Light Converter Sensor System for Laser Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser-based automotive lighting systems lack a fail-safe mechanism to prevent unconverted laser light from escaping in case of structural failure, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A light converter with a phosphor layer and a sensor system that integrates structurally, thermally, and electrically, allowing for detection of structural damage and temperature changes, ensuring safe emission of converted light and preventing unconverted laser radiation from escaping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a laser-based lighting system is used to improve size, efficiency and controllability, then illumination performance is improved, but safety risk increases due to potential escape of unconverted laser light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary safety measures by integrating a conductive layer into the light conversion element structure before operation. This conductive layer is designed to break and interrupt the laser light path in advance of any potential failure, creating a fail-safe mechanism that prevents unconverted laser light from escaping without waiting for actual damage to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conductive layer as an intermediary element between the laser light source and the phosphor conversion layer. This intermediary component serves as a safety barrier that can be selectively broken to interrupt laser light transmission, mediating between the need for efficient laser-based illumination and the requirement for safety against unconverted laser light escape.
2Reliability
If a fail-safe system is implemented to prevent unconverted laser light escape, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety function with the existing light conversion structure by integrating the conductive layer directly into the light conversion element. Rather than adding a separate safety system, the conductive layer is combined with the phosphor conversion layer, creating a multi-functional component that performs both light conversion and safety interruption functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer serves multiple functions: it conducts electricity for normal operation and simultaneously acts as a safety barrier that can be broken to interrupt laser light. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate safety components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved reliability.
3Reliability
If a conductive layer is added to the light conversion element, then safety is improved through fail-safe mechanism, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structure by combining the conductive layer with the phosphor conversion layer into a single integrated light conversion element. This composite approach allows both materials to work together in one component, potentially simplifying manufacturing processes compared to assembling separate parts, while still providing the fail-safe safety mechanism.
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 prevents the escape of unconverted laser radiation, maintaining safety and illumination even in case of structural failure, while allowing for precise localization of damage and optimal operation of the light converter.
Implementation Method 1
laser radiation may be converted, such as by excitation of a phosphor, into illumination suitable for automotive headlamps
Implementation Method 2
A sensor is functionally integrated with the light converting layer such that there is a coupling between the sensor and the light converting layer
Implementation Method 3
The sensor is functionally integrated with the light converting layer such that there is a coupling between the sensor and the light converting layer
Implementation Method 4
The sensor is functionally integrated with the light converting layer such that there is a coupling between the sensor and the light converting layer
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A light converter for a light source is disclosed, having a substrate and a light converting layer disposed thereon for receiving laser radiation and converting the same into visible light. A sensor is functionally integrated with the light converting layer for purposes of detecting the condition of the light converting layer and modifying an operation of the laser radiation source in response thereto.