Micro LED Energy-Harvesting Structure Without Brightness Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display technologies, particularly those using organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), face limitations in energy efficiency, brightness, and lifespan, and lack effective methods for energy harvesting from light emitted by inorganic light emitting diodes (micro LEDs) to power the display modules.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting diode unit is designed with an energy harvesting member comprising semiconductor layers surrounding the micro LEDs, where the N-type semiconductor layer forms the inner surface and the P-type semiconductor layer forms the outer surface, arranged diagonally or in zigzag patterns to maximize light absorption and generate electric energy, which is then stored for powering the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If energy harvesting member is placed close to light emitting diode, then energy absorption efficiency is improved, but light emission is blocked and display brightness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvesting member is positioned in the vertical dimension (below the substrate) rather than in the horizontal plane, allowing it to capture downward-directed light without interfering with the forward light emission required for display brightness. This spatial separation in different dimensions resolves the contradiction between energy absorption and light emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emission paths are segmented into two directions: forward emission for display purposes and backward emission for energy harvesting. The structure separates these two functions spatially, with the energy harvesting member positioned to capture only the backward-directed light that would otherwise be wasted.
2Loss of energy
If energy harvesting member height is increased, then energy absorption capacity is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvesting member extends in the vertical dimension below the substrate, utilizing the z-axis space that is already part of the display module structure. This approach increases absorption capacity without adding horizontal complexity or interfering with the compact planar structure of the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves dual functions: as the structural support for the display and as a platform that directs light in multiple directions (forward for display, backward for energy harvesting). This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate light redirection components.
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 enhances energy absorption and conversion from light emitted by micro LEDs, enabling more efficient energy harvesting and extended operational life for display modules, even in low-light conditions, while maintaining high brightness and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
an energy harvesting member comprising a plurality of semiconductor layers surrounding the light emitting diode and configured to generate electric energy by absorbing light energy emitted from the light emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a light emitting diode unit for harvesting energy and a display module. The light emitting diode unit comprises: a substrate; a light emitting diode arranged on the substrate; and an energy harvesting member comprising a semiconductor layer surrounding the light emitting diode and configured to absorb light energy emitted by the light emitting diode, to generate electric energy, wherein an inner surface of the energy harvesting member is spaced apart from the light emitting diode.