Flexible OLED Bio-sensor Donut Photodiode Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bio-information detecting sensors using inorganic semiconductor-based optical elements face limitations in mechanical flexibility, design freedom, and power consumption, making them unsuitable for wearable healthcare applications that require efficient and low-power bio-data monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A bio-information detecting sensor featuring a flexible substrate with organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and an organic photodiode, arranged in a donut shape to enhance light reception and reduce power consumption, while being protected by a resin layer and a cover substrate to prevent moisture and oxygen permeation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional inorganic semiconductor-based optical elements are used, then mechanical strength and stability are improved, but mechanical flexibility and stretchability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from inorganic semiconductor to organic semiconductor, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties of the optical elements. This material substitution enables the optical elements to exhibit mechanical flexibility and stretchability while maintaining their light-emitting and light-receiving functions, allowing application to various body parts including curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where organic semiconductor layers are integrated with flexible substrate materials. This composite approach combines the optical functionality of semiconductors with the mechanical flexibility of organic materials, achieving both light emission/detection capabilities and adaptability to flexible surfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional rectangular optical elements are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but design freedom and light reception efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light receiving element into multiple independent photoelectric conversion units arranged in an array. This segmentation allows each unit to be independently optimized for light reception while collectively achieving enhanced overall efficiency. The modular structure also enables flexible arrangement patterns beyond conventional rectangular configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional rectangular arrangements to three-dimensional spatial configurations of optical elements. By arranging light emitting and receiving elements in multiple layers and dimensions, the patent achieves superior light reception efficiency and design freedom while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through systematic spatial organization.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are designed for sufficient signal reception, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by positioning light receiving elements at specific locations where reflected light from the measurement target is most concentrated. The photoelectric conversion units are strategically arranged to maximize light reception at these optimal positions, achieving high signal quality with minimal light emission power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional high-power light sources with low-power organic light emitting elements that operate at optimized wavelengths. By substituting the light generation mechanism with organic LEDs that have higher efficiency and can be tuned to wavelengths optimal for blood oxygen saturation measurement, the system achieves sufficient signal reception with ultra-low power consumption.
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 flexible OLED-based sensor effectively receives light, reduces manufacturing costs, and operates with ultra-low power consumption, enabling efficient bio-data monitoring and improved design flexibility for wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first light emitting part and the second light emitting part may include an organic light emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
The light receiving part may include an organic photodiode
Implementation Method 3
there is a heartbeat and oxygen saturation sensor capable of measuring oxygen saturation in blood using light absorption of hemoglobin
Data Source
AI summary
A bio-information detecting sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible substrate, light emitting parts disposed on the flexible substrate, and a light receiving part disposed on the flexible substrate and having a donut shape surrounding the light emitting parts.