Series-Connected OLED Modules with Bypass Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) face challenges in reliability and efficiency due to high failure rates from electrical shorts and mismatched voltage requirements, making it difficult to create scalable and cost-effective solid-state lighting systems.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves connecting multiple OLED modules in series, allowing for individual module removal and replacement without disrupting the entire system, and using a bypass switch to maintain current flow, which matches voltage requirements with standard voltage sources and reduces power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple OLEDs are connected in parallel to meet voltage requirements, then voltage matching is improved, but current distribution becomes unbalanced and power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the OLED system into multiple independent modules, each operating at its optimal voltage. By segmenting the overall lighting system into series-connected modules, each module can be matched to standard voltage sources (e.g., 12V) without requiring parallel connections, thereby eliminating current distribution issues and reducing power loss while maintaining voltage adaptability.
2Loss of energy
If OLED modules are connected in series, then power loss is reduced and efficiency improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to high failure rates from electrical shorts
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into modular OLED units with individual encapsulation and electrical connections, the patent enables isolation of failures to single modules. This segmentation allows failed modules to be identified and replaced independently, maintaining series connection efficiency while improving overall system reliability through modular fault containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements bypass switches and receptacles that provide alternative current paths before failure propagates through the entire series circuit. When a module fails, the bypass mechanism activates to maintain circuit continuity, cushioning the impact of failure and ensuring system reliability while preserving the energy efficiency benefits of series connection.
3Ease of repair
If individual OLED modules are used, then ease of replacement is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for receptacles and bypass switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the OLED system into standardized modular units with uniform receptacles and connection interfaces. This segmentation enables simple plug-and-play replacement of individual modules without complex reconfiguration, while the modular design keeps the overall system manageable despite the added components for ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacles and bypass switches are designed as universal components that work across all OLED modules in the system. This universality reduces the need for module-specific complexity, as the same receptacle and bypass design can be applied to any module, simplifying manufacturing and maintenance while enabling easy replacement.
4Power
If high current is used to meet power requirements, then power delivery is improved, but electrical shorts cause catastrophic system failure
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power delivery into multiple series-connected OLED modules, the patent reduces the current requirement for each individual module while maintaining total system power output. This segmentation ensures that a short in one module affects only that module rather than causing catastrophic failure of the entire high-current system, thereby improving reliability while preserving power delivery capability.
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 enhances the reliability and efficiency of OLED-based lighting systems by allowing for easy module replacement, minimizing power loss, and ensuring continuous operation even if individual modules fail, while aligning with standard voltage sources.
Implementation Method 1
OLEDs make use of thin organic films that emit light when voltage is applied across the device
Data Source
AI summary
An organic solid state lighting system comprising multiple OLED modules connected in series is provided.