UV LED with Side-Phosphor for Visible Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting devices for medical applications lack visibility indicators for operational capability, as UV light is invisible to users, posing safety concerns due to unintentional exposure.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device comprising a semiconductor chip with a main radiation surface emitting UV light and a phosphor arranged at the side surfaces that absorbs and converts UV light into visible light, allowing the device to emit mixed light, with visible light indicating operational status and UV light being emitted through the main surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light is emitted for medical applications, then the device performs its intended function, but the UV light is invisible to users causing safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phosphor materials that convert UV light into visible light wavelengths, causing the device to emit visible light (color change) when UV light is emitted. This provides visual feedback to users about operational status while maintaining the UV emission function for medical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The phosphor acts as an intermediary substance between the UV light source and the user's eyes. It absorbs UV photons and re-emits visible photons, serving as a mediator that translates invisible radiation into visible signals without interfering with the primary UV emission function.
2Loss of information
If phosphor is added to convert UV light into visible light, then visibility and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UV LED chip and phosphor material into a single integrated emission unit. The phosphor is applied directly to or near the UV LED chip, merging the light conversion function with the light emission function in one compact structure rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The phosphor-coated UV LED chip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it emits UV light for medical applications through the main radiation surface and emits visible light as an operational indicator through the side surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate indicator LEDs or additional components.
3Loss of information
If phosphor is applied at side surfaces, then visible light emission is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light emission function into two distinct spatial zones: the main radiation surface for UV emission and the side surfaces for visible light emission. This segmentation allows the phosphor to be selectively applied only to side surfaces, creating clear functional zones that simplify manufacturing alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional geometry of the LED chip by emitting visible light through the side surfaces rather than the main radiation surface. This dimensional approach allows phosphor application on vertical surfaces while maintaining horizontal UV emission, reducing interference between the two functions and simplifying manufacturing.
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 provides a safe and visible operational indicator for users, enhancing safety in medical applications by converting invisible UV light into visible light, which is emitted through the side surfaces, while maintaining UV light emission through the main radiation surface.
Implementation Method 1
a phosphor arranged in the radiation beam of the UV light at the side surfaces, absorbs partially the UV light, wherein the phosphor converts the UV light into visible light
Implementation Method 2
a phosphor arranged in the radiation beam of the UV light at the side surfaces, absorbs partially the UV light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a light emitting device including a semiconductor chip having a main radiation surface, which emits UV light in operation, a phosphor, which is arranged in the radiation beam of the UV light, absorbs partially the UV light, wherein the phosphor converts the UV light into visible light so that the device emits mixed light comprising the UV light as well as visible light.