Radiation Guide Display with Controllable Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display technologies for home appliances, such as LED lamps, require significant physical space, high power consumption, and lack resistance to temperature and humidity, making them inefficient for compact and cost-effective optical information display.
Innovation Solution
A device using a radiation guide with luminescent elements and a barrier element whose reflectance is externally controllable, utilizing a single or few radiation sources, allowing for compact design, low component requirements, and adjustable information display, while keeping electronic components away from potential high temperatures and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional LED lamps or illumination technologies are used to display optical information, then the display function is achieved, but the physical space requirement increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple luminescent elements are integrated into a single radiation guide structure, allowing multiple light sources to share common optical pathways and control electronics. This merging approach reduces the total physical space required while maintaining the ability to display multiple information states through different combinations of luminescent elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar LED arrangements to a three-dimensional radiation guide structure where light propagates through volumetric paths. This dimensional transition enables more efficient space utilization by guiding radiation through the interior volume of the display element rather than requiring surface-mounted components
2Illumination intensity
If conventional LED lamps or illumination technologies are used to display optical information, then the display function is achieved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each luminescent element within the radiation guide can be independently controlled with individual drive signals, allowing only the necessary elements to be activated based on the information to be displayed. This local control capability reduces overall power consumption compared to conventional approaches where entire LED arrays must be activated
Solution Approach 2:
The display system dynamically adjusts the activation state of individual luminescent elements based on the information being displayed, enabling energy-efficient operation by activating only the minimum necessary elements rather than maintaining constant illumination across the entire display
3Illumination intensity
If conventional LED lamps or illumination technologies are used to display optical information, then the display function is achieved, but the temperature and humidity resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic LED components with luminescent elements that can be driven by simple electrical signals without requiring complex electronic control circuits. This substitution of mechanical/electronic systems with optical materials inherently improves resistance to temperature and humidity since the luminescent materials themselves are passive and environmentally stable
4Loss of information
If multiple radiation sources are used to illuminate luminescent elements, then the display information capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single radiation guide structure serves multiple functions: it guides radiation from multiple sources, houses multiple luminescent elements, provides structural support, and enables optical coupling between components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive information display capability
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation guide is divided into multiple segments or regions, each containing luminescent elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows complex information to be displayed through combinations of activated segments while using a unified radiation guide structure rather than requiring separate structures for each element
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 achieves a compact, cost-effective, and reliable display of optical information with reduced power consumption and improved resistance to environmental factors, enabling efficient use in home appliances.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation guide (4) provided on top of the substrate for guiding a source radiation (9)
Implementation Method 2
at least two luminescent elements (3), wherein the at least two luminescent elements emit visible light (10) when radiated via the source radiation (9)
Implementation Method 3
at least one barrier element (5) arranged in between the at least two luminescent elements (3), wherein the at least one barrier element is configured such that its reflectance with respect to the source radiation (9) is influenceable from the exterior
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for displaying optical information to a user and a method for manufacturing a device (1) for displaying optical information to a user. The device (1) for displaying optical information to a user comprises a substrate (2), and a radiation guide (4) provided on top of the substrate (2) for guiding a source radiation (9). The device (1) further comprises at least two luminescent elements (3), wherein the at least two luminescent elements (3) emit visible light (10) when radiated via the source radiation (9). Furthermore, the device (1) comprises at least one barrier element (5) arranged in between the at least two luminescent elements (3), wherein the at least one barrier element (5) is configured such that its reflectance with respect to the source radiation (9) is influenceable from the exterior.