Vehicle Light Source Unit Using Luminescent Layer for Surface Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle lighting systems with organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) face reliability issues due to electrical deterioration and high manufacturing costs, making them less suitable for surface emitting applications.
Innovation Solution
A light source unit comprising a light source, a light generating unit with a luminescent layer that emits red light when irradiated with excitation light, and a lens member that outputs the generated light, where the luminescent layer is held by a holding member capable of transmitting excitation light and the light is diffused or reflected to achieve surface emitting, reducing electrical deterioration and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an organic light-emitting diode is used as a light source, then surface emitting can be provided, but reliability deteriorates due to electrical deterioration and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light generation system into separate functional components: a light source that emits excitation light, a luminescent layer that converts excitation light to visible light, and a holding member that supports the luminescent layer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, eliminating the reliability issues of OLEDs while maintaining surface emitting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a luminescent layer as an intermediary between the light source and the output. The luminescent layer absorbs excitation light from the light source and emits visible light, acting as a mediator that converts one form of light to another. This intermediary approach enables surface emitting without requiring the light source itself to be an OLED, thereby improving reliability.
2Illumination intensity
If an organic light-emitting diode is used as a light source, then surface emitting can be provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the expensive organic light-emitting diode with a more cost-effective configuration using a standard light source combined with a luminescent layer. The luminescent layer can be manufactured using conventional coating techniques, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the desired surface emitting effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the light generation system by switching from electroluminescence (OLED) to photoluminescence (luminescent layer excited by light source). This parameter change enables the use of cheaper materials and manufacturing processes while maintaining the surface emitting functionality.
3Productivity
If a luminescent layer is used to convert excitation light, then light generation efficiency improves, but light transmission and distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the luminescent layer, transmits excitation light from the light source, and facilitates light distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining high light generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the three-dimensional space within the holding member to optimize light transmission paths. By considering light propagation in multiple dimensions and using the holding member's structure to guide light, the system achieves efficient light distribution without requiring complex additional optical 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
The solution provides reliable surface emitting while reducing the cost of the light source unit, enhancing the longevity and efficiency of the vehicle lighting system by using organic materials and optimizing light transmission and reflection.
Implementation Method 1
a luminescent layer to emit generation light by being irradiated with the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
A light source unit of a vehicle lighting system includes: a light source to emit excitation light; a light generating unit including a luminescent layer to emit generation light by being irradiated with the excitation light and a holding member holding the luminescent layer; and a lens member to output generation light from the luminescent layer toward the front, with the light source unit mounted on the vehicle.