MEMS Wavelength Conversion Coating for Compact Lighting Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a lighting device that can receive light in one wavelength range and redirect it to a desired output direction in another wavelength range, while also combining conversion and redirection in a single operation, to reduce complexity, size, and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device incorporating a MEMS device with a conversion coating, such as a phosphorous wavelength coating, applied to its operative surface, which converts source light into a different wavelength range and uses an array of microscopic mirrors to redirect the light to a desired output direction, allowing for the combination of conversion and redirection in a single operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate components are used for wavelength conversion and light redirection, then functional performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wavelength conversion coating and light redirection function into a single integrated component. The conversion coating is applied directly to the operative surface of the MEMS device, allowing both wavelength conversion and light redirection to occur in one operation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MEMS device with integrated conversion coating performs multiple functions simultaneously: it converts wavelength and redirects light in a single operational step. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conversion and redirection components, resolving the contradiction between functional performance and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple separate components are used for conversion and redirection, then conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the conversion coating and redirection function into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining conversion efficiency through the optimized coating application process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion coating is applied as a segmented or patterned layer on the MEMS surface, allowing different regions to perform specific conversion functions while being manufactured as a single integrated component. This segmentation approach maintains conversion efficiency while simplifying manufacturing compared to multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If a compact design is implemented, then device size is reduced, but optical performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidoptical performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion coating is applied directly to the surface of the MEMS device, nesting the conversion function within the existing device structure rather than adding external components. This nested approach maintains a compact device size while preserving optical performance through the integrated coating design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes parameters of the conversion coating such as thickness, material composition, and application pattern to maintain high optical performance within the constraints of a compact design. By carefully controlling these parameters, the integrated coating achieves both size reduction and performance maintenance.

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 solution enables the lighting device to efficiently convert and redirect light, reducing complexity and manufacturing costs, while providing a compact design capable of projecting dynamic images or colors on various surfaces, including irregular or moving objects.

Implementation Method 1

The conversion coating may include a phosphorous wavelength coating material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

an array of microscopic mirrors to redirect the light to a desired output direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8730558B2Wavelength converting lighting device and associated methods

Publication Date: 2014.05.20 HEALTHE INC

AI summary

A lighting device is described for receiving source light within a source wavelength range, converting the source light into a converted light, and reflecting the converted light to a desired output direction. The lighting device may use a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) device to receive and redirect the source light to the desired output direction. A conversion coating may be applied to the operative surface of the MEMS device to convert the source light into a converted light.