Reversible Light Transmission Control for LED Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light emitting diode (LED) packages with conversion materials appear unsightly when inactive, leading to market adoption avoidance, and existing solutions result in significant light transmission losses due to diffusive or semitransparent materials.
Innovation Solution
A light transmission control material is applied to mask the appearance of LEDs and phosphors when inactive, transitioning to a clear state upon activation to minimize light scattering and maintain efficiency, using thermally or electrically reversible polymers and particle-based coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If diffusive or semitransparent materials are used to mask the appearance of inactive LEDs and phosphors, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but significant light transmission losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic light transmission control material that can reversibly change its light transmission properties between opaque and transparent states. This dynamic behavior allows the material to mask the LED and phosphor appearance when inactive (improving aesthetics) while allowing full light transmission when active (minimizing energy loss), thus resolving the contradiction between appearance and light transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials whose light transmission parameters can be changed based on external stimuli such as temperature or electrical signals. When the LED is inactive, the material transitions to an opaque state to hide the components; when the LED is active, the material becomes transparent to allow light passage. This parameter change capability enables simultaneous achievement of aesthetic appearance and light transmission efficiency.
2Illumination intensity
If conversion materials are applied to LEDs to generate white light, then the lighting functionality is improved, but the appearance becomes unsightly when inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or separates the light transmission control function from the structural components by applying a distinct control material layer over the LED and phosphor assembly. This extracted control layer can independently modulate light transmission without interfering with the white light generation function of the LED-phosphor system, thereby maintaining both lighting functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of the LED chip, phosphor conversion material, and light transmission control material working together. The composite system integrates the light-generating capability of the LED-phosphor combination with the appearance-controlling capability of the transmission control material, achieving both white light generation and aesthetic appearance simultaneously.
3Reliability
If phosphors are placed remote from the LED light source, then heat degradation of phosphors is reduced, but the appearance of inactive components remains visible
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmission control material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it masks the appearance of remote phosphors when inactive, allows full light transmission when active, and can potentially contribute to thermal management. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing appearance control without compromising the heat-resistant remote phosphor configuration.
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 effectively hides the appearance of inactive LEDs and phosphors while ensuring minimal light emission loss, improving the aesthetic appeal and performance of LED-based lighting solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A light transmission control material is applied to mask the appearance of LEDs and phosphors when inactive, transitioning to a clear state upon activation
Implementation Method 2
using thermally or electrically reversible polymers and particle-based coatings
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitter device, package, or lamp that comprises and light emitter and a light transmission control material to mask the appearance of at least the light emitter. In one embodiment, a light emitting diode (LED) based lamp is disclosed, comprising an LED light source. A phosphor is arranged remote to the light source such that light emitted from the light source passes through this phosphor and is converted by this phosphor. A light transmission control material is applied at least partially outside the LED light source and the phosphor to reversibly mask the appearance of the LED light source and the phosphor. The light transmission control material is less masking when the LED light source is active. A method for masking the appearance of inactive light emitters is also disclosed that comprising providing at least one light emitter. Each of the at least one light emitters is provided with a light transmission control material over the light emitters to reversibly mask the appearance of the light emitters while the light emitters are inactive. The light transmission control material is less masking when the LED light source is active.