OLED Metallic Layer Contact Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for electrical contacting and mounting of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) light sources are inefficient due to sensitivity to shearing stresses, high transition resistance, and limited applicability of flexible printed circuit boards, necessitating separate connection contacts and housing arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A light source with connection contacts bonded to a metallic layer and fixed within an insulating material housing, which serves both for electrical contacting and mechanical mounting, utilizing ultrasonic soldering or other bonding methods, allowing for reduced wiring effort and integrated voltage supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive bonds are used to fix electrical conductors to the metallic layer, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connection becomes extremely sensitive to shearing stresses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of electrical connectionVSAvoidsensitivity to shearing stresses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical connection function and mechanical mounting function into a single integrated base component. The base simultaneously provides electrical contact through conductive elements and mechanical support through integrated mounting structures, eliminating the need for separate adhesive bonding of conductors to the metallic layer. This integration resolves the contradiction by providing a robust mechanical connection that is not sensitive to shearing stresses while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical contact through integrated conductive elements, mechanical support for the OLED panel, and structural mounting for the lighting device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adhesive bonding operations and creates a more reliable connection that is not sensitive to shearing stresses.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If conductive elastomers are used for electrical connection, then electrical contact is established, but compression is required and transition resistance is comparatively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of electrical connectionVSAvoidtransition resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates conductive elements directly into the base structure, combining electrical connection and mechanical support functions. This eliminates the need for separate conductive elastomer components that require compression and exhibit high transition resistance. The integrated conductive paths provide low-resistance electrical contact without requiring additional compression mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If flexible printed circuit boards are used for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the solution is only applicable in certain applications due to sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of electrical connectionVSAvoidapplicability range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated base design with embedded conductive elements provides a universal solution that can be applied across different lighting applications without the limitations of flexible printed circuit boards. The base simultaneously provides electrical connection and mechanical support, making it adaptable to various OLED panel sizes and configurations while eliminating the sensitivity issues associated with flexible circuits.

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

4Reliability

If separate connection contacts and housing arrangements are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but wiring complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function and mechanical housing function into a single integrated base component. The base contains embedded conductive elements that provide electrical contact while the housing structure provides mechanical support and mounting. This integration significantly reduces wiring complexity by eliminating separate connection contacts and simplifying the electrical pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution combines electrical contacting and mechanical mounting in a single component, reducing wiring complexity and enabling flush panel designs, while allowing for efficient heat dissipation and easy assembly of OLED lamps.

Implementation Method 1

A metal layer vapor-deposited onto the carrier material takes over the voltage and power supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Ultrasonic soldering, in particular, is provided for producing the materially bonded connection between the metallic layer of the carrier material and the connection contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic soldering: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

Lamps with organic, light-emitting diodes (OLED)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 4

at least one organic light-emitting diode (OLED)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2732209B1Luminous means comprising at least one organic light-emitting diode
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 BJB GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2732209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2732209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2732209B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A luminous means is presented and described, comprising at least one organic light-emitting diode (OLED), which are applied on a carrier material on which a metallic layer has been vapour-deposited, said metallic layer serving for the voltage supply of the OLED and for this purpose being connected to connection conductors, wherein at least one connection contact firstly is linked cohesively to at least the metallic layer and secondly is fixed directly in an insulating-material housing.