Embedded Area Light Multilayer Structure for Concealed Uniform Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multilayer structures with integrated illumination features face challenges such as increased weight, size, power consumption, design complexity, and visibility of light sources, which compromise the aesthetic and functional integrity of electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer assembly is designed with area light sources positioned opposite to a masking layer, utilizing printed electronics and lightguides to ensure no direct line-of-sight path to the light sources, providing uniform and diffuse lighting through windows while concealing the sources from view, and incorporating reflective and diffusive elements for optimal light propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light sources are integrated into multilayer structures for illumination, then illumination capability is achieved, but weight and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination capabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light source, lightguide, and masking layer into a single integrated multilayer structure. The light source is embedded within the lightguide layer, which is itself integrated with the masking layer, eliminating the need for separate illumination components and reducing overall weight and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light source is positioned within cavities or recesses of the lightguide layer, creating a nested configuration where one component is embedded within another. This nesting approach minimizes the space required for the illumination system, thereby reducing the overall size and weight of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Illumination intensity

If light sources are integrated into multilayer structures, then illumination capability is achieved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a conventional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional multilayer configuration. The light source is positioned at a depth within the lightguide layer, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve compact integration while maintaining effective illumination area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Illumination intensity

If light sources are integrated into multilayer structures, then illumination capability is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lightguide layer acts as an intermediary that efficiently transports light from the light source to the masking layer with minimal losses. The optimized optical path and refractive index matching reduce energy waste through internal reflections and absorption, thereby lowering power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes optical parameters such as refractive indices, layer thicknesses, and material compositions to maximize light transmission efficiency. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves higher illumination output for the same power input, effectively reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Illumination intensity

If light sources are integrated into multilayer structures, then illumination capability is achieved, but design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination capabilityVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The masking layer serves multiple functions: it provides the visible surface pattern, controls light transmission, and conceals the light source. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall design despite the integrated nature of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the light source on the visible surface and using separate elements to control and conceal it, the patent inverts the approach by embedding the light source within the structure and using the masking layer to both reveal the desired pattern and conceal the source simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

5Illumination intensity

If light sources are integrated into multilayer structures, then illumination capability is achieved, but light sources become visible which compromises aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The masking layer serves as an intermediary between the light source and the external environment. It selectively transmits light to create the desired visual pattern while concealing the actual light source, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance while achieving effective illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The masking layer can incorporate color patterns or optical properties that transform the appearance of the transmitted light. This allows the light source to be concealed while the masking layer displays the desired aesthetic pattern, effectively hiding the source while maintaining visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color 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

The solution results in a lightweight, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing illumination system that maintains device functionality with uniform lighting and minimal visibility of light sources, reducing manufacturing complexity and overall size.

Implementation Method 1

a lightguide layer (204) of optically transmissive material configured to transmit light incoupled from the embedded light sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a masking layer (106) provided on the lightguide layer (204), the masking layer (106) comprising a window (116)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission through selective opacity: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentEP3443260B1Illuminated multilayer structure with embedded area light source

Publication Date: 2025.10.08 TACTOTEK

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AI summary

Multilayer assembly (100, 200, 300) for an electronic device comprises a substrate film (202) configured to accommodate electronics (210, 212, 214) on at least first side thereof, said film having the first side and a second side, at least one area light source (215) on the first side of the substrate film (202) and configured to emit light of predetermined frequency or frequency band, a molded lightguide layer (204) provided onto the first side of the substrate film (202) and at least partially embedding the light source (214), the lightguide layer (204) being of optically at least translucent material, wherein the plastic lightguide layer (204) is configured to transmit light emitted by the embedded light source (215) so that the transmitted light propagates within the lightguide layer (204) and is outcoupled therefrom via an outer surface thereof substantially opposite to the embedded light source, and a masking layer (106) provided on the outer surface of the plastic lightguide layer (204), containing substantially opaque material to block external view of at least some internals of the multilayer structure, wherein the masking layer (106) defines a window (116, 116A, 116B) for letting the light emitted by the embedded light source (215) and propagated within the plastic lightguide layer to pass through the masking layer (106) towards the environment. A method of manufacture the assembly is presented.