Integrated Force and Proximity Sensor with Surrounding Optical Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices struggle to simultaneously detect the force and proximity of a physical object from various directions using a single device, as they typically separate force and proximity sensing functions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a substrate hosting both a force sensor and a proximity sensor, where the proximity sensor features multiple light emitting and receiving elements positioned around the force sensor, allowing for integrated detection of force and proximity through optical means, including light shielding and precise light control circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If force sensor and proximity sensor are constituted as separated entities, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but it becomes difficult to perform both detection of force and proximity by using one device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the force sensor and proximity sensor into a single integrated device. The proximity sensor includes multiple light emitting elements and light receiving elements arranged around the force sensor, allowing both force detection and proximity detection to be performed simultaneously by one device, thereby improving versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor device performs multiple functions: it detects both the force applied to the force sensor and the proximity of objects using the light emitting and receiving elements. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate force sensor and proximity sensor systems
2Measurement precision
If multiple light emitting and receiving elements are positioned around the force sensor, then proximity detection in various directions is enabled, but optical coupling interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor is divided into multiple independent light emitting elements and light receiving elements positioned at different locations around the force sensor. Each element pair can detect proximity in its specific direction, and the segmented arrangement allows for precise multi-directional proximity detection while the separation between elements helps reduce optical coupling interference
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor acts as an intermediary structure that the light emitting elements and light receiving elements are positioned around. This intermediate positioning allows the optical elements to be arranged in a configuration that enables multi-directional proximity detection while maintaining sufficient spacing to minimize direct optical coupling between emitting and receiving elements
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
Enables seamless detection of object proximity and force from multiple directions, enhancing precision and reducing optical coupling interference, thus facilitating robust and accurate sensing of both force and proximity.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor that includes a plurality of light emitting elements on the substrate and a plurality of light receiving elements to receive light from the light emitting elements
Implementation Method 2
a force sensor on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes a substrate, a force sensor on the substrate, and a proximity sensor including light emitting elements on the substrate and light receiving elements to receive light from the light emitting elements. At least one of the light emitting elements and the light receiving elements of the proximity sensor is located at three or more positions that surround the force sensor on the substrate. A position of a center of gravity with respect to the three or more positions is within a range in which the force sensor is positioned on the substrate.