Light-Emitting Apparatus With Dual Reflective Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light-emitting apparatuses face challenges in achieving optimal light extraction efficiency and radiation effects due to limitations in the design of reflective layers and lens configurations, leading to suboptimal collimation and illuminance distribution.

Innovation Solution

The light-emitting apparatus incorporates a second reflective layer positioned opposite to the reflector with the first lens interposed, enhancing light collimation by reflecting light that would otherwise be directly emitted, and utilizes a semispherical first lens with a specific refractive index ratio to improve light extraction efficiency and heat radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional light-emitting apparatus uses a single reflector and lens configuration, then the structure is simple, but the light extraction efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidlight extraction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light-emitting apparatus is divided into multiple functional segments: a light source unit, a wavelength converter, a first lens, a reflector, and a second reflective layer. Each segment performs a specific optical function, allowing the system to achieve high light extraction efficiency through coordinated operation of discrete components rather than a monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a second reflective layer positioned at a different spatial dimension and orientation relative to the first lens and reflector. This additional reflective surface in a different dimensional plane enables the system to capture and redirect light paths that would otherwise be lost, significantly improving light extraction efficiency without complicating the base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the first lens is positioned close to the wavelength converter, then the device size is reduced, but the light collimation is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidlight collimation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector and second reflective layer act as intermediary optical elements between the wavelength converter and the final light output. These intermediaries redirect and condition the light paths, enabling effective collimation even when the first lens is positioned close to the wavelength converter, thus maintaining compact device size while achieving optimal light directionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a continuous light management system where the wavelength converter, first lens, reflector, and second reflective layer work in sequential coordination. Light is continuously redirected and conditioned through each component in sequence, maintaining collimation quality throughout the compact optical path without requiring large spacing between elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If a second reflective layer is added to improve light extraction efficiency, then the light extraction efficiency increases by up to 40%, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of reflective layers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second reflective layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects stray light that misses the first lens, works in conjunction with the reflector to create coordinated light redirection, and enhances the overall optical efficiency of the compact configuration. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by delivering disproportionate performance benefits.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes specific parameters of the second reflective layer, including its position, orientation, and reflective properties, to achieve maximum light extraction efficiency with minimal added complexity. By carefully tuning these parameters, the system achieves up to 40% improvement in light extraction while keeping the additional component simple and integrated into the existing optical path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly enhances light extraction efficiency by up to 40% and allows for improved collimation and illuminance distribution, suitable for applications such as vehicle headlights, while also facilitating effective heat dissipation.

Implementation Method 1

a wavelength converter configured to convert a wavelength of light emitted from the light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a first lens configured to face a light emission surface of the wavelength converter... the first lens may have a second index of refraction, and a ratio of the second index of refraction to the first index of refraction may be 0.6 or more

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

a rounded reflector spaced apart from the first lens, the reflector being configured to reflect light emitted from the first lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

a second reflective layer disposed to face a portion of an upper surface of the first lens, the portion being not opposite to the reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3021368B1Light-emitting apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3021368B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3021368B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3021368B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Embodiments provide a light-emitting apparatus including at least one light source, a wavelength converter configured to convert a wavelength of light emitted from the light source, a first lens configured to face a light emission surface of the wavelength converter, and a rounded reflector spaced apart from the first lens, the reflector being configured to reflect light emitted from the first lens.