Automotive Light with OLED and LED Hybrid Lighting Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automotive rear lights are limited in producing diverse and elaborate light patterns and effects due to the inherent characteristics of punctiform LED diodes and the dimensions of supporting boards, which restrict their ability to meet aesthetic and distinguishability requirements, especially in low-light conditions.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates OLED-type planar light sources and LED-type concentrated light sources, with a light-guide rod interposed between them, allowing for the distribution and collimation of light to create new and elaborate patterns, while maintaining the LED diodes at a safe distance to prevent heat-induced damage to OLED diodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If punctiform LED diodes are used as light sources, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the ability to produce diverse and elaborate light patterns is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to produce diverse light patternsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light source into two distinct segments: punctiform LED diodes for structural simplicity and reliability, and planar OLED diodes for light pattern versatility. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges LED and OLED technologies in a single lighting assembly, combining the advantages of both: LED's longevity and structural simplicity with OLED's superior light distribution and pattern-forming capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Illumination intensity

If a large number of LED diodes are distributed to backlight homogeneously, then homogeneous light distribution is achieved, but the number of components and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of light distributionVSAvoidnumber of LED diodes required
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces planar OLED diodes as an intermediary between the punctiform LED light source and the transparent portion. The OLED acts as a light diffusing medium that transforms the concentrated LED light into homogeneous illumination across the entire transparent area, eliminating the need for multiple LED diodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical arrangement of multiple LED diodes with an optical solution using planar OLED diodes. Instead of physically distributing many light sources, the system uses the OLED's inherent light-diffusing properties to achieve homogeneous illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If LED diodes are positioned close to the transparent portion for efficient backlighting, then light efficiency is improved, but heat-induced damage to OLED diodes occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting efficiencyVSAvoidheat damage to OLED diodes
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the punctiform LED diode in a different spatial dimension (behind the OLED) rather than directly adjacent to the transparent portion. This dimensional repositioning allows the LED to illuminate the OLED efficiently while maintaining sufficient distance to avoid thermal damage to the OLED diodes.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If the supporting board dimensions are increased to accommodate more LED diodes, then light pattern versatility is improved, but the overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight pattern varietyVSAvoidsupporting board area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light source geometry from punctiform (LED) to planar (OLED). This parameter change enables the OLED to cover larger areas and create diverse light patterns without requiring a proportionally larger supporting board, as the planar structure inherently provides better light distribution.

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

This configuration enables the creation of unique and sophisticated light patterns and effects, enhances distinguishability in low-light conditions, and simplifies assembly by integrating the light-guide rod with the supporting member, while ensuring the operational safety of OLED diodes.

Implementation Method 1

a light-guide rod or finger (10) made of photoconductive material, which is interposed between the concentrated light source (9) and the planar light source (8) and is structured to receive/collect the light emitted by the concentrated light source (9) and then to channel/convey said light towards the rear face of the planar light source (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guidance: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

an OLED-type (acronym of Organic Light-Emitting Diode) planar light source (8), which is capable to emit light in a distributed way from its own front face

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOrganic light-emitting diode emission: Organic Light-emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

a LED-type (acronym of Light-Emitting Diode) concentrated light source (9), which is arranged spaced apart behind the planar light source (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3009300B1Automotive light
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 MARELLI AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING ITAL SPA
  • EP3009300B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3009300B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3009300B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An automotive light (1) comprising: a rear body (2); a front lenticular half-shell (3), which is set to close the mouth of the rear body (2) and is provided with at least one transparent or semi-transparent portion; and at least one lighting assembly (4, 5), which emits light upon command and is located within the rear body (2) so as to backlight the transparent or semi-transparent portion of the front lenticular half-shell (3); said at least one lighting assembly (4, 5) comprising in turn: a planar OLED light source (8, 28), which is able to emit light from its own front face and is located within the rear body (2) with the front face facing the inner surface of the front lenticular half-shell (3) so as to direct the light produced towards the front lenticular half-shell (3); a concentrated LED light source (9, 29), which is set behind the planar light source (8, 28) at a distance therefrom; and a light-guide rod (10, 30) made of photoconductive material, which is set between the concentrated light source (9, 29) and the planar light source (8, 28) and is structured so as to receive the light emitted by said concentrated light source (9, 29) and then convey said light towards the rear face of the planar light source (8, 28).