Touch-Sensing LED Array for Integrated Input and Light Output

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED systems require separate input and output devices, lacking an integrated solution for simultaneous input and output capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An integrated LED switch device and array that incorporates touch sensor functionality directly into the LED structure, allowing for direct user interaction with visual outputs through capacitive touch sensing, enabling both input and output operations on a single platform.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional light sources (incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes) are used, then they provide sufficient illumination, but they generate excessive heat and consume high energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of light sources by using LEDs that operate at lower voltages and currents, converting electrical energy directly to light through electroluminescence rather than heating filaments or gas discharge, thereby reducing both energy consumption and heat generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/thermal light generation systems (incandescent filaments, fluorescent gas discharge) with solid-state electroluminescent diodes, eliminating the need for heating elements and reducing energy loss to heat

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If LED modules are made smaller and more compact, then device size is reduced, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the LED module within a compact housing that integrates the heat sink structure, allowing the heat dissipation system to be embedded within the device volume rather than requiring external space, thus achieving small size while maintaining effective heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a thermally conductive interface material and integrated heat sink as intermediary structures between the LED chips and the external environment, facilitating efficient heat transfer from the compact LED module to the surrounding air

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple LED modules are connected in series to increase voltage, then power consumption is reduced, but the system becomes more sensitive to voltage fluctuations and individual module failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lighting system into multiple independent LED modules that can be connected in parallel, allowing each module to operate independently at lower voltages while maintaining overall system power consumption through increased current capacity, thereby improving reliability through modular independence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs universal LED modules with standardized electrical and mechanical interfaces that can be configured in various series or parallel arrangements, allowing the same module design to serve multiple voltage and power requirements while maintaining system reliability through interchangeability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of repair

If LED modules are designed to be modular and interchangeable, then ease of replacement is improved, but connection reliability and contact stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection contacts with the mechanical mounting structure into an integrated connector system, where the same components that secure the module mechanically also establish electrical contacts, ensuring that proper mechanical attachment automatically guarantees reliable electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs spring-loaded or elastic contact elements in the connector that provide continuous mechanical pressure to maintain stable electrical contact, compensating for any dimensional variations or wear that might occur during repeated insertion and removal cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 seamless integration of input and output functions, enhancing user interaction and reducing the need for separate input devices, while maintaining the versatility of LED applications across various fields.

Implementation Method 1

Light emitting diodes have replaced conventional light sources, such as incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes, because they consume less energy and last longer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode electroluminescence: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

Light emitting diodes have replaced conventional light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2666157B1Light emitting diode switch device and array
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 FONG PETER SUI LUN
  • EP2666157B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2666157B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4B
  • EP2666157B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5C

AI summary

An LED switch device and a matrix thereof are disclosed. There is an electroluminescent semiconductor element with a first polarity contact and a second polarity contact. There is also a first polarity LED lead frame, to which the electroluminescent semiconductor element is mounted. The first polarity contact of the electroluminescent semiconductor element is electrically connected to the first polarity LED lead frame. The LED switch device has a second polarity LED lead frame electrically connected to the second polarity contact of the electroluminescent semiconductor element. The LED switch device also has a touch sensor lead frame that is electrically connected to a touch sensor lead.