Wavelength Conversion Member With Dual Phosphor Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle lighting systems face challenges in maintaining luminous efficiency, achieving high contrast between light-emitting and non-light-emitting portions, and easily adjusting emission colors while preventing reductions in luminous efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A wavelength conversion member comprising a substrate with a first wavelength conversion layer containing a first phosphor and matrix, and a second wavelength conversion layer with a second phosphor and inorganic particles, where the volume ratio of the first phosphor to the first wavelength conversion layer is higher than the volume ratio of the second phosphor to the second wavelength conversion layer, allowing efficient heat dissipation and color adjustment through the arrangement of a reflective layer and varying thickness of the second wavelength conversion layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a phosphor is spaced apart from the semiconductor light-emitting element with optical members, then the luminous efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminous efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple wavelength conversion layers (first and second wavelength conversion layers with different phosphors) into a single integrated structure on the substrate, eliminating the need for separate optical members and spaced arrangements. This merging approach maintains the luminous efficiency benefits while reducing device complexity by integrating functions that were previously separated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wavelength conversion member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it converts wavelengths, manages heat dissipation, and provides structural integration. The first and second wavelength conversion layers work together to achieve both luminous efficiency improvement and simplified device architecture, making the component multi-functional and reducing overall system complexity.

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

2Loss of energy

If the spot area of excitation light on the phosphor surface is made smaller, then the luminous efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminous efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct first and second wavelength conversion layers with different phosphor compositions and volumes. The first wavelength conversion layer has a higher phosphor volume ratio for efficient absorption, while the second layer has a lower ratio for specific wavelength conversion. This localized differentiation optimizes luminous efficiency without requiring extreme manufacturing precision, as each layer is designed for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The wavelength conversion function is segmented into two separate layers with different phosphors and volume ratios. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently for its specific wavelength conversion task, improving overall luminous efficiency while making the manufacturing process more manageable through standardized layer fabrication rather than requiring single-layer precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If the phosphor volume ratio in the wavelength conversion layer is increased, then the wavelength conversion efficiency is improved, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength conversion efficiencyVSAvoidheat dissipation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the phosphor volume ratio parameter between the two wavelength conversion layers. The first wavelength conversion layer has a higher phosphor volume ratio for efficient absorption and conversion, while the second layer has a lower ratio that balances conversion efficiency with heat dissipation. This parameter differentiation allows the system to achieve high overall conversion efficiency while managing heat generation through the lower ratio in the second layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses heat dissipation by adding a vertical dimension with two stacked wavelength conversion layers instead of using a single layer. This dimensional approach allows the first layer to handle high conversion efficiency with higher phosphor content, while the second layer provides heat management with lower phosphor content, effectively separating the conversion and thermal management functions in the vertical dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration enhances luminous efficiency by dissipating heat effectively and improving contrast and color adjustability, ensuring stable emission without reducing luminous efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The first phosphor and the second phosphor convert the excitation light incident on the second main surface into first light having longer wavelengths than the excitation light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

This configuration enhances luminous efficiency by dissipating heat effectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10094529B2Wavelength conversion member including phosphor that converts light from semiconductor light-emitting element into longer-wavelength light
Publication Date: 2018.10.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US10094529B2 patent drawing
  • US10094529B2 patent drawing
  • US10094529B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wavelength conversion member, comprises: a substrate; a first wavelength conversion layer on the substrate, the first wavelength conversion layer containing a first phosphor and a first matrix; and a second wavelength conversion layer containing a second phosphor, first inorganic particles, and a second matrix. The first phosphor and the second phosphor convert at least part of the excitation light incident on the second main surface into first light having longer wavelengths than the excitation light. The first light is emitted from the second main surface of the second wavelength conversion layer. A volume Vp1 of the first phosphor, a volume Vw1 of the first wavelength conversion layer, a volume Vp2 of the second phosphor, and a volume Vw2 of the second wavelength conversion layer satisfy Vp1/Vw1>Vp2/Vw2.