Miniaturized Optical Alcohol Detector via MEMS Diode Array Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical alcohol detectors are too large to be integrated into vehicle components like start buttons, making them unsuitable for preventing drunk driving by effectively detecting alcohol levels non-invasively.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized optical internal substance detector is developed, incorporating a diode array with light emitting diodes and photodiodes arranged at micrometer intervals, a lens array for light convergence, and a controller for signal processing, integrated into a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) chip to fit within vehicle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical alcohol detector components (light emitter, light receiver, signal processing circuit) are used, then alcohol detection function is achieved, but device size becomes too large for vehicle integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light emitter (LED), light receiver (photodiode), and signal processing circuit into a single integrated detector unit. The photodiode is positioned adjacent to the LED on the same substrate, with both components and their interconnections formed in a compact arrangement that reduces the overall detector size while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the photodiode and LED are positioned in overlapping or adjacent regions, with the photodiode receiving light that has interacted with the target substance. The signal processing circuit is integrated within the same package, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes space requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If light emitter and light receiver are integrated in close proximity, then device size is reduced, but interference between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical filter or wavelength-selective element as an intermediary between the LED and photodiode. This intermediary component allows only the specific wavelength emitted by the LED to reach the photodiode, blocking other wavelengths and reducing interference while enabling close integration of the emitter and receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the photodiode and LED with specific spatial relationships and orientations optimized for their function. The photodiode is positioned to receive light from the LED after it has interacted with the target, while being shielded from direct LED light through angular positioning or physical barriers, reducing interference in the integrated compact design.
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 miniaturized detector effectively detects alcohol levels, reducing interference and improving performance, allowing for integration into vehicle start buttons to prevent drunk driving by accurately measuring alcohol concentration without increasing device size.
Implementation Method 1
a diode array which includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light toward a target including an internal substance to be detected, and a plurality of photodiodes (PDs) configured to receive light reflected from the target after being emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
a lens array disposed at one side of the diode array to converge the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes and the light incident on the plurality of photodiodes
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive optical internal substance detector includes: a diode array including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for emitting light toward a target where an internal substance is detected, and a plurality of photodiodes (PDs) for receiving light which is reflected from the target after being emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes; and a controller for controlling the plurality of light emitting diodes to be turned on or off and for processing a signal obtained from the photodiodes. The plurality of light emitting diodes and the plurality of photodiodes each have a size of several micrometers to several tens of micrometers and are arranged at intervals of several micrometers to several tens of micrometers from each other.