Mobile Terminal Dust Sensor Integration via Inner Frame Hole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals face challenges in integrating a dust sensor without compromising their bezel-less design and internal space, while also needing to control dust detection intervals and operate without additional hardware, and to function as multiple sensors without collision.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal with a dust sensor comprising a light emitting and receiving portion, positioned adjacent to an inner frame with a hole for light passage, allowing for dust detection without additional internal space, and a controller to adjust light emission periods based on dust particle characteristics, enabling dual functionality with proximity sensing and wireless communication for data sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dust sensor is mounted inside the terminal, then dust detection function is improved, but the terminal thickness and bezel-less design are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dust sensor is integrated into the existing terminal structure by utilizing the hole formed at the upper end of the inner frame, which is already necessary for other components. The light emitting portion and light receiving portion are positioned on opposite sides of this existing hole, merging the dust sensor function with the terminal's structural design rather than adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting portion and light receiving portion are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction along the light path, rather than stacking them vertically. This horizontal arrangement utilizes the depth dimension of the hole to allow light to pass through, enabling dust detection without increasing terminal thickness in the vertical direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional internal accommodation space is allocated for sensor mounting, then sensor functionality is improved, but device complexity and space utilization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hole formed at the upper end of the inner frame serves multiple functions: it allows light to pass through for dust detection, and the light emitting portion and light receiving portion positioned around it can also function as a proximity sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor openings and reduces overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If dust detection is performed continuously, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs dust detection at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. The light emitting portion emits light periodically, and the light receiving portion detects scattered light at these intervals, allowing the system to maintain dust concentration monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous 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 miniaturized dust sensing within a bezel-less design, adjustable detection intervals, and shared dust information, enhancing air quality monitoring without hardware additions, while preventing sensor collision and maintaining terminal thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving portion configured to generate a signal according to light sensed through the hole, emitted by the light emitting portion and scattered by dust particles
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
A mobile terminal (100) and an operation method thereof are disclosed. A mobile terminal (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display (151); a front window (151a) disposed at a front of the mobile terminal; an inner frame (104) formed with a hole (H) configured to allow light to pass through from the front window; and a dust sensor (143) comprising a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, wherein the light emitting portion is disposed adjacent to the inner frame and configured to emit light through the hole, and wherein the light receiving portion is configured to generate a signal based on light sensed through the hole that is emitted by the light emitting portion and scattered by dust particles.