Wavelength Conversion Element With Reflective Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to increase the brightness of light sources using wavelength conversion members, as existing technologies have limitations in maximizing light intensity and rectilinear propagation.

Innovation Solution

A wavelength conversion element is designed with phosphor powder dispersed in a dispersion medium and multiple reflective layers made of metal or alloy, which are strategically positioned to reflect light back into the optical axis, reducing side surface emission and enhancing light intensity and rectilinear propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a wavelength conversion member is used to convert light wavelength, then the light source can emit white light, but the brightness and light intensity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebrightnessVSAvoidlight intensity loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The wavelength conversion member is divided into multiple sections by inserting reflective layers at specific positions, creating a segmented structure that allows independent optimization of light conversion in each section while preventing light loss through the sides

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Light that would normally be lost through the side surfaces is converted into a beneficial resource by using reflective layers to redirect this scattered light back into the optical path, transforming what was previously waste light into useful contributing light

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Illumination intensity

If light is scattered toward side surfaces in the wavelength conversion member, then light conversion occurs, but light exits from side surfaces reducing intensity at the light exit surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensity at exit surfaceVSAvoidside surface light emission
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wavelength conversion member is segmented into multiple sections by reflective layers positioned at specific intervals, creating discrete conversion zones that confine light within the optical path and prevent lateral escape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reflective layers are introduced as intermediary elements between the light source and the wavelength conversion member, acting as mediators that intercept scattered light and redirect it back into the optical axis without interfering with the wavelength conversion process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a single wavelength conversion member is used, then the structure is simple, but rectilinear propagation of light is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverectilinear propagationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wavelength conversion member is divided into multiple sections by reflective layers, creating a segmented structure that maintains structural simplicity while improving light propagation characteristics through controlled light confinement in each section

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 increases the brightness of the light source by improving light intensity and rectilinear propagation, achieving higher luminescence efficiency and thermal resistance through the use of inorganic phosphor powder and reflective layers within the wavelength conversion member.

Implementation Method 1

part of light scattered toward the side surfaces is reflected by the reflective layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a wavelength conversion member is disposed on a light exit side of an LED for emitting a blue light and absorbs part of the light from the LED to emit a yellow light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3637482B1Wavelength conversion element and light source comprising the same
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 NIPPON ELECTRIC GLASS CO LTD

AI summary

A light source using a wavelength conversion element is increased in brightness. A wavelength conversion element includes: a wavelength conversion member made of phosphor powder dispersed in a dispersion medium and having a light entrance surface and a light exit surface opposed to each other in a direction of optical axis; and at least two first reflective layers provided inside the wavelength conversion member along a plane parallel to the direction of optical axis and dividing the wavelength conversion member into a plurality of sections.