Compact Light-Emitting Device With Folded Reflective Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting devices are large due to the offset arrangement of reflective surfaces, which increases the device's size and complexity, making them less efficient in terms of size reduction and interference minimization.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device with a base portion and reflective members, including first, second, and third reflective surfaces, that reflect light emitted by light-emitting elements in a manner that reduces the device's size by aligning reflective surfaces to minimize overlap and optimize light path alignment, allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If mirrors are disposed offset from one another to prevent interference between laser beams, then interference is minimized, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reflective surfaces (first, second, and third reflective surfaces) into a single integrated reflective member structure. This merging allows the light paths to be folded back on themselves, enabling multiple beams to coexist in a compact space without requiring offset arrangement, thus preventing interference while minimizing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by folding light paths through multiple reflections. The first light undergoes two reflections (first and second reflective surfaces) while the second light undergoes one reflection (third reflective surface), creating overlapping projections in the plan view but separated paths in 3D space. This dimensional approach allows compact integration without beam interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If reflective surfaces are arranged to prevent beam interference, then interference is avoided, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reflective surfaces are integrated into a single reflective member, simplifying the overall structure. Instead of requiring separate offset-mounted mirrors, the patent uses one consolidated component with multiple reflective surfaces, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining beam separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective member performs multiple functions simultaneously: the first reflective surface reflects light in the first direction, the second reflective surface reflects light in the second direction, and the third reflective surface reflects light in the third direction. This multi-functionality within a single component reduces structural complexity compared to multiple separate mirrors.
3Productivity
If multiple reflective surfaces are used to redirect light paths, then light emission efficiency is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent folds light paths through three-dimensional spatial arrangement using multiple reflections. The first light is reflected twice (first and second reflective surfaces) and the second light is reflected once (third reflective surface), creating efficient light redirection in a compact footprint by utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions rather than simple linear extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The light paths are nested within each other in the vertical dimension. The first light path undergoes multiple reflections within the structure, and the second light path is integrated alongside it, with both paths projecting to overlapping regions in plan view but maintaining separation in the third dimension, achieving compact nesting of optical paths.
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 enables a reduction in the size of the light-emitting device and module by optimizing the reflective surface arrangement, preventing interference and allowing for a more compact and efficient light emission path, thereby enhancing the device's performance and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more reflective members are disposed on the upper surface of the base portion and reflect upward the first light and the second light
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting device includes: a base portion; a first light-emitting element disposed on the base portion; a frame portion having inner lateral surfaces surrounding at least a portion of the base portion and extending upward further than the upper surface, wherein the frame portion includes: a first stepped portion extending partially along the one or more inner lateral surfaces in a first direction and having a width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in a top view, and a first metal film and a second metal film disposed on an upper surface of the first stepped portion, wherein the first metal film and the second metal film are separated from each other by a first boundary region that includes a portion that extends in the first direction; and a first protecting element disposed on the first and second metal films and spanning in the second direction.