Segmented LED Headlight Chip for Adaptive Illumination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lighting systems using LEDs lack fine illumination control and efficiency due to separate emitters and detectors requiring multiple components and optical alignments, which complicates adaptive lighting applications.
Innovation Solution
A segmented LED chip with trenches separating LEDs into emitters and detectors on the same die, allowing for shared optics and independent biasing, enabling fine control over illumination based on ambient light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate emitters and detectors are used in traditional LED lighting systems, then the system can perform basic lighting functions, but the system complexity increases due to requiring multiple components and optical alignments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines emitters and detectors onto a single LED chip, merging previously separate components into one integrated device. This integration eliminates the need for multiple components and their associated optical alignments, directly reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptive lighting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED chip is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both an emitter (when forward biased) and a detector (when reverse biased). This multi-functionality allows the same component to handle both illumination and ambient light sensing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated emitter and detector components.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for emitters and detectors, then basic lighting functions are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple optical alignments required
Solution Approach 1:
By merging emitters and detectors onto the same chip substrate, the patent eliminates the need for complex inter-component optical alignments during assembly. The integrated design ensures that emitters and detectors are inherently aligned through the chip's internal structure, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip is segmented into multiple sections, with each section containing both emitter and detector elements that are pre-aligned. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where each section can be independently fabricated and tested, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise optical alignment within each segment.
3Measurement precision
If traditional LED systems are used, then simple structure is maintained, but illumination control precision is insufficient for adaptive lighting applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by giving different sections of the chip different functions - some sections are optimized for emission while others are optimized for detection. Each section can be independently controlled and optimized for its specific function, enabling precise local illumination control while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip structure is designed to be dynamically configurable through independent biasing of different sections. The controller can selectively activate emitters or detectors in specific sections based on ambient light conditions, providing dynamic illumination control precision without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.
4Use of energy by moving object
If separate emitters and detectors are used, then basic lighting function is achieved, but energy efficiency is reduced due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The LED chip serves universal purposes by functioning as both emitter and detector. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated detector components that would consume additional power, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while reducing the total number of active components in the system.
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 segmented LED chip reduces system complexity, enhances illumination control, and optimizes energy use by allowing emitters and detectors to share optics, improving adaptive lighting systems' efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a segmented light-emitting diode (LED) chip including a plurality of LEDs that are separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED chip
Implementation Method 2
apply a reverse bias to each of the second LEDs, and change a brightness of the first LEDs in any section based on a signal generated by the second LED in that section
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive headlight is disclosed including: an optical unit including a plurality of optical elements, each optical element having a different central direction; a segmented light-emitting diode (LED) chip including a plurality of LEDs that are separated by trenches formed on the segmented LED chip and arranged in a plurality of sections, each section being aligned with a different respective optical element, and each section including at least one first LED and at least one second LED; and a controller configured to: apply a forward bias to each of the first LEDs, apply a reverse bias to each of the second LEDs, and change a brightness of the first LEDs in any section based on a signal generated by the second LED in that section.