Dual-Surface OLED Lighting Module for Compact Vehicle Interiors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interior lighting devices in vehicles require a large space and are limited to single functions, leading to clutter and inefficiency, as they are not designed to perform multiple lighting functions within a small footprint.

Innovation Solution

A compact interior lighting device featuring a thin, transparent or translucent light source module that can cooperate with reflectors to create separate light sources for different functions, including a pivotable design with fixing means for versatile mounting and dual-use functionality, utilizing organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and a light guide with reflective surfaces to enhance light intensity and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional incandescent bulbs with optical assemblies are used, then lighting function is achieved, but device size becomes large and space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lighting functions (reading light, vanity mirror illumination, ambient lighting) into a single integrated device. The light source module with dual emitting surfaces works together with reflectors and mirrors to provide multiple functions from one compact unit, resolving the contradiction between achieving comprehensive lighting function and minimizing device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a thin light source module with transparent or translucent properties that can be integrated into compact forms. The use of thin-film OLED technology enables the creation of a compact lighting device that maintains illumination function while dramatically reducing volume compared to traditional bulb-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Device complexity

If single-function lighting devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but multiple lighting functions cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidmultiple lighting functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal lighting device that can perform multiple functions: reading light through one emitting surface, vanity mirror illumination through the other surface with integrated mirror, and ambient lighting. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as all functions share common components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device segments different lighting functions into separate emitting surfaces and optical paths. The light source module has first and second emitting surfaces that can be independently controlled, allowing each function to operate autonomously while sharing the same power source and control system, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple separate lighting devices are used for different functions, then each function is optimized, but device clutter increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction optimizationVSAvoiddevice clutter
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate lighting devices into one integrated unit. The dual-surface light source module combined with reflectors and mirrors provides reading light, vanity illumination, and ambient lighting in a single device, eliminating clutter while maintaining function optimization through dedicated optical paths for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Illumination intensity

If conventional bulb-based lighting is used, then lighting function is achieved, but space utilization in vehicle is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs thin-film OLED light sources that can be mounted in compact configurations within vehicle interiors. The transparent or translucent nature of the light source module allows for flexible integration into various surfaces (ceilings, panels, mirrors) without requiring dedicated bulky housing, thus achieving efficient space utilization while maintaining illumination function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 allows for multiple lighting functions within a minimal space, enhancing light intensity and versatility, making it suitable for various vehicle applications while reducing bulk and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

the light source module is an organic light emitting diode

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

Implementation Method 2

at least one organic layer emitting light when it is subjected to an electric voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 3

at least some rays originating from this first emitting face pass through the light source module in the direction of the second face opposite it, after reflection on said first reflecting surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2712765B1Lighting device with a light-source module having two emitting surfaces
Publication Date: 2015.12.23 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2712765B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2712765B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2712765B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a light source module (3) including a light transmitting face (15) and another light transmitting face (16). A light reflector (14) includes a light reflecting surface placed to face a portion of the former light transmitting face, so as to cover the portion of the former light transmitting face, where the dimensions of the light reflecting surface are smaller than the dimensions of the former light transmitting face. The light source module includes light sources e.g. organic LEDs, and a light guide surface co-operating with the light sources.