Phosphor Segmentation with Filler for Headlamp Contrast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle headlight conversion means face limitations in thermal management and achievable resolution or contrast ratio due to multiple scattering of converting particles, leading to lateral spread of the illuminated point, and lack of intrinsic monitoring for safe laser use.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of depressions with an electrically conductive layer and a filler in the phosphor, along with a measuring device to monitor resistance, enhances mechanical stability and contrast by reducing segment size and preventing light crosstalk, while sealing micro-cracks and providing intrinsic functionality monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the phosphor is subdivided into individual conversion segments by recesses, then the lateral spread of the illuminated point is reduced and resolution is improved, but the mechanical strength and overall integrity of the phosphor are weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresolutionVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The phosphor is divided into multiple conversion segments by forming recesses between them, which reduces lateral light spread and improves resolution. The recesses are filled with filler material to maintain mechanical integrity while preserving the segmentation benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The phosphor structure is created as a composite material system where the phosphor material is combined with a filler material in the recesses. This composite structure provides both the optical segmentation benefits and the mechanical strength needed to prevent breakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If the phosphor is subdivided into individual conversion segments, then the contrast ratio is improved, but microcracks and breakouts occur in the individual segments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrast ratioVSAvoidintegrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The phosphor is segmented into distinct conversion segments separated by recesses, which improves contrast ratio by reducing optical crosstalk between segments. The recesses are filled with filler material to prevent microcracks and maintain structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filler material acts as an intermediary substance in the recesses between conversion segments. It provides mechanical support to prevent segment breakage and microcracks, while also serving as an optical barrier to maintain contrast ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional conversion agents are used, then thermal management is challenging and lateral dot spread occurs, but no intrinsic monitoring of functionality is provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality monitoringVSAvoidmonitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filler material in the recesses serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support to maintain segment integrity, acts as an optical barrier to improve contrast, and enables intrinsic functionality monitoring through conductivity measurements, eliminating the need for separate monitoring systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion agent structure includes built-in monitoring capability through the filler material's electrical conductivity. The system monitors its own functionality by measuring resistance changes in the filler material, allowing self-detection of degradation or failure without external monitoring equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 increases the contrast capability and mechanical stability of the conversion medium, allowing for improved resolution and reduced lateral spread of the illuminated point, while ensuring safe and functional operation through intrinsic monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

the light source is configured to excite the conversion segments to emit light with a wavelength conversion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

the depressions have at least an electrically conductive layer in at least some areas, and the light module further has at least a measuring device which is set up to measure the resistance of the at least one electrically conductive layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3543596B1Light module for a motor vehicle headlamp
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP3543596B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~3
  • EP3543596B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Light module for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising a conversion agent (100) and a light source (200), the conversion agent (100) having a phosphor (120) arranged on a carrier layer (110), wherein the phosphor (120) has a plurality of conversion segments (125) formed by recesses (130) in the phosphor (120), wherein the light source (200) is configured to excite the conversion segments (125) to emit light with a wavelength conversion, wherein the recesses (130) are formed as a continuous structure and are filled with a filler (300).