Multi-color LED Lighting Device with Insulating Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

LED-based automotive lighting systems face challenges in placement accuracy and thermal management, particularly due to their complex and customized nature, which hampers mass production and integration with existing optical systems.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device comprising an electrically insulating layer with integrated light emitting elements of different colors, supported by a thermally conductive interface layer and electrical contact elements, allowing for improved thermal management and reduced system complexity by enabling efficient heat dissipation and precise placement of light emitting elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If LED-based lighting devices are used to replace conventional light sources, then energy efficiency and light output are improved, but thermal management challenges and placement accuracy issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidthermal management
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lighting device into distinct functional layers: an electrically insulating layer for electrical isolation and structural support, an interface layer for thermal management, and separate light emitting elements for different colors. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific function, particularly enabling effective thermal management while maintaining electrical isolation and precise optical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If customized and complex solutions are used for LED-based automotive lighting systems, then specific lighting functions are achieved, but mass production becomes difficult and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting function capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal lighting device structure where the electrically insulating layer serves multiple functions: electrical isolation, structural support, and thermal conduction path. The interface layer provides both mechanical bonding and thermal management. This multi-functionality allows the same basic structure to be used for different lighting applications (daytime running lights, turn signals, etc.) by simply changing the light emitting elements, thereby enabling mass production while maintaining versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges previously separate functions into integrated layers. The electrically insulating layer combines electrical isolation with structural support functions. The interface layer integrates mechanical bonding with thermal management. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining all necessary functions for different lighting applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If light emitting elements are precisely positioned for optimal optical performance, then placement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-forming the electrically insulating layer with integrated positioning features such as recesses, protrusions, or patterned surfaces that guide and secure the light emitting elements in their precise final positions. This preliminary structuring of the insulating layer ensures accurate placement during assembly without requiring complex post-positioning adjustments or specialized manufacturing equipment, thereby achieving high placement accuracy while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables a compact, stable, and efficient thermal management system that supports mass production and integration with existing optical systems, enhancing the reliability and energy efficiency of LED-based automotive lighting systems.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically insulating layer; at least one first light emitting element configured to emit light of a first color, and at least one second light emitting element configured to emit light of a second color, the at least one first light emitting element and the at least one second light emitting element being arranged on the electrically insulating layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

at least one first light emitting element configured to emit light of a first color, and at least one second light emitting element configured to emit light of a second color

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

light emitting element configured to emit light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 4

supported by a thermally conductive interface layer and electrical contact elements, allowing for improved thermal management and reduced system complexity by enabling efficient heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3961705A1Multi-color lighting device
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 LUMILEDS LLC
  • EP3961705A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3961705A1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3961705A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

According to the invention a lighting device (100) is provided comprising an electrically insulating layer (103); at least one first light emitting element (111) configured to emit light of a first color, and at least one second light emitting element (113) configured to emit light of a second color, the at least one first light emitting element and the at least one second light emitting element being arranged on the electrically insulating layer; and at least one electrical contact element (121, 123, 125), wherein the at least one electrical contact element is arranged at least in part on the electrically insulating layer and is electrically connected to the at least one first light emitting element and/or to the at least one second light emitting element.