Light-emitting Assembly with Intersecting Optical Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-emitting assemblies face inefficiencies in light mixing due to the distance between LEDs of different colors, leading to insufficient color uniformity and reduced efficiency, particularly when using scattering particles for mixing, which can absorb a significant portion of the generated light.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting assembly with rod-shaped optical waveguides that intersect and guide light from one line of LEDs to another, allowing for efficient mixing of different colors without the need for scattering particles, thereby maintaining high efficiency and simplifying production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If scattering particles are used for light mixing, then light mixing rate is improved, but light loss increases significantly due to absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical waveguides as an intermediary structure to transfer light between LED groups. The waveguides guide light from one LED group to another through total internal reflection, replacing the conventional scattering particle method. This mediator enables efficient light mixing without the harmful absorption effects of scattering particles, directly resolving the contradiction between mixing rate and light loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the scattering particle mechanism (which relies on random scattering and absorption) with an optical waveguide mechanism (which relies on controlled total internal reflection). This substitution transitions from a mechanical/random process to a controlled optical process, achieving superior light mixing efficiency with minimal energy loss.
2Reliability
If LEDs of different colors are arranged far apart, then individual LED performance is maintained, but light mixing rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent solves the spatial separation problem by introducing a new dimensional approach - using optical waveguides that extend vertically or diagonally between LED groups. Instead of relying on horizontal proximity for light mixing, the waveguides create a third-dimensional light transfer path, allowing LEDs to be spaced apart horizontally while maintaining effective light mixing through the vertical waveguide dimension.
3Manufacturing precision
If LEDs are placed closer together for better light mixing, then light mixing rate improves, but device complexity and heat management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light mixing function from the LED arrangement structure. Instead of requiring LEDs to be densely packed for mixing, the light mixing function is separated and implemented through dedicated optical waveguide structures. This segmentation allows LEDs to maintain optimal spacing for heat management and electrical connection while the waveguides handle the light mixing function independently.
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 achieves a high rate of light mixing with minimal impact on efficiency, allowing for the production of a compact, cost-effective light-emitting assembly with improved color uniformity and reduced light loss.
Implementation Method 1
rod-shaped optical waveguides for guiding light arranged over the light-emitting components, extending in a direction from the first line to the second line and intersecting the first line and the second line
Implementation Method 2
The converter material is suitable for converting light with respect to its wavelength. For example, the LEDs of one group of LEDs emit blue light, wherein the converter material absorbs at least one portion of the blue light and emits yellow or hazy blue light
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting assembly is provided in different embodiments. The light-emitting assembly comprises: a substrate (22); first light-emitting components (31) arranged on the substrate (22) along a first line and emitting first light of a first colour; second light-emitting components (33) arranged on the substrate (22) along a second line and emitting second light of a second colour, wherein the first line runs laterally next to the second line; and multiple optical waveguides (44) for guiding the light, which are arranged over the light-emitting components (31, 33), extend in the direction from the first line to the second line, and cross the first line and the second line.