3D-Formed Recess Substrate for Multilayer Light Source Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multilayer structures with integrated light-emitting components face challenges such as light leakage and crosstalk due to mutual disturbances between multiple radiation sources, leading to uncontrollable and inefficient light distribution, which complicates the design and thickness of the structure.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer structure featuring a flexible substrate with 3D-shaped recesses for aligned light sources and a thermoplastic optically transmissive light-guiding material layer that enables total internal reflection, minimizing light leakage and enhancing optical efficiency by aligning light sources with dedicated protrusions and indicator elements to control light propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple light sources are integrated in the same structure, then lighting coverage is improved, but light leakage and crosstalk increase due to mutual disturbances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting coverageVSAvoidlight leakage and crosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the structure into multiple recesses, each housing a separate light source. These recesses act as isolated compartments that segment the light paths, preventing mutual interference between adjacent light sources while maintaining comprehensive lighting coverage across the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each recess is designed with specific local optical properties including reflective surfaces positioned at defined angles (e.g., 45 degrees) to redirect light in controlled directions. This local optimization of light reflection and directionality ensures that each light source illuminates its designated area effectively without causing crosstalk to adjacent regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If light control features are added to correct light paths, then light distribution control is improved, but local material thickness increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution controlVSAvoidlocal material thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding thickness in the vertical dimension to control light paths, the patent utilizes the horizontal and angular dimensions by positioning reflective surfaces at specific angles within the recesses. This dimensional approach allows precise light path control without increasing the overall material thickness of the structure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The recesses are designed with curved or angled surfaces that naturally redirect light paths through geometric configuration rather than requiring additional thick material layers. The curved geometry of the recesses and reflective surfaces enables efficient light direction control while maintaining a thin overall profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 reduces light leakage and crosstalk, achieving uniform and efficient light distribution with minimal material thickness, allowing for dynamic control of lighting effects and improved integration in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoplastic optically transmissive light-guiding material layer (106)... configured to support total internal reflection based propagation of light therewithin enabled by an interface between the side walls of the protrusions and the neighbouring material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3549412B1Illumination structure and related method of manufacture
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 TACTOTEK
  • EP3549412B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3549412B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3549412B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Embodiments of light-emittting multilayer structures incorporating substrate films (102) 3D-formed with recesses (116) for light sources (104) and plastics material (106) molded thereupon are presented. Related methods of manufacture are set forth as well.