Multi-Color Phosphor Illumination Structure With Light Blocking Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle illumination devices lack the ability to express various colors due to the nature of their lighting devices, which are typically uniform in color, limiting their functional and aesthetic capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An illumination device with separate light emitting regions and blocking regions is achieved by disposing a light blocking layer between phosphor layers of different colors, allowing for the formation of distinct color emissions while preventing color mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple phosphor layers of different colors are disposed adjacent to each other without a light blocking layer, then the structure is simpler and manufacturing is easier, but colors mix and the desired color separation is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor separation precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light blocking layer as a segmentation element between adjacent phosphor layers of different colors. This layer divides the light emission paths, preventing color mixing while maintaining the modular structure of multiple phosphor layers. The segmentation allows each phosphor layer to maintain its color purity without requiring complex isolation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking layer serves as an intermediary element between adjacent phosphor layers. It mediates the interaction between different color lights by blocking unwanted light paths while allowing the desired color emission to pass through. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall structure compared to more complex optical isolation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a light blocking layer is introduced between phosphor layers, then color mixing is prevented and color purity is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex and manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor separation precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light blocking layer is implemented as a thin film structure that can be integrated into the existing phosphor layer assembly. This thin film approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the color separation function, as thin films can be applied using standard coating or lamination processes without requiring complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Manufacturing precision

If the light blocking layer has large thickness, then light blocking performance is improved, but the overall device thickness increases and light emitting region is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor separation precisionVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thin film light blocking layer that provides sufficient optical blocking performance while maintaining minimal thickness. This thin film approach allows the device to achieve color separation without significantly increasing overall device thickness or reducing the light emitting region of the phosphor layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional lighting devices with uniform color are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to express various colors for functional and aesthetic purposes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor expression capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light emission function into multiple phosphor layers, each responsible for a specific color. This segmentation enables the device to express various colors while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each phosphor layer can be independently optimized and assembled using standard procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination device achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple phosphor layers that emit different colors from the same light source. This universal structure allows the device to perform various lighting functions and aesthetic expressions without requiring multiple separate lighting systems, thereby managing complexity effectively.

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

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 design enables the realization of multiple colors through phosphor layers with improved adhesive force and process simplicity, reducing thickness and minimizing unwanted color emission.

Implementation Method 1

The phosphor converts light emitted from the light emitting device into a specific color to emit light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhosphorescence: Phosphorescence

Implementation Method 2

a light blocking layer is formed between phosphor layers emitting different colors, thereby preventing colors mixed by different colors from being displayed to the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3787049B1Illumination device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3787049B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3787049B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3787049B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An illumination device disclosed in an embodiment of the invention includes a substrate, a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the substrate, a resin layer disposed on the plurality of light emitting elements, a first phosphor layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, and a plurality of second phosphor layers disposed on side surfaces of the resin layer, and a first light blocking layer disposed between the first phosphor layer and the second phosphor layer. The first phosphor layer and the second phosphor layer may have different colors.