Flexible OLED Connection Element for Vehicle Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The electrical connection in OLED-based illumination modules for motor vehicles is prone to rupture due to the mechanical properties of the materials and the stresses encountered during installation, such as vibrations and thermal changes, leading to reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
An OLED illumination module with an intermediate connection element made from flexible material, featuring a conducting connection portion and a damping portion, which is elastically deformable and provides a buffer effect to absorb stresses, ensuring reliable electrical contact between conductor terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid electrical connection is used in the OLED module, then the electrical connection strength is improved, but the module becomes susceptible to rupture under vibrations and thermal stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection element by using a flexible material instead of a rigid one. This flexible material can elastically deform under stress, allowing the connection to maintain electrical conductivity while accommodating vibrations and thermal expansions without rupturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible connection element made of elastomeric material that can bend and deform elastically. This flexible structure maintains electrical contact while absorbing mechanical stresses from vibrations and thermal cycles, preventing connection failure.
2Reliability
If a flexible connection element is used to absorb stresses, then the reliability under vibrations is improved, but the electrical conductivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite structures where conductive elements are integrated within or on the flexible material. This combination ensures that the flexible connection maintains both mechanical compliance for stress absorption and sufficient electrical conductivity for signal and power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible material acts as an intermediary between the rigid electrical contacts, providing a compliant interface that maintains electrical connectivity while accommodating mechanical movements and stress variations without compromising conductivity.
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 flexible intermediate connection element minimizes the risk of rupture and ensures a stable electrical connection, enhancing the reliability and durability of the OLED module under various vehicle conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An intermediate connection element, at least a portion of which is produced from flexible material and having at least one conducting part, is arranged between the one or more first and the one or more second conductor terminals
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate connection element may comprise at least one connection portion produced from a conducting material
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination module for a motor vehicle that includes at least one organic electroluminescent diode capable of being received in a support equipped with means for connecting same to a device for supplying electrical power and/or controlling a lighting and/or signaling assembly of the vehicle. The support has at least one connection bar formed in a flexible base material impregnated with conducting material, arranged in layers.