Miniaturized Diffuser-Driven IR Sensor for Obstacle-Resistant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared (IR) sensors are bulky and encounter accuracy issues due to obstacles like water streams, preventing their use in applications such as faucets and water dispensers, leading to operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized IR sensor assembly using planar optical films and asymmetric angle bend diffusers to direct IR light around obstacles, combined with a split window housing and time-gated photodiodes for accurate detection, allowing interchangeable diffuser films for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing IR sensors are used, then detection function is provided, but size is large and accuracy is reduced due to obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric angle bend diffusers with specific non-symmetric geometric configurations to deflect IR light at controlled angles. The diffusers have asymmetric surface structures that bend light in specific directions to avoid obstacles while maintaining detection accuracy, directly resolving the contradiction between detection precision and obstacle interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent redirects IR light into different spatial dimensions by using angled diffusers to bend light paths around obstacles. Instead of detecting light blocked by obstacles in the direct line-of-sight dimension, the system uses diffusers to project light into alternative dimensional paths, thereby avoiding obstacle interference while maintaining detection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing IR sensors are used, then detection function is provided, but size is bulky preventing use in certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thin-film diffusers and compact optical elements that can be integrated into small form factors. These thin optical components replace bulky traditional IR sensor assemblies, enabling deployment in space-constrained applications like faucets, soap dispensers, and other near-field appliances while maintaining full detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact sensor assembly, combining IR transmission, diffusion, and detection components in a miniaturized configuration. By merging the IR LED, diffuser, and photodiode into one integrated unit, the system achieves both small size and versatile applicability across different near-field appliances.
3Reliability
If existing IR sensors are used, then basic detection is provided, but false triggers occur due to obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses diffusers to pre-shape and directionalize the IR light beam before it encounters obstacles. By preliminarily controlling the light distribution pattern through asymmetric diffusion, the system prevents light from reflecting off obstacles back to the sensor, thereby eliminating false-trigger conditions before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser acts as an intermediary optical element between the IR LED and the target object. This intermediary component modifies the light path by bending and distributing light in controlled patterns, preventing direct reflection from obstacles back to the photodiode, thus eliminating false triggers while maintaining reliable detection.
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 accurate, touchless operation in near-field appliances by avoiding false triggers from obstacles, enhancing sensor performance and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The first diffuser may comprise a first ultra-thin, asymmetric angle bend diffuser configured to control a first illumination pattern of the first IR light
Implementation Method 2
The first diffuser and/or the second diffuser may be configured to deflect and/or shape light as the IR light is emitted
Implementation Method 3
Light reflected by an intended target may be received (e.g., detected) by the photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a sensor comprising a first transmitter, a second transmitter, and a receiver. The first transmitter may be configured to emit first light via a first diffractive or refractive material, and the second transmitter may be configured to emit second light via a second diffractive or refractive material. The first diffractive or refractive material and/or the second diffractive or refractive material may be configured to deflect and/or shape light to focus the light in a detection zone. Light reflected by an intended target may be received (e.g., detected) by the receiver. Upon detecting a target, the sensor may cause a device to perform an action. The sensor may be deployed in a plurality of devices, including Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices that have WiFi capabilities. The WiFi capabilities may comprise a bridge-less architecture that allows the IoT devices to communicate with cloud services for remote monitoring purposes.