HR Sensor Shielding in Mobile Device Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face design limitations and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for separate mounting of sensor devices, which can lead to increased device thickness and compromised aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a Heart Rate (HR) sensor and a flash LED within a mobile electronic device's housing, with a shielding unit to prevent interference and an integral window to cover both components, allowing for compact design and reduced mounting space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sensor device is mounted in a separate location from other electronic components, then the sensor can function properly without interference, but the device thickness increases and the appearance is defaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor functionVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor device and electronic components into a shared housing structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations. The sensor device is integrated within the same housing as other electronic components, allowing for compact arrangement and maintaining device aesthetics while ensuring proper sensor function through strategic placement and shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the sensor device is mounted in a separate location, then interference from other components is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional processes and parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensor device mounting into the existing housing structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting processes and additional parts. The housing is designed to accommodate both the sensor device and electronic components in an integrated manner, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs while maintaining sensor performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If the sensor device and electronic components share the same housing, then the mounting space is reduced and design is improved, but interference between components may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting spaceVSAvoidcomponent interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing shielding specifically in the areas where the sensor device and electronic components are in close proximity. The shielding unit is strategically positioned to protect the sensor device from interference from specific electronic components such as the flash LED, while allowing other components to be closely arranged around the sensor device, thus reducing mounting space without compromising sensor performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If the sensor device is integrated with electronic components in the same housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but shielding measures are required to prevent interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidcomponent interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shielding function into the existing housing structure, integrating the shielding unit with the housing rather than adding it as a separate component. This approach reduces device complexity by merging multiple functions (housing, mounting, and shielding) into a unified structure, while still providing effective protection against component interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables improved device performance by preventing interference between the HR sensor and other components, reducing manufacturing costs, and enhancing the device's design aesthetics while maintaining effective biometric data acquisition.

Implementation Method 1

a shielding unit configured to provide shielding between an area of the HR sensor and an area of the flash LED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

a flash LED placed adjacent to the HR sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3092721B1Electronic device comprising a sensor device
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3092721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3092721B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3092721B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A mobile electronic device is provided. The mobile electronic device includes at least one processor, a display module electrically connected with the at least one processor, a communication module electrically connected with the at least one processor, a portable electronic device housing configured to house at least a part of the display module, the at least one processor, and the communication module, and a Heart Rate (HR) sensor (e.g., a Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) sensor) which is placed on one surface of the housing and has at least its part exposed to an outside, and which is electrically connected with the at least one processor.