LAMINATED MICRO-LED LIGHT DISPLAY WITH MICRO-REFLECTORS AND METHOD OF FABRICATING

Smart overview of the Invention

A novel method involves fabricating micro-reflective surfaces on or within a window or mirror. These surfaces are combined with a micro-Light Emitting Diode (micro-LED) display for vehicle applications, such as windows or windshields. The process includes laser etching a glass sheet to create micro-reflectors that align with an array of micro-LEDs. These displays can emit collimated horizontal light, suitable for various vehicle lighting requirements like stop lights, Center High Mounted Stop Lights (CHMSL), and Head-Up Displays (HUDs).

Micro-LED Display Applications

Micro-LED displays offer significant advantages over traditional LED systems, including higher brightness, improved color accuracy, and energy efficiency. These features make them ideal for automotive uses where clarity and power efficiency are crucial. Traditional vehicle lighting systems are bulky and add weight due to the need for housings and optical systems. The described micro-LED displays can be integrated seamlessly into vehicle structures, reducing space and weight requirements while enhancing functionality.

Fabrication and Structure

The displays can be either unencapsulated, encapsulated with a transparent coating, or laminated between two glass sheets to form a light-emitting window system. The micro-LEDs used may include side-emitting variants, and the reflective surfaces can be fabricated with various shapes, such as trapezoidal or parabolic. This versatility allows integration into different vehicle components like side mirrors, brake lights, sunroofs, and windshields across various vehicle types.

Technical Specifications

• The micro-reflector's height is less than or equal to 50 microns.
• The distance between the micro-LED and the micro-reflector is up to 0.5 mm.
• The reflective surface angle can range from -30 to +30 degrees relative to the substrate.
• Recessed volumes in the laminate can have shapes like triangular or trapezoidal.

Integration and Efficiency

The laminated micro-LED displays are designed for integration into various vehicle components, including windows and mirrors. They improve lighting efficiency by optimizing beam patterns for legal photometric requirements. The method enables creating compact, efficient lighting systems that reduce vehicle weight and enhance assembly efficiency. These innovations provide versatile applications across different types of vehicles, from automobiles to airplanes.