Light Emitting Element Reinforcing Portion for Pressure Damage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional light emitting elements face damage to the semiconductor layer due to pressure exerted by resin layers or similar post-processing methods, which can compromise the integrity and efficiency of the device.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting element design featuring a semiconductor layer with a pair of electrodes on its lower face and a reinforcing portion made from a light-transmissive material on its upper edge, which increases the strength at the ends of the semiconductor layer and minimizes light emission reduction, while an underfill material supports the semiconductor layer and enhances reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a resin layer or similar post-processing method is applied to the light emitting element, then the device structure is completed and sealed, but pressure is exerted on the semiconductor layer causing damage to the end of the semiconductor layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure integrityVSAvoidsemiconductor layer strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A reinforcing portion made of light-transmissive material is formed on the upper face of the semiconductor layer before post-processing steps. This reinforcing portion acts as a protective cushion that distributes and absorbs pressure during subsequent resin layer application and packaging processes, preventing damage to the semiconductor layer while maintaining device integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The light emitting element employs a composite structure combining the semiconductor layer with a reinforcing portion made of light-transmissive material. This composite design integrates materials with different mechanical properties - the semiconductor layer for light emission and the reinforcing portion for mechanical strength - allowing the device to withstand post-processing pressures while maintaining optical performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a reinforcing portion is added to protect the semiconductor layer, then the strength at the ends of the semiconductor layer is increased, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesemiconductor layer strengthVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it strengthens the semiconductor layer against pressure, acts as a template for forming the light-transmissive material layer, and maintains structural integrity during post-processing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing portion is integrated into the existing semiconductor layer structure rather than being added as a separate external component. The light-transmissive material that forms the reinforcing portion is deposited directly on the semiconductor layer, merging the protective function with the existing device architecture and minimizing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the semiconductor layer is protected during post-processing, then damage is suppressed, but light emission efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesemiconductor layer integrityVSAvoidlight emission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing portion is strategically positioned on the upper face of the semiconductor layer, specifically at regions where pressure is most likely to be applied during post-processing. This localized reinforcement protects vulnerable areas while leaving other regions unchanged, thereby minimizing the impact on light emission efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The light-transmissive material used for the reinforcing portion is selected and configured to have optical properties that match or are compatible with the semiconductor layer. By controlling the material's transparency, thickness, and refractive index, the reinforcing portion maintains light transmission characteristics that preserve light emission efficiency while providing mechanical protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9287447B2Light emitting element and light emitting device
Publication Date: 2016.03.15 NICHIA CORP
  • US9287447B2 patent drawing
  • US9287447B2 patent drawing
  • US9287447B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A light emitting element has a semiconductor layer, a pair of positive and negative electrodes, and a reinforcing portion. The pair of positive and negative electrodes is disposed on a lower face side of the semiconductor layer. The pair of electrodes is connected to the substrate. The reinforcing portion is disposed on an outer edge part of an upper face of the semiconductor layer. The reinforcing portion is made from a light-transmissive material. The upper face includes an exposed portion exposed from the reinforcing portion.