Photoelectric Conversion Colored Layer for Light Energy Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light-emitting devices and display devices face challenges in reducing power consumption due to inefficiencies in light usage, particularly when using color filters, which absorb unwanted wavelengths and increase power requirements, and existing solutions like dye-sensitized solar cells complicate manufacturing and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A light energy reuse type device is developed where a photoelectric conversion element, acting as a colored layer, is placed between substrates to convert light emitted from a light source into electric power efficiently, using an organic thin film solar cell and a top-emission structure to minimize material interference and simplify manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a color filter is used to achieve colored display, then color display is enabled, but light is absorbed and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor display capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the absorbed light energy, which would normally be wasted, into useful electric power through photoelectric conversion. The photoelectric conversion element captures the light absorbed by the colored layer and transforms it into electricity, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining color display functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The colored layer serves dual functions: it provides color filtering for display and simultaneously acts as a photoelectric conversion layer to generate electric power. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and optimizes energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a dye-sensitized solar cell is formed on the outer side of a display element to convert light energy, then power consumption is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the photoelectric conversion element with the display element structure by forming the photoelectric conversion layer in the same pixel structure where the light-emitting element is located. This integration eliminates the need for separate external solar cell formation and reduces manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel structure is segmented into distinct functional layers including the light-emitting element, colored layer, and photoelectric conversion layer, allowing each layer to be formed through dedicated processing steps while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If a dye-sensitized solar cell is formed directly on the display element, then light energy conversion is achieved, but the display element or driving transistor might be broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight energy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidelement integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pixel structure into separate functional layers with the photoelectric conversion layer positioned above the colored layer, which itself is above the light-emitting element. This layered segmentation protects underlying elements from damage during photoelectric conversion element formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent forms the photoelectric conversion layer and its electrode connections before completing the full pixel structure. This preliminary formation allows for careful connection establishment to the light-emitting element while protecting against subsequent damage during additional processing steps.

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 approach results in a light-emitting device with low power consumption, improved reliability, and efficient light energy conversion, reducing waste and enhancing the device's overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric conversion element, acting as a colored layer, is placed between substrates to convert light emitted from a light source into electric power efficiently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8946699B2Display device, light-emitting device, lighting device, and electronic appliance

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD

AI summary

A light energy reuse type display device, light-emitting device, and lighting device with low power consumption, which efficiently convert light emitted from a light source (including light emission from a light-emitting element) into electric power, are provided. A photoelectric conversion element interposed between a pair of substrates functions as a color filter (a colored layer); thus, light emitted from a light source (including light emission from a light-emitting element) is efficiently converted into electric power, and a light energy reuse type display device, light-emitting device, and lighting device with low power consumption can be provided.