Light Emitting Device Abnormal Element Restoration Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light emitting devices face challenges in reliably applying a refresh current to abnormal light emitting elements without stressing normal elements, as existing methods require dedicated time periods and can cause illumination issues when reverse voltage is applied unnecessarily.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting device comprising a direct current power supply circuit, a light emitting element voltage detection circuit, and a forward/reverse inverting circuit with shorting switches, such as field effect transistors or thyristors, to detect abnormalities and apply a reverse voltage only to abnormal elements, ensuring a refresh current flows while avoiding stress on normal elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a reverse voltage is applied to restore an abnormal light emitting element, then the abnormal element can be restored, but normal light emitting elements may be stressed or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestoration of abnormal light emitting elementVSAvoidstress on normal light emitting element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light emitting device into multiple independently controllable light emitting elements, each with its own switching element. This segmentation allows the reverse voltage to be applied selectively to only the abnormal element through its dedicated switching element, while normal elements remain protected by their own switching elements that prevent reverse voltage application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality control by providing each light emitting element with its own switching element that can independently control the voltage polarity applied to that specific element. This allows the abnormal element to receive restorative reverse voltage while normal elements continue to receive only forward voltage, preventing stress on healthy components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a forward/reverse inverting circuit is used to apply reverse voltage to abnormal elements, then restoration is possible, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestoration capabilityVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single complex forward/reverse inverting circuit for the entire device, the patent segments the voltage control function into multiple simple switching elements, each associated with a specific light emitting element. This segmentation simplifies the overall circuit structure while maintaining restoration capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each light emitting element is equipped with its own switching element that autonomously controls the voltage polarity for that element based on detection signals. This self-service approach eliminates the need for a centralized complex inverting circuit, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If reverse voltage is applied to all light emitting elements for restoration, then comprehensive restoration is achieved, but normal elements experience unnecessary stress and reduced lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestoration coverageVSAvoidlifespan of normal light emitting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality control by enabling each switching element to independently determine whether its associated light emitting element requires restoration. Only elements detected as abnormal receive reverse voltage, while normal elements are protected from unnecessary reverse voltage exposure, preserving their lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses voltage detection circuits to monitor each light emitting element and provide feedback signals to the corresponding switching element. This feedback mechanism ensures that reverse voltage is applied only when necessary (when an element is abnormal) and prevents unnecessary stress on normal elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables reliable restoration of abnormal light emitting elements by applying a reverse voltage specifically to faulty elements, prolonging their lifespan and preventing unnecessary stress on normal elements, thus improving device efficiency and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting element voltage detection circuit configured to detect a voltage applied to the one or more light emitting elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage detection: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

to apply a reverse voltage to the light emitting element in which the abnormality is detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReverse voltage application: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

a forward/reverse inverting circuit with shorting switches, such as field effect transistors or thyristors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField effect transistor operation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8513898B2Light emitting device that restores abnormal light emitting element
Publication Date: 2013.08.20 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • US8513898B2 patent drawing
  • US8513898B2 patent drawing
  • US8513898B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A light emitting device includes: a plurality of light emitting elements configured to emit light when a direct current is supplied thereto; and a direct current power supply circuit configured to supply an electric current of a given level or more to the light emitting elements. The light emitting device further includes: a light emitting element voltage detection circuit configured to detect a voltage applied to the light emitting elements; and a forward/reverse inverting circuit configured, when the light emitting element voltage detection circuit detects an abnormality in a light emitting element, to apply a reverse voltage to the light emitting element in which the abnormality is detected.