Hidden Sensors in Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with sensors often have aesthetically unpleasing apertures that draw attention away from the device's design, as they are necessary for radiation emission and detection.
Innovation Solution
The integration of sensors underneath existing windows or within the device's display, using light pipes and chamfered edges to direct radiation, and embedding sensors within the screen or between the bezel and display, while utilizing audio meshes and gaskets to conceal the apertures and prevent debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are positioned with apertures for radiation emission and detection, then sensor functionality is enabled, but the apertures are aesthetically unpleasing and draw attention away from the device design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor aperture with the existing audio aperture. The audio receiver aperture serves dual purposes: as an audio output opening and as an optical aperture for the proximity sensor. This combining approach eliminates the need for separate sensor apertures, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio receiver aperture is given multiple functions: it serves as both the audio output opening and the optical aperture for radiation emission and detection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single aperture serve multiple purposes, avoiding the need for additional aesthetic-compromising openings.
2Reliability
If apertures are created for sensor radiation emission and detection, then sensor operation is enabled, but debris may enter through the apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mesh screen that covers the aperture while allowing radiation to pass through. The mesh acts as a protective barrier that prevents debris from entering the device while maintaining the aperture's functionality for optical radiation emission and detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh screen functions as a porous structure that permits selective passage of radiation while blocking larger debris particles. This porous material approach allows the aperture to remain functional for sensor operation while providing protection against harmful debris entry.
3Device complexity
If multiple sensors are positioned close together, then space is saved, but radiation from one sensor may be detected by another sensor without exiting the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a divider structure that segments the space between closely positioned sensors. This divider prevents radiation from one sensor from directly reaching another sensor, eliminating false detection signals while maintaining compact sensor arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider acts as an intermediary element between the sensors. It blocks the direct path of radiation from one sensor to another, preventing interference and false detection while allowing the sensors to remain in close proximity for space efficiency.
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 effectively hides sensors from view, maintaining a sleek design while ensuring sensor functionality and protecting components from debris, allowing for aesthetically pleasing electronic devices with embedded sensor technology.
Implementation Method 1
A light pipe may be coupled to the opening to propagate radiation between the environment and the at least one sensor
Implementation Method 2
The opening may include at least two portions with a chamfered edge, to which infrared paint may be applied (e.g., to direct infrared light along the edge of opening)
Implementation Method 3
An audio mesh covering the opening may also be provided, for example to hide components within the opening from view or to prevent debris from entering within the opening
Implementation Method 4
a second sensor positioned underneath the opening and operative to detect radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device having one or more sensors is provided. The sensors may include any suitable type of sensor that emits or receives radiation (e.g., light waves) from the environment. The electronic device may include openings through which radiation may reach the sensors while keeping the sensors hidden from view. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed underneath an opening used for an audio receiver such that radiation is piped to the sensors using a light path or a chamfered surface along the opening. In some embodiments, the sensors may be embedded in a screen such that the radiation emitted by the sensors exits the screen instead of being reflected on the screen. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed along the periphery of the display, such that access to the sensors is provided via discontinuities in a gasket used to couple the display to the electronic device.