Light-Blocking Insert Layout for Flexible LED Tile Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED lighting tiles lack flexibility in creating diverse illumination patterns due to limited segment control and contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated regions.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting device with a substrate and insert comprising individually controllable light sources and partially light-blocking transverse elements that divide the substrate into multiple segments, allowing for enhanced pattern flexibility and optical performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a light blocking element is used to segment the tile, then contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated regions is improved, but diversity of patterns obtainable is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrast between illuminated and non-illuminated regionsVSAvoiddiversity of patterns obtainable

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is divided into multiple transverse elements (at least five, preferably at least ten or at least fifteen) that can be independently controlled. Each transverse element acts as an independent segment, allowing for numerous different illumination patterns to be created by selectively activating different combinations of segments, thereby increasing pattern diversity while maintaining good contrast through the light-blocking material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If transverse elements are arranged close to the substrate, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but light leakage between segments increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsert configuration simplicityVSAvoidlight leakage between segments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse elements extend in the longitudinal direction away from the substrate, creating a three-dimensional structure. By extending the elements longitudinally (distance between proximal end and distal end may be from 1 cm to 20 cm), the solution moves the light-blocking function into a third dimension, effectively reducing light leakage between segments while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integral formation or modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transverse elements are used to increase pattern diversity, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of segmentsVSAvoidinsert structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple transverse elements are integrally formed as a single piece, creating a unified insert structure. This merging approach allows for a high number of independently controllable segments (at least five, at least ten, or at least fifteen) while simplifying manufacturing and assembly, as the entire multi-element insert can be produced as one component rather than assembling separate pieces.

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

The solution provides increased flexibility in creating patterns by enabling independent operation of multiple segments, enhancing optical performance and reducing light leakage between segments.

Implementation Method 1

The insert comprises at least partially light-blocking material, e.g. semi-transparent material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The transverse elements are arranged substantially perpendicularly to the substrate... Such an embodiment offers the advantage of enhanced optical performance of the light emitting device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction and scattering: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12571520B2Insert for a light emitting device

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

The present invention relates to a light emitting device (1) comprising a substrate (2) comprising a plurality of individually controllable light sources (3) adapted for, in operation, emitting light, and at least one insert (4) comprising at least partially light-blocking material and having a longitudinal extension being parallel to the substrate (2). The insert (4) comprises a plurality of transverse elements (5) having a proximal end (5′) arranged in proximity of the substrate (2) and a distal end (5″) arranged at a distance from the proximal end (5′). The transverse elements (5) are substantially perpendicular to the substrate (2), the plurality of transverse elements (5) dividing the substrate into at least a first segment (6′) comprising a first group of the light sources (3′), a second segment (6″) comprising a second group of the light sources (3″), and a third segment (6′″) comprising a third group of light sources (3′″).