Structured Converter Structure for Localized Infrared Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for delivering infrared light in dermatological treatments face challenges due to the inefficiency of OLEDs at longer wavelengths and the complexity of achieving localized irradiation, with materials used in masks heating up and reducing precision, and existing IR sources requiring complex optical systems.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic component comprising an electromagnetic radiation source with a converter structure that converts a portion of the emitted radiation into infrared light, allowing for localized emission from a predefined region smaller than the source, using a structured converter material and a holding device for precise alignment and hygiene compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If OLEDs are used for IR emission, then the device can be produced with simpler structure, but the emission efficiency decreases with increasing wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a converter structure as an intermediary component between the visible-light OLED and the target IR region. The converter material absorbs visible light from the OLED and converts it to infrared radiation, enabling efficient IR emission without requiring the OLED to directly emit at IR wavelengths. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the simple OLED structure while achieving high efficiency through the converter intermediary.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used for local delimitation, then the treatment area can be defined, but the implementation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The converter structure is selectively applied only in the predefined region where IR emission is required, rather than covering the entire OLED surface. This creates local quality by concentrating the conversion function precisely where needed, achieving accurate local delimitation without requiring complex optical systems or masks. The structured application of converter material enables precise treatment area definition with simple implementation.
3Manufacturing precision
If masks are used for local delimitation in IR emission, then the treatment area can be defined, but the mask materials heat up and the delimitation becomes indistinct
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the delimitation function from a separate mask component and integrates it directly into the converter structure itself. By applying the converter material in a structured fashion only in the predefined region, the delimitation precision is maintained without introducing a separate mask that would heat up. This eliminates the mask heating problem while preserving accurate local delimitation.
4Ease of manufacture
If contact methods are used with conversion areas, then the conversion can be achieved, but hygiene standards in medicine cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into a reusable OLED unit and a disposable converter structure. The converter structure with the structured converter material is designed as a single-use component that is discarded after one patient treatment, while the expensive OLED can be reused. This segmentation allows easy implementation of wavelength conversion while meeting hygiene standards through disposable components.
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
Enables efficient and precise localized delivery of infrared radiation for dermatological treatments, improving hygiene standards and extending the lifespan of components by allowing independent exchange and reuse, while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one converter material is designed to convert at least one portion of the first electromagnetic radiation into at least one second electromagnetic radiation. The at least one second electromagnetic radiation has at least one different wavelength than the at least one portion of the first electromagnetic radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic component is provided. The optoelectronic component includes an electromagnetic radiation source including an optically active region designed for emitting a first electromagnetic radiation, and a converter structure, which includes at least one converter material and is arranged in the beam path of the first electromagnetic radiation. The at least one converter material is designed to convert at least one portion of the first electromagnetic radiation into at least one second electromagnetic radiation. The at least one second electromagnetic radiation has at least one different wavelength than the at least one portion of the first electromagnetic radiation. The converter structure is formed in a structured fashion in such a way that the converter structure has a predefined region, such that the at least one second electromagnetic radiation is emittable only from the predefined region. The predefined region has a smaller area than the optically active region.