Segmented Light-Emitting Structure With Seamless Optical Boundaries

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of producing segmented light-emitting devices with different brightness levels and colors increases production complexity, and existing devices struggle to efficiently operate with separate segments while minimizing unilluminated areas.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting device design featuring separate layer stacks with auxiliary structures between them, allowing independent operation and appearance of contiguous segments by using transparent or light-scattering materials to minimize visible separating areas, with electrodes designed for efficient light injection and output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate electrodes are provided for each segment to enable independent control, then segment independence and operational flexibility are improved, but production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegment independenceVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light-emitting device is divided into multiple segments with separate layer stacks, each capable of independent operation. Each segment has its own electrodes and can be controlled independently, allowing different brightness levels, colors, or shapes to be implemented in different segments simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An auxiliary structure is introduced between adjacent layer stacks to minimize visible separating areas. This intermediary structure fills the gaps between segments and contains light-scattering or transparent materials that reduce the visibility of boundaries, creating a seamless appearance while maintaining segment independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If auxiliary structures are added between layer stacks to minimize visible separating areas, then visual continuity and seamless appearance are improved, but device structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual continuityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An auxiliary structure is introduced between adjacent layer stacks to minimize visible separating areas. This intermediary structure fills the gaps between segments and contains light-scattering or transparent materials that reduce the visibility of boundaries, creating a seamless appearance while maintaining segment independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary structure contains light-scattering or transparent materials that optically blend the boundaries between segments. By manipulating light interaction (scattering or transmission), the visual continuity is improved without requiring complex mechanical or structural interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layer stacks are used to create differently shaped illuminable segments, then design flexibility and functionality are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light-emitting device is divided into multiple segments with separate layer stacks, each capable of independent operation. Each segment has its own electrodes and can be controlled independently, allowing different brightness levels, colors, or shapes to be implemented in different segments simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary structure serves multiple functions: it fills gaps between segments, scatters or transmits light to minimize visible boundaries, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying manufacturing despite the complexity of multiple layer stacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enables efficient operation and appearance of contiguous segments, minimizing unilluminated areas and simplifying production by allowing independent control of each segment, while maintaining seamless transitions and high light output.

Implementation Method 1

The auxiliary structure can have a light-scattering design at least in places

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

the auxiliary structure can be designed to be translucent at least in places, for example

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11757065B2Light-emitting component

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 AMS OSRAM INT GMBH

AI summary

A light-emitting component a first layer stack configured to generate light, at least one additional layer stack configured to generate light, where each of the first layer stack and the at least one additional layer stack are separately drivable from one another and where an auxiliary structure is arranged between the first layer stacks and the at least one additional layer stacks.