Annular Step-Like Frame for Compact Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser light source devices, particularly those using TO-CAN packages, face challenges in size and functionality, making them unsuitable for high-power infrared light sources needed in applications like three-dimensional sensing.
Innovation Solution
A light source device with a substrate, electrode layer, surrounding frame, light emitter, and light detector, featuring an annular step-like structure with notches that form air channels, allowing for a compact and reliable package structure that simplifies manufacturing and enhances product reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional TO-CAN package is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device size is too large and cannot be used to carry high-power light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter and light detector are nested within the accommodating space formed by the surrounding frame structure. The surrounding frame includes nested steps with treads and risers that create multiple levels, allowing components to be arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration that reduces overall device volume while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional two-dimensional TO-CAN package layout to a three-dimensional structure with vertical stacking. The surrounding frame creates multiple elevation levels (first tread, second tread, intermediate riser) that allow components to be positioned at different heights, effectively utilizing vertical space to reduce device footprint while maintaining ease of assembly
2Volume of moving object
If the device is made compact for high-power applications, then the device size is reduced, but the reliability and heat dissipation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air channels formed by the notches in the surrounding frame structure. These air channels create natural convection pathways that enable passive heat dissipation from the light emitter and detector. The air flow paths extend from the first air channel through the intermediate riser to the second air channel, providing continuous thermal management in the compact device structure without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The surrounding frame structure creates a controlled environment within the accommodating space, isolating the light emitter and detector from direct environmental exposure. The frame structure with its multiple treads and risers provides mechanical protection and structural stability, enhancing device reliability while maintaining compact dimensions
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 innovative package structure enables the light source device to be more compact, reliable, and suitable for high-power applications, such as three-dimensional sensing, by providing spatial communication between the accommodating space and external space through the air channels.
Implementation Method 1
The light permeable member is disposed on the lower tread of the surrounding frame and is spaced apart from the upper riser, so that the at least one notch is formed as at least one air channel in spatial communication with the accommodating space and an external space
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device includes a substrate, an electrode layer and an annular step-like surrounding frame both disposed on the substrate, a light emitter and a light detector both spaced apart from each other and mounted on the electrode layer in the surrounding frame, and a light permeable member disposed on the surrounding frame. The surrounding frame includes an upper tread arranged away from the substrate, an upper riser connected to an inner edge of the upper tread, a lower tread arranged at an inner side of the upper riser, and a lower riser connected to an inner edge of the lower tread and arranged away from the upper tread. The surrounding frame has a notch recessed in the lower tread and the lower riser for spatially communicating an inner side of the surrounding frame to an external space.