Modular OLED Luminaire with Individually Replaceable Optical Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OLED luminaires require complex and hazardous processes to replace the OLED panel when it fails, as the entire unit must be disassembled and refilled with index-matching fluid, which is costly and inconvenient for end users.
Innovation Solution
Designing luminaires with individually replaceable OLED panels, outcoupling components, and index-matching elements, such as gel pads or sheets, that can be easily swapped by consumers without specialized tools, ensuring compatibility and efficient light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the entire luminaire unit is made as a single integrated component, then structural simplicity is achieved, but replaceability and ease of maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is divided into separate replaceable modules: the OLED panel, the outcoupling component, and the index-matching element. Each module can be independently replaced without affecting the others, allowing users to maintain structural simplicity while enabling easy repair and replacement of individual components.
2Loss of energy
If the OLED panel is permanently sealed within the luminaire, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but ease of maintenance and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The OLED panel is pre-assembled with the index-matching element and outcoupling component in a modular configuration that maintains optimal optical coupling. This preliminary assembly preserves light extraction efficiency while creating a self-contained module that can be easily replaced as a unit, eliminating the need for complex disassembly and refilling procedures.
3Loss of energy
If index-matching fluid is used to maintain optical coupling, then light extraction is improved, but complexity and hazard of replacement processes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The index-matching element is extracted as a separate, self-contained component that can be replaced independently. This eliminates the need for hazardous fluid handling and complex refilling procedures, while maintaining optimal optical coupling between the OLED panel and outcoupling component through the pre-assembled modular design.
4Ease of manufacture
If the luminaire uses a fixed, non-modular design, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design creates universal interfaces and standardized mounting mechanisms that allow the same base luminaire structure to accommodate different OLED panel sizes, outcoupling component types, and index-matching element configurations. This maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized production processes while enabling adaptability for various applications and custom configurations.
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
Facilitates easy replacement and maintenance of OLED panels, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining light efficacy and aesthetic effects, allowing for smaller, brighter OLEDs to be used in lighting fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
an index-matching component disposed at least partially opposite the organic emissive component from the luminaire body
Implementation Method 2
an outcoupling component configured to outcouple light from the organic emissive component
Data Source
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AI summary
Luminaires and luminaire components are provided that may include emissive (320), index-matching, and/or outcoupling (330) components that are replaceable separately from other components of the luminaire. In some embodiments, an index-matching component may include a gel sheet or pad that can be disposed between an emissive component and an outcoupling component. The index-matching component may be replaceable separately from the emissive and outcoupling components (330). In some embodiments, an emissive component including an OLED panel and/or an index-matching component may be replaceable separately from other components of the luminaire.