Mobile Proximity Sensor Layout Through a Transmissive Sidewall

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Proximity sensors in mobile devices, which use electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to detect nearby objects, increase manufacturing complexity and cost due to the need for EMR sources and detectors hidden behind a clear plastic window, which complicates the device design.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device design that positions an EMR source and detector inside an acoustic enclosure with a sidewall portion that transmits EMR, allowing the EMR to pass through and detect reflections from external objects, while minimizing direct EMR interaction between the source and detector to reduce false positives and simplify the component layout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an EMR source and detector are positioned inside the device to detect nearby objects, then proximity detection functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to the need for clear plastic windows and hidden components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity detection functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the EMR source and detector into a single integrated proximity sensor component, eliminating the need for separate clear plastic windows and reducing the number of discrete parts that need to be assembled and positioned during manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The proximity sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: detecting nearby objects, enabling auto-answer functionality, and working through the device housing material itself, which eliminates the need for specialized clear plastic window components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an EMR source and detector are positioned inside the device, then proximity detection is enabled, but component layout complexity increases due to the need to hide components behind a clear plastic window

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity detection functionalityVSAvoidcomponent layout

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The EMR source and detector are merged into a single integrated component that can be positioned on the device circuit board without requiring separate clear plastic window openings, simplifying the component layout and assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor design allows EMR to pass through the housing material itself, using the housing as the transmission medium rather than requiring separate clear plastic window components, thereby simplifying the overall component layout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Volume of moving object

If the detector is positioned close to the EMR source, then device size is reduced, but false positives increase due to direct EMR interaction between source and detector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device housing material serves as an intermediary medium that the EMR must pass through to reach external objects and return to the detector, preventing direct EMR interaction between the source and detector while allowing detection of externally reflected EMR

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the detector to receive EMR that has traveled through a different spatial path - passing through the housing material to external objects and back - rather than direct linear interaction, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining compact device size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design reduces manufacturing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for additional components and simplifying the component layout, while maintaining effective proximity detection by using the acoustic enclosure to manage EMR waves and reduce false positives.

Implementation Method 1

a source for emitting electromagnetic radiation, an enclosure having a side wall, at least a portion of which is adapted to transmit electromagnetic radiation from the source, and a detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source. The detector is spaced from the source, and is arranged to detect electromagnetic radiation from the source that is reflected from an object outside the enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation transmission: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8618482B2Mobile device with proximity sensor

Publication Date: 2013.12.31 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A mobile device including a source for emitting electromagnetic radiation, an enclosure having a side wall, and a detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source is described. At least a portion of the sidewall is adapted to transmit electromagnetic radiation from the source. The source and detector are positioned inside the enclosure. The detector is spaced from the source, and is arranged to detect electromagnetic radiation from the source that is reflected from an object outside the enclosure and passes through the portion of the side wall.