Thyristor Light-Emitting Structure With Shielded Emission Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Light-emitting elements in certain devices can be erroneously turned on by external light, leading to malfunctions, and there is a need for a solution to prevent this occurrence.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting component with a thyristor structure that includes a substrate and light-emitting elements with a light shield covering the inner surface of the emission opening to suppress external light transmission, preventing erroneous activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If light-emitting elements are made sensitive to external light for control purposes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to erroneous activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight control sensitivityVSAvoiderroneous activation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the light-emitting element. The light-receiving surface has high sensitivity to external light for control, while the inner surface of the opening has light-shielding properties to prevent erroneous activation. This local differentiation of optical properties resolves the contradiction between operational sensitivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the light-shielding layer on the inner surface) that mediates between the external light input and the light-emitting element. This intermediary allows controlled light reception while blocking harmful stray light, thus preventing erroneous activation while maintaining operational control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the light-emitting element structure is simplified without additional shielding components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to external light interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding structure complexityVSAvoiderroneous activation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light-shielding function with the existing structural components of the light-emitting element. The shielding layer is integrated into the element's housing or mounting structure rather than being a separate component, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-shielding structure serves multiple functions: it prevents erroneous activation from stray light, maintains the structural integrity of the element, and can potentially serve as a mounting or alignment feature. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated shielding components.

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 solution effectively prevents light-emitting elements from being turned on by external light, enhancing the reliability and reducing malfunctions in light-emitting devices.

Implementation Method 1

an inner surface of the opening is covered with a light shield that suppresses transmission of light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20230378370A1Light-emitting component, optical measurement device, image forming apparatus, and method for manufacturing light-emitting component
Publication Date: 2023.11.23 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US20230378370A1 patent drawing
  • US20230378370A1 patent drawing
  • US20230378370A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A light-emitting component includes a substrate and a light-emitting element provided on the substrate and configured to emit light in a direction intersecting a surface of the substrate. The light-emitting element includes a thyristor having an opening through which light is emitted, and an inner surface of the opening is covered with a light shield that suppresses transmission of light.