Emitter-Detector Layout Using Circuit Components to Block Direct Radiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensing systems require a shield between the emitter and detector to block direct electromagnetic radiation, which increases complexity and cost while contributing to measurement noise.

Innovation Solution

An electronic component is located between the emitter and detector to block direct electromagnetic radiation, performing both its standard circuitry interaction function and radiation blocking, eliminating the need for a separate shield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a shield is added between the emitter and detector to block direct electromagnetic radiation, then measurement noise is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement noiseVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the radiation blocking function with an existing electronic component (such as a capacitor or inductor) that is already part of the sensing system circuitry. By positioning this existing component between the emitter and detector, it simultaneously performs its electrical function and blocks direct electromagnetic radiation, thereby reducing measurement noise without adding extra components or complexity to the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes an existing electronic component serve dual purposes: maintaining its original electrical circuit function while simultaneously acting as a radiation shield. This multi-functionality approach allows the same component to block direct electromagnetic radiation from reaching the detector, reducing noise without requiring a dedicated shield component, thus avoiding increased device complexity.

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

2Measurement precision

If a shield is added between the emitter and detector to block direct electromagnetic radiation, then measurement noise is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement noiseVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the radiation blocking function with an existing electronic component that is already part of the standard sensing system assembly. Since this component is already being manufactured and positioned as part of the circuitry, adding its radiation-blocking function does not require additional manufacturing steps, materials, or assembly operations, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing cost while still achieving noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By making an existing component multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture and install a separate dedicated shield component. The existing component continues to serve its electrical purpose while also blocking radiation, thereby reducing the bill of materials and assembly complexity, which directly reduces manufacturing cost without compromising measurement precision.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a separate shield component is used to block radiation, then direct radiation is blocked, but the sensing system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect radiation blockingVSAvoidsensing system size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the radiation blocking function with an existing electronic component that is already positioned within the sensing system footprint. By utilizing the space already occupied by this component for dual purposes (electrical function and radiation blocking), the patent achieves direct radiation blocking without requiring additional space or increasing the overall sensing system volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes an existing component serve dual functions, thereby eliminating the need for a separate dedicated shield component that would occupy additional space. This approach maintains effective radiation blocking while minimizing the sensing system's overall size by utilizing the volume already allocated for electronic components.

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

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 approach results in a more compact, cost-effective sensing system with reduced measurement noise, improving accuracy by minimizing direct radiation propagation.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic component blocks (e.g. absorbs and/or redirects) an amount of electromagnetic radiation that would otherwise propagate directly from the emitter to the detector without leaving the sensing system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4081885B1A sensing system
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 AMS INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP4081885B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4081885B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4081885B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A sensing system comprising an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation and an electronic component configured to interact with a circuitry of the sensing system. The electronic component is located at least partially between the emitter and the detector. The electronic component reduces an amount of electromagnetic radiation propagating from the emitter to the detector. The electronic component advantageously reduces the unwanted detection of electromagnetic radiation that would otherwise propagate directly from the emitter to the detector without leaving the sensing system, thereby reducing a measurement noise and improving an accuracy of the sensing system. The sensing system may form part of a time-of-flight sensing system or a proximity sensing system. The sensing system may form part of an electronic device such as a mobile phone.