Integrated OLED Lighting for Automotive Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OLED technologies face challenges in integrating multiple lamps with different colors and luminance levels into a single physical space, particularly in automotive applications where deep red emission is required for tail lights while maintaining high luminance, which is difficult due to poor overlap with the photopic luminosity function.
Innovation Solution
The integration of multiple organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with independently addressable electrodes and enhancement layers exhibiting surface plasmon resonance, allowing for precise control of emission spectra and luminance levels, including the use of plasmonic materials to enhance light output and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If deep red emission is used for tail lights, then the aesthetic and regulatory requirements are met, but the luminance is reduced due to poor overlap with the photopic luminosity function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into multiple independently addressable OLED regions, each emitting different colors (deep red for tail light, other colors for brake light). This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of luminance and color requirements by controlling each segment separately through independent electrode addressing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the OLED panel are assigned different emission characteristics - deep red emission in the tail light region and high luminance emission in the brake light region. This local quality approach enables each region to be optimized for its specific function while sharing the same physical space.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple lamps with different colors and luminance levels are integrated into a single physical space, then the space efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for independent control of each lamp
Solution Approach 1:
A single OLED panel serves multiple lighting functions (tail light, brake light, and potentially other functions) by dividing it into independently addressable regions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate physical lamps while maintaining independent control capability through the organic electroluminescent device's inherent addressing scheme.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lighting functions that would traditionally require separate physical lamps are merged into a single OLED panel. The patent combines tail light, brake light, and other lighting functions in one integrated device, reducing overall system complexity despite the need for independent regional control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lighting technologies are used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the ability to integrate multiple lamps in compact space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional discrete lamp arrangements to a planar OLED panel structure, utilizing the two-dimensional surface of the panel to accommodate multiple lighting regions. This dimensional change enables superior integration capability compared to conventional three-dimensional lamp assemblies, allowing multiple lighting functions in a compact footprint.
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 approach enables the simultaneous achievement of deep red tail lighting and enhanced luminance for brake lights in a compact space, meeting regulatory requirements while optimizing light output and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
enhancement layers exhibiting surface plasmon resonance, allowing for precise control of emission spectra and luminance levels, including the use of plasmonic materials to enhance light output and efficiency
Implementation Method 2
OLEDs make use of thin organic films that emit light when voltage is applied across the device
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide a device having a reflective electrode, and a first organic light emitting device (OLED), where the reflective electrode may be disposed over the first OLED. The device may include a partially reflective electrode, where the first OLED may be disposed over the partially reflective electrode. The device may include a second OLED, where the partially reflective electrode may be disposed over the second OLED. The device may include a first transparent electrode, where the second OLED may be disposed over the transparent electrode, and a substrate, where the transparent electrode may be disposed over the substrate. At least one of the partially reflective electrode and the first transparent electrode may be configured to be independently addressable, and the first OLED may be configured to be separately driven from the second OLED.