Microfluid Pump Dynamic Off-State Appearance Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting devices face challenges in independently controlling their off-state appearance (OSA) without affecting the emission color, leading to efficiency losses and limited design options due to the use of color filters and conversion layers.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a microcavity structure, a light source, and a microfluid pump that allows for dynamic control of the OSA by shifting fluids with different properties through the cavity, enabling independent regulation of the OSA and emission characteristics without macroscopic alterations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If color filters are applied to control off-state appearance, then the OSA is improved, but light absorption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic approach by using a microfluid pump to circulate color-changing material through the light path. This allows the system to switch between different optical states (colored off-state appearance vs. high transmission during operation) dynamically, rather than using a static color filter that continuously absorbs light.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of the material in the light path by circulating it through a microfluid pump. The color-changing material's optical properties are altered dynamically, enabling different off-state appearances without permanent light absorption losses associated with static filters.
2Shape
If color filters are used to determine OSA, then the off-state appearance is controlled, but the emission color must be adapted and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluid pump enables dynamic switching between circulation modes: during operation, the pump circulates the color-changing material away from the light path to maximize light transmission and efficiency; during off-state, it positions the material to create the desired appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that during lighting operation, the color-changing material is continuously circulated away from the light path, preventing any light absorption losses while still enabling appearance control during off-state.
3Shape
If conversion layers are applied to influence OSA, then the color valence is adjusted, but light scattering occurs and efficiency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a microfluid pump (hydraulic system) to transport the color-changing material through a closed loop. This allows the material to be positioned in the light path only when needed for appearance control, rather than being permanently present as in conversion layers, thereby eliminating continuous light scattering losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the position of the color-changing material in the light path using the microfluid pump, enabling appearance adjustment without permanent light scattering that would occur with static conversion layers.
4Shape
If conventional static solutions are used, then the OSA is determined, but the color valence in switched-on state is also influenced and design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluid pump enables independent control of off-state appearance and emission color by dynamically positioning the color-changing material only in the light path during off-state, while leaving it out of the light path during operation, thus providing full design flexibility for both states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the functions of appearance control and light emission by using temporal segmentation (different states at different times) and spatial segmentation (material positioned in or out of light path), allowing independent optimization of both off-state appearance and emission characteristics.
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 approach allows for efficient control of OSA without affecting the lighting device's efficiency, reducing material usage, and enabling a range of previously impractical OSA options, such as a specularly reflective appearance, while minimizing light loss and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a microfluid pump, which is designed for shifting the fluid received in the fluid reservoir between the fluid reservoir and the cavity
Implementation Method 2
lighting devices can be based on the principle of electroluminescence, which makes it possible to convert electrical energy into light with high efficiency
Implementation Method 3
enabling a range of previously impractical OSA options, such as a specularly reflective appearance
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device includes a carrier, in which a laterally extended cavity is formed, a light source arranged alongside the cavity and serving for generating light that propagates from the light source through the cavity, a fluid reservoir for receiving a fluid, and a microfluid pump, which is designed for shifting the fluid received in the fluid reservoir between the fluid reservoir and the cavity.