Mobile Proximity Sensor Sidewall Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensors in mobile devices often require additional components and complexity, such as clear plastic windows painted to match the device housing, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The mobile device incorporates an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source and detector positioned behind a sidewall portion that allows EMR waves to pass through, reducing direct line of sight and using a transducer to block false positives, with the processor configured to filter detection information and adjust EMR emission patterns to distinguish reflections from internal surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proximity sensor with clear plastic window is used, then proximity detection function is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the proximity sensor with the existing acoustic enclosure and speaker grille structure. The EMR source and detector are integrated behind the sound-permeable grille that already exists for the speaker, eliminating the need for separate clear plastic windows. This merging of functions reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining proximity detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound-permeable grille serving the speaker is given a dual function: it continues to allow acoustic signals to pass through while also serving as the EMR transmission window for the proximity sensor. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for dedicated proximity sensor windows and reduces overall device complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If EMR source and detector are positioned close together, then device space is saved, but direct line of sight causes false proximity detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transducer (speaker or microphone) positioned between the EMR source and detector to block the direct line of sight. This intermediary component prevents EMR from traveling directly from source to detector while still allowing the system to detect reflected EMR from external objects, thereby eliminating false proximity detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic enclosure is designed with sound-permeable regions (grilles) at specific locations to allow EMR transmission while maintaining structural integrity and blocking direct line of sight paths. The local modification of the enclosure structure enables selective EMR passage without compromising detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If transducer is added to block direct line of sight, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer (speaker or microphone) is given an additional function beyond its primary audio role. It simultaneously serves to block the direct line of sight between EMR source and detector, preventing false proximity detection. This multi-functionality approach adds no extra components for the blocking function, as the transducer already exists for audio purposes.
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 reduces manufacturing costs and complexity by minimizing additional components while effectively detecting proximity without false positives, enhancing the device's functionality and user experience.
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, in use... arranged to detect electromagnetic radiation from the source that is reflected from an object outside the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
a transducer to block false positives... positioned between the source and detector within the acoustic enclosure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A mobile device (100) including a source (240) for emitting electromagnetic radiation, an enclosure (430) having a side wall, and a detector (250) for detecting electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source is described. At least a portion (230) 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, in use, that is reflected from an object outside the enclosure and passes through the portion of the side wall.