Method for estimating temperature of light emitting module, light emitting module, and automotive unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to estimate the temperature of individual light emitting elements in a light emitting module due to varying temperature increases based on lighting patterns, making it difficult to manage temperatures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to estimate the temperature of light emitting elements by determining the relationship between electric power and temperature distribution using a test light emitting module with temperature sensors, calculating heat transfer between elements, and applying convolution integrals to predict temperatures based on lighting patterns and electric power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed for each light emitting element to accurately measure temperature, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a test light emitting module with temperature sensors to create a thermal model that copies and represents the thermal behavior of the actual module. This model allows temperature estimation without installing sensors in the final product, achieving measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal model as an intermediary between the physical light emitting module and temperature measurement. The model uses thermal resistance and heat capacity parameters to mediate the relationship between power consumption and temperature, enabling indirect temperature estimation without direct sensor installation on each element
2Reliability
If multiple temperature sensors are installed to monitor each light emitting element, then temperature management reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the thermal system through mathematical modeling. The thermal model replicates the heat transfer characteristics of each light emitting element, allowing reliable temperature monitoring through calculation rather than physical sensors, thus improving reliability while reducing device complexity
3Measurement precision
If lighting patterns are tested by actually operating the light emitting module, then pattern evaluation accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and time required for pattern preparation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary thermal characterization by measuring temperatures in a test module under various lighting conditions before actual deployment. This preliminary action creates a pre-established thermal model that can predict temperatures for new lighting patterns without requiring actual operational testing, saving time while maintaining evaluation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a separate test light emitting module as a copy to establish thermal characteristics. This copy is used for preliminary measurements and model creation, allowing accurate pattern evaluation without repeatedly operating the actual module, thus reducing time loss while maintaining precision
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 method allows for accurate temperature estimation of light emitting elements, preventing overheating and improving the efficiency of lighting pattern preparation by eliminating the need for continuous module operation during pattern evaluation, while reducing the number of required temperature sensors and simplifying the module structure.
Implementation Method 1
calculating heat transfer between elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for estimating a temperature of a light emitting module having a plurality of light emitting elements is provided. The method includes based on a lighting pattern of the light emitting module, which represents an intensity of light emitted from each of the plurality of light emitting elements, determining an amount of electric power to be supplied to the light emitting module for obtaining the lighting pattern and based on the lighting pattern and the determined amount of electric power, calculating estimated temperatures of the plurality of light emitting elements that are operated in accordance with the lighting pattern.