Image-Forming Exposure With OLED Wavelength Matching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image-forming apparatuses with organic light-emitting elements in a top emission configuration face inefficiencies due to light absorption by protective layers, reducing the amount of light reaching the photosensitive member.

Innovation Solution

The image-forming apparatus is designed with an organic light-emitting element configuration where the maximum emission peak wavelength is closer to the wavelength of maximum absorption of the photosensitive member than the protective layer, minimizing light absorption by the protective layer and maximizing light absorption by the photosensitive member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective layer is added to cover the organic light-emitting element, then the organic light-emitting element is protected, but light is absorbed by the protective layer reducing the amount of light reaching the photosensitive member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of organic light-emitting elementVSAvoidlight absorption by protective layer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the protective layer by selecting materials with specific optical absorption characteristics. The protective layer is designed to have minimal optical absorption in the wavelength range of light emitted by the organic light-emitting element, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures where the protective layer is combined with the organic light-emitting element in a way that optimizes both protection and light transmission. The composite structure allows the protective layer to fulfill its protective function while minimizing interference with the light emission and absorption process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If light is emitted from the organic light-emitting element through a protective layer, then the protective layer provides coverage, but the photosensitive member absorbs less light due to absorption by the protective layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of light reaching photosensitive memberVSAvoidlight absorption by protective layer

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful light absorption by the protective layer into a beneficial design constraint. By carefully selecting the optical properties of the protective layer material, the design ensures that the protective layer absorbs minimal light in the critical wavelength range, thereby maximizing the quantity of light that reaches the photosensitive member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If the maximum emission peak wavelength is optimized to match the photosensitive member absorption, then image formation efficiency is improved, but the protective layer may still absorb light

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage formation efficiencyVSAvoidlight absorption by protective layer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the emission wavelength parameter of the organic light-emitting element to match the absorption characteristics of the photosensitive member. Simultaneously, the protective layer's optical parameters are adjusted to ensure minimal absorption in this wavelength range, thereby maximizing image formation efficiency while minimizing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter 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

This configuration enhances image formation efficiency by ensuring a higher proportion of light emitted from the organic light-emitting element is absorbed by the photosensitive member, thereby improving the overall image formation process.

Implementation Method 1

an organic light-emitting element includes a first electrode, an organic compound layer, a second electrode, and a protective layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOrganic light-emitting: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a maximum emission peak wavelength in an emission spectrum of the organic light-emitting element is closer to a wavelength of a maximum absorption value in a visible light region of an optical absorption spectrum of the photosensitive member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250306499A1Image-forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 CANON KK

AI summary

An image-forming apparatus including an exposure portion including an organic light-emitting element on a first surface of a substrate; and a photosensitive member configured to receive light from the organic light-emitting element. The organic light-emitting element includes a first electrode, an organic compound layer including a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode in this order from the first surface. The exposure portion includes a first protective layer that protects the organic light-emitting element. A maximum emission peak wavelength in an emission spectrum of the organic light-emitting element is closer to a wavelength of a maximum absorption value in a visible light region of an optical absorption spectrum of the photosensitive member than a longest peak wavelength in an optical absorption spectrum of the protective layer.