OLED Lighting Module with Rotational Symmetry Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OLED lighting systems face challenges in achieving homogeneous current density distribution over large areas due to the high impedance of transparent electrodes, limiting the maximum size of evenly lit OLEDs and requiring complex and non-optimal contact configurations that are not protected against polarity reversal.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module with power supply and power output connections arranged in an n-fold rotational symmetry on its module body, allowing for reliable and polarity-protected interconnection of larger OLED areas, with power supply connections and power drain connections extending at different distances to prevent polarity reversal, and incorporating control bus connections for professional light control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If transparent electrode materials (ITO) are used in OLEDs, then the device structure is simple and transparent, but the electrical conductivity is low which limits the maximum achievable luminous surface size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-area OLED into multiple smaller individual OLED areas (modules) that can be uniformly lit. Each module has its own transparent electrodes with adequate conductivity, and the modules are combined to form a larger luminous surface, overcoming the conductivity limitation of ITO in large areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical contacting system with distribution boards and connection elements that mediate between the multiple OLED modules and the power supply. This system enables efficient current distribution to maintain homogeneous luminance across the large-area composite OLED while using standard ITO electrodes in each module
2Area of stationary object
If metal reinforcements (busbars) are introduced into the ITO layer to reduce resistance, then larger diode areas can be realized, but the effective luminous area is reduced due to non-transparency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using metal busbars in a continuous large-area OLED, the patent segments the device into multiple smaller OLED modules. Each module uses transparent ITO electrodes without metal reinforcements, maintaining full transparency and luminous area. The modules are arranged and connected electrically to achieve the desired large-area lighting effect without sacrificing luminous output
3Ease of operation
If standard contact configurations are used for OLED modules, then the connection is simple, but the arrangement is not protected against polarity reversal and connection resistances are non-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric contact configurations where power supply connections and power drain connections are arranged in non-symmetric positions on the distribution boards and connection elements. This asymmetric arrangement provides inherent polarity protection, as incorrect polarity connection would result in non-functional or damaged modules, preventing reverse polarity operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the contact configuration and connection elements in advance to incorporate polarity protection features. The asymmetric arrangement and specialized connection geometry are built-in from the design stage, preventing polarity reversal before it can cause damage, rather than relying on external protection circuits
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
Enables the creation of large-area, evenly lit OLED lighting systems with reliable polarity protection and efficient control, allowing for flexible and scalable lighting solutions without the limitations of traditional contact configurations.
Implementation Method 1
By applying a suitable voltage between these two electrodes, electromagnetic radiation is emitted within the organic layer, in particular light in the optically visible range or infrared radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting module (10) comprising a module base (20), a first pair of connections consisting of a first power supply connection (A1; 82) and a first power tapping connection (K1; 84) and at least one second pair of connections consisting of a second power supply connection (A2; 82') and a second power tapping connection (K2; 84'). The arrangement of the pairs of connections on the module base (20) has an n-dimensional rotational symmetry corresponding to the number n of pairs of connections.