LED Color Tuning via Wavelength Material Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Illumination devices using LEDs face limitations in light output, color quality due to color point instability, poor color rendering, and high costs due to the need for precise color control electronics and sensors.

Innovation Solution

The color of light emitted by an LED-based illumination device is automatically tuned by modifying wavelength converting materials using techniques like laser ablation, mechanical scribing, or adding materials to achieve a target color point within a predefined tolerance, based on measured light color and desired color.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If LED based illumination devices use wavelength converting materials to achieve desired color output, then color quality can be improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to the need for precise color control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor qualityVSAvoidcolor control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment of color output by measuring its own emitted light with sensors and automatically modifying wavelength converting material properties through control electronics, eliminating the need for external color control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes physical parameters of wavelength converting materials (such as thickness, concentration, or distribution) based on measured color deviations to adjust the color output of LEDs, transforming static material properties into可调 parameters for color control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If LED based illumination devices use multiple wavelength converting materials to achieve target color point, then color rendering can be improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor renderingVSAvoidcolor point precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors measure the actual color output of the illumination device and provide feedback to control electronics, which then adjust the properties of wavelength converting materials to correct color deviations and maintain precise color point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical precision control during manufacturing with automated optical feedback and electronic control systems that dynamically adjust color output, substituting physical manufacturing precision with programmable control precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If LED based illumination devices implement color control electronics and sensors to maintain color point, then color stability can be improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor point stabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device uses integrated sensors and control electronics to autonomously monitor and adjust its own color output, performing self-service color stabilization without requiring external control systems or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control electronics and sensors serve multiple functions including color measurement, color adjustment, and potential other monitoring tasks, reducing overall system complexity and cost by consolidating functions rather than requiring dedicated components for each task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for accurate control of the color point of LED-based illumination devices, improving color quality and reducing costs by using less expensive LEDs while maintaining consistent color output.

Implementation Method 1

The wavelength converting materials may be selectively modified by removing amounts the wavelength converting materials by laser ablation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

an assembled light emitting diode (LED) based illumination device with at least two different wavelength converting materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS9328880B2Automated color tuning of an LED based illumination device

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 SBC XICATO CORP

AI summary

The color of light emitted by an assembled light emitting diode (LED) based illumination device with at least two different wavelength converting materials is automatically tuned to within a predefined tolerance of a target color point by modifying portions of the wavelength converting materials. The color of light emitted from the assembled LED based illumination device is measured and a material modification plan is determined based at least in part on the measured color of light and a desired color of light to be emitted. The material modification plan may further include the location of the wavelength converting materials to be modified. The wavelength converting materials are selectively modified in accordance with the material modification plan so that the assembled LED based illumination device emits a second color of light that is within a predetermined tolerance of a target color point.