Segmented LED Cell Layout for Wide-Voltage Automotive Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automotive light emitting devices face instability due to fluctuating battery voltages (6 V to 24 V) leading to inefficient energy use and increased size due to heat generation, limiting their usability in narrow spaces.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting device with multiple light-emitting cells connected in series through connection metal layers, controlled by a control unit to emit light in various patterns, using bump pads smaller than metal layers, and arranged to optimize voltage utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the light emitting device operates with fluctuating battery voltage (6V to 24V), then the device can adapt to varying voltage conditions, but the energy efficiency decreases and heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage adaptationVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The light emitting device is divided into multiple independently controllable light emitting cells (first, second, third cells). The control unit selectively activates specific cells based on the input voltage level, segmenting the overall light emission function to optimize energy efficiency across different voltage conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit dynamically adjusts which light emitting cells are activated based on the detected battery voltage. At lower voltages (6V), fewer cells are activated to maintain efficiency, while at higher voltages (24V), more cells can be activated. This dynamic adaptation prevents energy waste and excessive heat generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If more light emitting cells are activated to utilize higher voltage, then voltage utilization improves, but heat generation increases requiring larger heat sinks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage utilizationVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the light emitting device into multiple controllable cells, the system can activate only the necessary number of cells based on voltage input. This prevents excessive heat generation from activating all cells at high voltage, while still achieving good voltage utilization by activating appropriate subsets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes the operational parameters (which specific cells are active) based on the input voltage level. At 24V, the system can activate more cells to utilize the available voltage, while at 6V, it activates fewer cells to maintain temperature within acceptable limits, thus balancing voltage utilization and heat management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the device size is reduced to improve usability in narrow spaces, then the compactness improves, but the ability to dissipate heat decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented cell structure allows the device to activate only the necessary number of cells based on voltage input, thereby reducing instantaneous heat generation. This enables compact design without requiring large heat dissipation structures, as the heat load is dynamically controlled to match the activated cell count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Illumination intensity

If all light emitting cells are activated simultaneously, then the brightness increases, but the energy efficiency decreases due to voltage mismatch

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit selectively activates specific segments (light emitting cells) based on the input voltage level. At 6V, it activates fewer cells for efficient operation, while at 24V, it can activate more cells to achieve higher brightness. This segmented approach ensures that brightness is optimized without causing voltage mismatch and energy waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Reduces energy waste as heat, improves efficiency, and allows miniaturization by optimizing voltage use, eliminating the need for a separate heat sink, enhancing applicability in confined spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light-emitting cells arranged on a surface of the base substrate and configured to emit light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of connection metal layers connecting the plurality of light-emitting cells and configured to electrically connect the plurality of light-emitting cells in series

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4586321A1Light-emitting device
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 SEOUL SEMICONDUCTOR
  • EP4586321A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4586321A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4586321A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a light emitting device including: a base substrate; a plurality of light-emitting cells arranged on a surface of the base substrate to emit light; a plurality of connection metal layers connecting the plurality of light-emitting cells so that the plurality of light-emitting cells are electrically connected in series; a plurality of bump pads respectively laminated on the plurality of connection metal layers; and a control unit that applies current to at least some of the plurality of bump pads to cause at least one of the plurality of light-emitting cells to emit light.