Segmented Electroluminescent Light Source for Luminance Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in performance characteristics of LEDs, such as luminance with voltage and current, leads to inefficiencies in manufacturing yields due to variations among individual LEDs, requiring sorting and elimination of non-conforming components, which reduces system uniformity and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electroluminescent light source with segmented discrete light-emitting elements, allowing independent control of luminance parameters, comprising wireframe, conical, or pyramidal elements organized into subsets with varying numbers of elements connected in specific configurations, and a control circuit for adjusting luminance, enabling precise adjustment of luminance and voltage parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If LEDs are assembled in systems with tens or hundreds of individual LEDs, then the system can achieve required luminance levels, but variations in LED performance characteristics lead to poor uniformity and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The LED array is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or groups. Each segment can be individually adjusted or deactivated to compensate for performance variations, allowing the system to achieve uniform overall luminance despite variations in individual LED characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control of LED segments through adjustable drive circuits that can independently modify the operating parameters (current, voltage) of each segment. This dynamic adjustment capability enables real-time compensation for performance variations to maintain uniformity.
2Ease of manufacture
If LEDs with varying performance characteristics are used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but sorting and elimination of non-conforming components is required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the LED array into controllable groups, the system can accommodate a broader range of LED performance characteristics without requiring strict sorting. Non-conforming LEDs can be compensated through segment-level adjustment rather than requiring complete component rejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (drive current, voltage) of different LED segments to compensate for manufacturing variations. This allows LEDs with varying characteristics to be used together by adjusting their operational parameters rather than sorting them during manufacturing.
3Reliability
If the dispersion of LED performance is reduced through sorting, then system uniformity improves, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED array is organized into segments that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain uniformity through electronic adjustment of segment parameters rather than requiring physical sorting of individual LEDs during manufacturing, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of LED segment parameters to achieve uniformity. Rather than requiring external sorting processes during manufacturing, the system automatically compensates for variations through its control circuitry, eliminating the need for separate sorting operations.
4Productivity
If individual LED performance variations are accommodated, then manufacturing yield increases, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED array is divided into a manageable number of segments with intermediate-level control circuits. This segmentation approach balances the ability to compensate for individual LED variations against the complexity of control, avoiding the need for completely independent control of each individual LED while still achieving uniformity.
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 allows for improved reproducibility and reduced performance dispersion by enabling precise adjustment of luminance and voltage parameters, enhancing the uniformity and efficiency of LED systems by selectively activating or deactivating segments to meet specific specifications.
Implementation Method 1
The field of the invention is that of light-emitting light sources of the light-emitting diode type, commonly designated by the acronym LED
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electroluminescent light source with an adjusted or adjustable luminance parameter ((1, L), (V,L),…), characterised in that: said source comprises a set of segments (S i), each segment (S i) comprising a discrete electroluminescent element or a plurality of discrete electroluminescent elements that are permanently interconnected and have an emission surface; at least some of said segments have different emission surfaces; and said source comprises means for controlling at least some of said segments (S i).