Flexible Biometric Sensor with Elastomer Light Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biometric sensors using inorganic semiconductor-based optical elements face limitations in mechanical flexibility, design freedom, and power efficiency, particularly in measuring heart rate and blood oxygen saturation, with low external quantum efficiency at high brightness.
Innovation Solution
A biometric sensor design featuring a flexible substrate with a light-emitting part comprising a red LED and a near-infrared LED, surrounded by an elastomer and a light-receiving part, optimized for efficient light reception and transmission, allowing for flexible placement and low-power operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional inorganic semiconductor-based optical elements are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but mechanical flexibility and design freedom deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional inorganic semiconductor to organic photodiode, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties to achieve flexibility while maintaining light-receiving capability through optimized organic semiconductor layer structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining organic photodiode layers with flexible substrate materials, creating a hybrid system that integrates the light-detecting properties of organic semiconductors with the mechanical flexibility of polymer-based substrates
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rectangular optical elements are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but design freedom and light-receiving efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed rectangular geometries to flexible, adaptable optical element shapes that can be configured according to specific application requirements, enabling dynamic optimization of light-receiving geometry without compromising manufacturability through solution-processing techniques
3Illumination intensity
If OLED is used for high brightness, then illumination intensity is improved, but external quantum efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters including organic semiconductor material composition, layer thickness, and device structure to simultaneously achieve high brightness output and improved external quantum efficiency, moving beyond conventional OLED design trade-offs
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 design significantly enhances light-receiving efficiency and external quantum efficiency, enabling effective measurement of heart rate and oxygen saturation with reduced power consumption and increased design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting part disposed on one side of the flexible substrate to output first light toward the body, a second light-emitting part disposed on one side of the flexible substrate to output second light different from the first light toward the body
Implementation Method 2
a light-receiving part disposed on the other side of the flexible substrate to receive third light corresponding to the first light and fourth light corresponding to the second light
Implementation Method 3
the elastomer includes a first region disposed between the first light-emitting part and the second light-emitting part, and the first region is a path through which the third light and the fourth light reflected by the body are transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a biometric sensor includes a flexible substrate, a first light-emitting part disposed on one side of the flexible substrate to output first light toward the body, a second light-emitting part disposed on one side of the flexible substrate to output second light different from the first light toward the body, an elastomer disposed on one side of the flexible substrate in a shape surrounding the first light-emitting part and the second light-emitting part, and a light-receiving part disposed on the other side of the flexible substrate to receive third light corresponding to the first light and fourth light corresponding to the second light.