Light Reception Emission Module with Nested Light Receiving Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

In light reception/emission element modules, monitoring the intensity of light emission in the light emitting portion is a challenge that existing technologies have not effectively addressed.

Innovation Solution

The module incorporates a first light receiving element positioned between the light emitting element and a second light receiving element, allowing for the monitoring of light emission intensity by receiving light emitted from the light emitting element and converting it into a current, while the second light receiving element detects reflected light from an object, with a housing and lens member optimizing light path and reducing external light interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a light receiving element is added to monitor light emission intensity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission intensity monitoringVSAvoidnumber of light receiving elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first light receiving element is designed to serve dual purposes: it monitors the light emission intensity of the light emitting element and also detects reflected light from the object. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve accurate light emission monitoring without adding excessive complexity, as the same component performs multiple measurement tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple light receiving elements are arranged to monitor light emission, then measurement precision is improved, but the volume of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission intensity monitoringVSAvoidmodule size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light receiving elements are arranged in a nested configuration where the first light receiving element is positioned between the light emitting element and the second light receiving element. This nested arrangement allows multiple sensing functions to be compacted into a smaller volume, achieving accurate light emission monitoring without proportionally increasing the overall module size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If the light receiving element is positioned close to the light emitting element for monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but external light interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission intensity monitoringVSAvoidexternal light interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A housing structure is introduced as an intermediary element that provides a controlled environment for the light emitting and light receiving elements. The housing includes light shielding portions that block external light from reaching the light receiving elements, thereby maintaining measurement precision while allowing the elements to be positioned in close proximity for effective monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enables accurate monitoring of light emission intensity, miniaturization of the module, and improved monitoring accuracy by reducing noise and external light interference, allowing for precise detection of object information such as position, distance, and density.

Implementation Method 1

a first light receiving element disposed in a region between the light emitting element and the second light receiving element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3618128B1Light reception/emission element module and sensor device
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3618128B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3618128B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3618128B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A light reception/emission element module of the disclosure comprises a substrate, a light emitting element disposed on the substrate, a first light receiving device disposed on the substrate apart from the light emitting element, and an upper wall located above the substrate. The upper wall comprises a facing surface facing the light emitting element and the first light receiving element. The light reception/emission element module of the disclosure further comprises a second light emitting element disposed on the substrate. The upper wall further comprises a first light passing portion located above the light emitting element, a second light passing portion located above the second light receiving element, and an intermediate portion located in a region between the first light passing portion and the second light passing portion. At least part of a lower surface of the intermediate portion comprises the facing surface.