Wavelength-Converting Cover Layout for Compact Light Emitters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting devices with wavelength converters face challenges in downsizing due to the need for enlarged converters to increase light conversion, leading to increased device size and complex substrate shapes for fitting purposes.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device design featuring a base member, a light-emitting element emitting light laterally, and a cover with a wavelength conversion member and a light-shielding member, where the wavelength conversion member is part of the cover's upper portion and the light-shielding member is positioned opposite to the light-emitting element, allowing for efficient light management and downsizing by integrating the wavelength conversion functionality into the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wavelength converter is enlarged in the traveling direction of the laser light to increase the amount of light converted, then the light conversion efficiency is improved, but the size of the light-emitting device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the wavelength converter from a longitudinal arrangement (in the light traveling direction) to a lateral arrangement (perpendicular to the light traveling direction). The wavelength converter is disposed laterally adjacent to the laser diode with its conversion surface facing the laser light, allowing light conversion to occur in a different spatial dimension. This enables increased conversion area without extending the device length in the light propagation direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection, houses the wavelength converter, and guides the converted light. The cover includes a wavelength converter holding portion that integrates the converter into the overall device structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall device size while maintaining conversion efficiency.
2Reliability
If a fitting portion for fitting the wavelength converter is used, then the wavelength converter can be fixed, but the substrate has a complicated shape
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength converter is integrated directly into the cover structure through the wavelength converter holding portion. The cover and wavelength converter form a unified assembly that is mounted as a single unit onto the substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate fitting portions, mounting brackets, or complex substrate modifications, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring reliable converter fixation.
3Length of moving object
If the wavelength converter is disposed laterally adjacent to the light-emitting element, then the device can be downsized in the light emission direction, but the light path management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover acts as an intermediary structure that manages the light path between the laser diode and the external environment. The cover includes a light-shielding portion that blocks stray light and a wavelength converter holding portion that positions the converter to receive laser light laterally. The converted light exits through the cover in a direction different from the original laser light propagation, effectively managing the light path without requiring complex internal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The light conversion and emission process is redirected to a different spatial dimension. Instead of converting light in the longitudinal direction, the wavelength converter is positioned laterally to convert light perpendicular to the original propagation direction. The converted light then exits through the cover surface, creating a multi-directional light output that simplifies the overall device footprint.
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 enables the downsizing of the light-emitting device in the direction of light emission and simplifies manufacturing by integrating the wavelength conversion member into the cover, reducing the number of components and complexity in the device structure.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength conversion member configured to convert the light from the light-emitting element into light having a different wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a light-shielding member configured to shield light having a wavelength range identical to a wavelength range of the light emitted from the light-emitting element
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting device includes a base member, a light-emitting element, and a cover. The cover has a lateral portion surrounding a periphery of the light-emitting element and an upper portion arranged above the light-emitting element. The cover includes a wavelength conversion member and a light-shielding member. The wavelength conversion member has an incident surface where the light emitted from the light-emitting element in the lateral direction is incident, at least a part of the wavelength conversion member constituting at least a part of the upper portion of the cover. A straight line, which passes through a light-emitting point of the light-emitting element and is parallel to an optical axis direction, passes through a part of the light-shielding member. At least the part of the light-shielding member is located, relative to the wavelength conversion member, on a side opposite from the light-emitting element in the optical axis direction.