LED-OLED Light Module Layout to Avoid Reflective Light Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light modules for motor vehicles using OLEDs suffer from significant light losses due to the need for emitted and reflected rays to pass through the first diode, which compromises the efficiency of dual-function lighting and signaling.

Innovation Solution

A light module design featuring a collimator that deflects light rays from the first source to only the lower part of a reflective second OLED source, utilizing a translucent or transparent element forming diopters, and incorporating electroluminescence diodes with specific surface areas and illumination angles to optimize light distribution and reflection, allowing independent operation of distinct light beams for various signaling functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rays from the first OLED diode are reflected by the second OLED diode to form a light beam, then the second diode performs dual functions (reflective surface and lighting), but significant light losses occur because rays must pass through the first diode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual function capabilityVSAvoidlight loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the second OLED diode into two distinct functional zones: an upper reflective zone that receives and reflects rays from the first diode, and a lower light-emitting zone that generates its own light beam. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently without the light loss problem caused by rays passing through the first diode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A reflective element is introduced as an intermediary component positioned between the first OLED diode and the second OLED diode. This reflective element redirects rays from the first diode toward the upper zone of the second diode, enabling the reflective function without requiring rays to pass through the first diode, thus eliminating the associated light losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the second OLED diode is used as a reflective surface for the first diode's light beam, then lighting efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity of the light module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting efficiencyVSAvoidmodule structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second OLED diode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: its upper zone acts as a reflective surface for the first diode's light beam, while its lower zone generates an independent light beam. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, thereby improving lighting efficiency without proportionally increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the reflective surface function and the light-emitting function into a single second OLED diode component. By combining these two functions in one element rather than using separate components, the structural complexity is minimized while still achieving the desired lighting efficiency improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design effectively exploits the reflection property of OLEDs to supplement light beams without incurring light losses, enabling efficient provision of multiple lighting and signaling functions while meeting photometric regulatory requirements.

Implementation Method 1

the collimator comprises a translucent or transparent element forming two diopters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the second surface light source of the organic light-emitting diode type is reflective

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a first surface light source of the OLED type and a second surface source, also surface and of the OLED type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2995851B1Light module with LED and OLED diodes
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2995851B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2995851B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2995851B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting module (2), particularly for motor vehicles, comprising a first light source (14) of the light-emitting diode type and a second surface light source (8) of the organic light-emitting diode type adapted to reflect the light rays emitted by the first light source (14) in order to form a light beam along an optical axis of the module. The module (2) further comprises a collimator (12) adapted to deflect the light rays emitted by the first source (14) along a principal direction and intersecting the second light source (8) at a non-zero angle of incidence β.