometry of individual modules or requiring new driver architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If square-shaped mini-LED matrix display modules are used, then complex lighting surface shapes can be created more easily, but existing control driver systems for rectangular modules cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the elongated rectangular mini-LED matrix display modules universal by designing them to serve multiple configuration purposes. These standard modules can be used individually or combined in arrays to create various lighting surface geometries, including square-like configurations, while all modules remain compatible with the same control driver system, eliminating the need for specialized square modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple elongated rectangular mini-LED matrix display modules into larger composite structures. By combining standard modules in specific arrangements, the system achieves the visual effect of square-shaped modules while maintaining compatibility with existing rectangular module drivers, thus creating versatility without requiring new hardware architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new control driver systems are designed for square-shaped modules, then square modules can be controlled effectively, but design and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters and control sequences rather than changing the hardware architecture. Existing control drivers are programmed to handle different module configurations by adjusting scan patterns, data transmission sequences, and activation timing. This allows square-like arrangements of rectangular modules to be controlled using the same driver hardware, merely with modified control parameters and software firmware.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automotive lighting unit (1) comprising an electronic mini-LED lighting device (4) provided with a mini-LED display module comprising a first mini-LED matrix and a second mini-LED matrix, wherein the mini-LEDs of each row of the first matrix are electrically connected to the mini-LEDs of a respective row of the second matrix so as to form a common mini-LED scan line therewith, and the mini-LEDs of each column of the first matrix are arranged aligned with the mini-LEDs of a respective column of the second matrix so as to form a column of mini-LEDs of said mini-LED display module. A mini-LED driver sequentially activates the common scan lines, one after the other, so as to simultaneously activate in pairs one row of mini-LEDs of the first matrix and one row of mini-LEDs of the second matrix, and selectively activates the columns of the first matrix and the columns of the second matrix based on the mini-LEDs to be activated along the rows of mini-LEDs of the first matrix and second matrix activated by said common scan line.