Vehicle Lamp Organic EL Panel Electrode Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle lamps using organic electroluminescence (EL) panels require complex assembly processes for connecting the panel and power feeding sections, increasing assembly time and costs.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle lamp design that integrates the organic EL panel's first electrode with the power feeding section's second electrode during fixing, eliminating the need for separate connection work by using a resistor and a bracket system to ensure constant brightness and secure the panel, allowing for simultaneous electrical connection and fixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connector or feeder cable is used to connect organic EL panel and power feeding section, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly man-hours increase and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly man-hours
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical fixing function by integrating the electrode directly into the mounting section. The first electrode of the organic EL panel is formed integrally with the mounting section, eliminating the need for separate connectors or feeder cables. This single-integration approach achieves both electrical connection and mechanical fixation simultaneously, reducing assembly steps and man-hours while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If connector or feeder cable is used to connect organic EL panel and power feeding section, then electrical connection is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrode and mounting section into a single integrated structure. By forming the first electrode integrally with the mounting section, the invention eliminates the need for separate connector components and feeder cables, thereby reducing part count, material costs, and assembly costs while ensuring reliable electrical connection between the organic EL panel and power feeding section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If organic EL panel is fixed to mounting section with integrated electrode, then connection work is omitted, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidmounting section structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting section is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the mechanical support structure and as the electrical connection element. The first electrode is formed integrally with the mounting section, allowing the same component to perform dual functions: fixing the organic EL panel mechanically and providing electrical connection. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system by reducing the number of separate components needed.

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

4Object-affected harmful factors

If bracket system is used to hold organic EL panel, then panel protection is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel protectionVSAvoidbracket structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the protective bracket function into the existing mounting section structure. The mounting section, which already serves as the mechanical support and electrical connection element, is designed to also provide protection for the organic EL panel. By combining multiple functions (support, electrical connection, and protection) into a single integrated structure, the invention achieves panel protection without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for connector work, reduces assembly time and costs, and ensures consistent light brightness and protection of the organic EL panel.

Implementation Method 1

vehicle lamps using an organic EL panel including a front surface with a light-emitting surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3447369B1Vehicle lamp
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 STANLEY ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3447369B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3447369B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3447369B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a vehicle lamp which enables work for connecting an organic EL panel and a power feeding section to be omitted. A vehicle lamp 10 includes: a lamp unit 20; a mounting section 70 to which the lamp unit 20 is detachably mounted; and first fixing means (a first fixing section) which fixes the lamp unit 20 detachably mounted to the mounting section 70, and the mounting section 70, wherein the lamp unit 20 includes: an organic EL panel 40 including a front surface 40a with a light-emitting surface 40a1, and a rear surface 40b on an opposite side to the front surface 40a; a first electrode 54 electrically connected to the organic EL panel 40; and a first bracket 30 which holds the organic EL panel 40 and the first electrode 54, and the mounting section 70 includes a second electrode 82 to which the first electrode 54 of the lamp unit 20 fixed by the first fixing means (first fixing section) is to be electrically connected.