Conformable OLED Luminaire Curvature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for luminaire designs that effectively control light output, color uniformity, and color mixing using solid state light sources like LEDs and OLEDs, while also simplifying structures and reducing costs, particularly in applications where flexible and adaptable lighting solutions are required.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire design featuring flexible OLED panels with a conforming mechanism that allows for curvature adjustment, enabling light direction and color mixing by combining differently colored panels, and the use of a diffuser material to reduce visible differentiation and enhance light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid light source structures are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but the risk of cracking increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible OLED panels instead of rigid light sources, allowing the light-emitting surface to bend and conform to curved geometries without cracking. The thin-film construction of OLEDs inherently provides flexibility while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the brittleness associated with traditional rigid LED or fluorescent fixtures.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed geometry luminaires are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but light direction control and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable support members that enable the flexible panel to transition between different geometric configurations (convex, concave, or flat). This dynamic adjustability allows the luminaire to adapt its light direction and distribution patterns after installation, providing versatility without complicating the manufacturing process since the panel itself remains a simple flexible component.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminaire is divided into modular components: the flexible OLED panel, adjustable support members, and mounting structures. This segmentation allows the panel to be manufactured separately with simple geometry, then assembled and configured in various orientations using the adjustable supports, separating manufacturing simplicity from operational adaptability.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple differently colored panels are used for color mixing, then color control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple OLED panels with different color characteristics (e.g., warm white and cool white, or different chromaticities) into a single flexible panel assembly. By integrating these different colored regions directly onto the flexible substrate and using the panel's geometric configuration to control light mixing, the system achieves color control without requiring separate rigid fixtures or complex optical components for each color zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible panel allows multiple colored OLED regions to be integrated in close proximity with precise spatial arrangement. The flexibility enables these different colored regions to be positioned and oriented optimally for color mixing without the constraints of rigid mounting structures, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining color control capability.
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 design achieves precise control over light direction and color mixing, allowing for both concentrated and diffused light output, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the risk of cracking through thin, flexible panel construction, thus addressing the challenges of light control and cost in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The panel includes a first portion that emits a first color light and a second portion that emits a second color light
Implementation Method 2
By conforming the panel, the first color light and the second color light can be mixed in a targeted area
Implementation Method 3
a flexible surface light source... conforming mechanism that allows for curvature adjustment
Implementation Method 4
the use of a diffuser material to reduce visible differentiation and enhance light distribution
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A luminaire, such as a lamp assembly or a floor lamp, umbrella, or planar or sheet-like like light emitting surface includes a conforming mechanism for selectively curving the light emitting surface. A convex profile will diffuse light while a concave profile will concentrate light, it being intended that the surface can be conformable up to a five inch (5") radius of curvature in either direction. The light panel portions may be of the same color, or may be different colors that will result in different mixing of the light when made from different colors.