Optoelectronic Component With Hidden Magnetic Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic components are difficult to identify and expensive to produce, particularly in a form that integrates a magnetic structure for unique identification while maintaining a visually uniform appearance.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic component with a magnetic structure covered by a coating that allows for machine-readable identification, integrated in a space-saving manner, using a matrix material with magnetic particles or strips, and a cover body to ensure the magnetic structure is not optically visible, combined with radiation-emitting semiconductor chips for electromagnetic radiation emission or reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a magnetic structure is integrated into the optoelectronic component for unique identification, then identification capability and data density are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic structure is integrated within the existing optoelectronic component structure, nesting the identification function inside the component housing or substrate. This allows the magnetic structure to be part of the component without adding external complexity, resolving the contradiction between identification capability and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic structure serves multiple purposes: providing unique identification through machine-readable patterns and potentially serving as part of the structural or functional architecture of the optoelectronic component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate identification components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity
2Loss of information
If a magnetic structure is integrated into the optoelectronic component for unique identification, then identification capability is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic structure is manufactured as an integrated part of the optoelectronic component during the same production process, rather than as a separate component requiring additional assembly steps. This nesting approach eliminates extra manufacturing operations and reduces production cost
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing processes for the optoelectronic component and the magnetic structure are merged into a single integrated production flow. The magnetic structure is formed using the same lithography, deposition, and fabrication steps already required for the optoelectronic devices, thereby eliminating additional production costs
3Loss of information
If the magnetic structure is made visible for identification purposes, then identification capability is improved, but visual uniformity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic structure is replicated or reflected in the coating layer, creating an optical illusion where the magnetic pattern appears visible without actually exposing the magnetic material. This copying approach provides machine-readable identification while maintaining visual uniformity for human observers
Solution Approach 2:
The coating layer is designed with specific optical properties that allow it to interact with light in a way that creates machine-readable patterns without visually disturbing the uniform appearance. The coating may use interference effects, absorption characteristics, or refractive index variations to encode information that is detectable by machines but invisible or indistinguishable to human eyes
4Loss of information
If the magnetic structure is exposed for identification, then identification capability is improved, but the magnetic structure becomes vulnerable to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The coating layer creates an optical copy or representation of the magnetic structure that provides identification capability without exposing the actual magnetic material. The magnetic structure remains protected beneath the coating, while the coating's optical properties enable machine-readable identification
Solution Approach 2:
A protective coating layer is applied over the magnetic structure, forming a thin film barrier that protects the magnetic material from corrosion, oxidation, and other external influences. The coating is designed with specific optical properties that allow machine-readable identification while maintaining the protective function
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
The solution enables unique identification of the optoelectronic component with high data density per area, cost-effectiveness, and increased light extraction efficiency, while maintaining a visually uniform appearance and protecting the magnetic structure from external influences.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic structure (4), covered by the coating (3), enabling the component (1) to be identified
Implementation Method 2
a coating (3) surrounding the at least one semiconductor chip (2) in the lateral direction, covering the magnetic structure (4)
Implementation Method 3
at least one radiation-emitting semiconductor chip (2) generating electromagnetic radiation during operation
Implementation Method 4
The at least one radiation-emitting semiconductor chip is configured, for example, to emit light of one colour
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic component (1) is specified, with at least one radiation-emitting semiconductor chip generating electromagnetic radiation during operation, a coating surrounding the at least one semiconductor chip in lateral directions, a magnetic structure covered by the coating, wherein the magnetic structure enables the component to be identified. Furthermore, a process for the manufacture of such an optoelectronic component is given.