Light Emitting Device With Movable Light Transfer Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicular headlamp systems require significant power and space to move the optical system for night vision applications, limiting their efficiency and aesthetic design due to the need for large, high-brightness light sources and actuators.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting device comprising a light source unit, a wavelength conversion unit, and a light-path controller that allows for precise adjustment of light direction and intensity using a light transfer unit, such as a collimation lens or reflecting elements, enabling targeted light emission without moving the entire optical system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire optical system is moved to change light emission direction for night vision applications, then light can be directed to different positions, but power consumption increases and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight emission direction controlVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into a stationary light source unit and a movable light transfer unit. Only the light transfer unit (lens or reflector) needs to move to change light direction, rather than moving the entire optical system. This segmentation reduces the mass of the moving component, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining adaptability in light emission direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire optical system is moved to change light emission direction, then light can be directed to different positions, but the amount of space occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight emission direction controlVSAvoidspace occupied by optical module

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the optical system into stationary and movable parts, the overall footprint of the optical module can be minimized. The stationary light source unit can be compactly designed, and the movable light transfer unit requires minimal space for its limited range of motion, reducing the total space occupied by the optical module while maintaining directional control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If high-brightness light sources are used to ensure sufficient light output, then visibility is improved, but the size of the light source increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight output brightnessVSAvoidlight source size

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A light transfer unit (lens or reflector) is introduced as an intermediary between the compact light source and the target area. This intermediary optically concentrates and redirects light from a small, high-intensity source to achieve the desired illumination levels without requiring a physically large light source, thus maintaining both brightness and compactness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If actuators and motors are added to move the optical system, then light direction control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight direction controlVSAvoidoptical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented such that only the light transfer unit requires actuation mechanisms, while the light source unit remains stationary. This reduces the overall device complexity by limiting the number of moving parts and control systems needed, compared to moving the entire optical system. The segmented approach allows for simpler, more reliable actuation of only the necessary component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration reduces power consumption, minimizes space requirements, enhances light irradiation efficiency, and allows for more precise and subdivided light distribution, suitable for slim, advanced headlamp designs.

Implementation Method 1

a wavelength conversion unit (130) that converts a wavelength of light and emits converted light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a light transfer unit (120) that transfers light from the light source unit (110) to the wavelength conversion unit (130)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3399226B1Light emitting device, optical module comprising same device, and vehicle comprising same module

Publication Date: 2021.05.12 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

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Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d

AI summary

A light emitting device of an embodiment comprises: at least one light source; a wavelength conversion unit for converting the wavelength of excitation light so as to emit conversion light; a light transfer unit, which is disposed on a light path between the at least one light source and the wavelength conversion unit, for transferring the excitation light to the wavelength conversion unit; and a light path control unit for moving at least a part of the light transfer unit so as to adjust at least one from among the direction and intensity of excitation light which enters the wavelength conversion unit.