Segmented Solid-State Transducers for Light and Heat Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid state transducer (SST) devices have inherent manufacturing inconsistencies that lead to variations in light output and efficiency, making them less than optimally efficient and difficult to control in terms of heat management.
Innovation Solution
The development of SST devices with multiple, independently controlled lighting regions allows for separate control of light output and heat management, using a substrate with discrete contacts to establish separate electrical pathways for each region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single monolithic light delivery surface is used, then the device structure is simple, but light output varies due to manufacturing inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light delivery surface into multiple discrete regions, each with its own control circuitry. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of light output in each region to compensate for manufacturing variations, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and uniform light output.
2Illumination intensity
If a die-level lens is added to focus light, then light output direction is improved, but light outside the lens area is not focused and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light delivery surface into multiple regions, with at least one region containing a die-level lens. This allows focused light delivery in specific directions where needed, while other regions can deliver light more broadly, maintaining overall system efficiency while achieving directional control.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the lighting device operates continuously, then illumination is maintained, but heat accumulates and may damage the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into multiple independently controllable regions, allowing selective operation of different regions based on thermal conditions. When heat accumulation is detected in a particular region, that region can be reduced or shut off while other regions continue operating, maintaining illumination while managing heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables periodic or intermittent operation of different regions rather than continuous operation of the entire device. This allows heat to dissipate between operational cycles in specific regions, preventing thermal damage while maintaining overall illumination through alternating region activation.
4Reliability
If the entire device is shut off to prevent overheating, then heat damage is avoided, but the operational purpose is defeated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into multiple independently controllable regions, allowing partial operation rather than complete shutdown. When thermal limits are approached, only affected regions are reduced or shut off while other regions continue operating, maintaining the operational purpose while preventing heat damage.
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 approach enables high-resolution control over light output and heat dissipation, resulting in more uniform light distribution and extended operational lifespan by preventing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
SST devices generally use light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), organic light emitting diodes ("OLEDs"), and/or polymer light emitting diodes ("PLEDs") as sources of illumination
Implementation Method 2
the first contact 17 typically includes a reflective and conductive material, e.g., silver or aluminum, to direct light toward the N-type GaN 15. An optional converter material and an encapsulant can then be positioned over one another on the LED structure 11. In operation, the LED structure 11 can emit energy at a first wavelength, e.g., blue light, that stimulates the converter material, e.g., phosphor, to emit energy at a second wavelength, e.g., yellow light
Data Source
AI summary
Solid state transducer devices with independently controlled regions, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A solid state transducer device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a transducer structure having a first semiconductor material, a second semiconductor material and an active region between the first and second semiconductor materials, the active region including a continuous portion having a first region and a second region. A first contact is electrically connected to the first semiconductor material to direct a first electrical input to the first region along a first path, and a second contact electrically spaced apart from the first contact and connected to the first semiconductor material to direct a second electrical input to the second region along a second path different than the first path. A third electrical contact is electrically connected to the second semiconductor material.