Multi-Emitter Light Layout With Reflective Surfaces for Heat Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

When multiple light-emitting elements are disposed close to each other, the heat sources can come into close proximity, potentially leading to overheating and reduced light output due to temperature characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting device with a base member and multiple light-emitting elements, where each element emits light along a distinct optical axis, and one or more light reflective members with inclined surfaces are used to distribute the light-emitting elements in a manner that increases the distance between them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If multiple light-emitting elements are disposed close to each other to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but heat concentration increases causing overheating and reduced light output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidheat concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of light-emitting elements to a three-dimensional spatial configuration using inclined reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces are tilted at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the mounting surface, creating vertical and angular separation between elements while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint. This dimensional transformation allows heat sources to be distributed in three-dimensional space rather than concentrated on a two-dimensional plane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the light-emitting elements into multiple groups or sets, where each group is assigned to a different inclined reflective surface. This segmentation separates the heat sources spatially, with each group positioned to reflect light from a specific direction. The segmentation strategy enables independent thermal management zones while maintaining overall device compactness through the folded optical path design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If multiple light-emitting elements are disposed close to each other, then device complexity is reduced, but light output quality deteriorates due to heat-induced temperature characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidlight output stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined reflective surfaces serve multiple functions simultaneously: they reflect and redirect light from different directions, provide thermal isolation between light-emitting elements, and establish precise optical alignment paths. Each reflective surface acts as a multi-functional component that combines optical reflection, thermal management, and spatial positioning functions, thereby maintaining device simplicity while ensuring reliable light output through improved thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If light-emitting elements are separated to reduce heat concentration, then temperature control is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat distributionVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined reflective surfaces act as intermediary components that enable spatial separation of light-emitting elements without requiring proportional increases in device volume. These reflective intermediaries fold the optical paths and redirect light from separated elements into a compact output configuration, effectively decoupling the thermal separation distance from the overall device footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for the distributed disposition of light-emitting elements, reducing the concentration of heat sources and minimizing the risk of overheating, thereby enhancing the light output and reliability of the device.

Implementation Method 1

one or more light reflective members including a first light reflective surface that includes a first position to be irradiated with the light passing along the first optical axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12215857B2Light emitting device

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 NICHIA CORP

AI summary

A light emitting device includes: a base member including a mounting surface, a first light-emitting element that is disposed on the mounting surface and emits light passing along a first optical axis, a second light-emitting element that is disposed on the mounting surface and emits light passing along a second optical axis, a third light-emitting element that is disposed on the mounting surface and emits light passing along a third optical axis, and one or more light reflective members including a first light reflective surface that includes a first position to be irradiated with the light passing along the first optical axis, a second light reflective surface that includes a second position to be irradiated with the light passing along the second optical axis and, and a third light reflective surface that includes a third position to be irradiated with the light passing along the third optical axis.