Optical Member Wiring Layout for Boundary Crack Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light emitting devices using laser elements face challenges in detecting cracks or defects near the boundary between the fluorescent material plate and its holding member, leading to insufficient prevention of laser light leakage.

Innovation Solution

An optical member with a conversion member that converts laser light into a different wavelength, a holding member, and an elongated wiring extending along both surfaces, allowing for more accurate detection of defects that could cause laser light leakage, integrated with a method of manufacturing this optical member by molding the conversion and holding members together and forming the wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an electrically conductive thin wire or track is formed on the fluorescent material plate surface, then laser light leakage can be detected, but cracks near the boundary between the fluorescent material plate and holding member cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidlaser light leakage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the detection system from a two-dimensional surface (conductive film on fluorescent plate) to a three-dimensional continuous structure by adding a conductive film on the holding member surface and connecting wires that bridge the boundary region. This dimensional extension allows detection of cracks that occur at the interface between components, which were previously undetectable by surface-only monitoring methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces connecting wires as intermediary elements that physically and electrically bridge the fluorescent material plate and the holding member. These intermediaries extend the conductive network into the boundary region, enabling detection of cracks that occur at the interface where the fluorescent plate meets the holding member structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If displacement of the fluorescent material plate occurs during use, then it remains undetected unless wire breakage occurs, but this provides insufficient prevention of laser light leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection simplicityVSAvoidlaser light leakage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary detection capability by creating a continuous conductive monitoring network before defects occur. The connecting wires and extended conductive film are pre-positioned to cover potential crack locations and displacement zones, enabling early detection of boundary cracks and plate displacement before they cause laser light leakage or wire breakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables more precise detection of defects that may lead to laser light leakage, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the light emitting device.

Implementation Method 1

a conversion member including a first surface that serves as a light-irradiated surface or a light extraction surface, and adapted to convert laser light, which is an excitation light, into light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the excitation light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavelength conversion: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3734778B1Optical member, optical device, and method for manufacturing optical member
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 NICHIA CORP
  • EP3734778B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3734778B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3734778B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical member (1A) includes a conversion member (2) including a first surface that serves as a light extraction surface (2a), and adapted to convert laser light, which is an excitation light, into light having a wavelength different from a wavelength of the excitation light; a holding member (3) holding the conversion member (2) and including a second surface that is continuous with the first surface of the conversion member; and a wiring (4) having an elongated shape and extending continuously along the first surface and the second surface.