Molded Beam Shaping Elements in Optical Biosensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical biosensors face challenges in compact design, power efficiency, and crosstalk reduction, particularly in medical and health-related applications where multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, requiring effective beam shaping to enhance sensitivity and reduce power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Integrated optical biosensors with molded beam shaping elements, such as lenses, formed from the same epoxy resin as the clear mold covering, which intersect light beams to focus energy and direct them optimally, allowing for compact design, reduced power consumption, and minimized crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then measurement capability is improved, but crosstalk between light sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical path into separate segments by providing individual beam shaping elements (lenses) for each light source. Each lens is specifically positioned and shaped to direct light from its associated light source along a unique path to the photodetector, physically separating the optical paths to prevent crosstalk while maintaining the ability to measure multiple wavelengths simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the beam shaping elements for each specific light source position and wavelength. Each lens is tailored with specific optical properties and positioning to optimize the light path for its associated light source, ensuring that each wavelength is directed precisely without interfering with other wavelengths, thus reducing crosstalk while maintaining measurement versatility.
2Measurement precision
If beam shaping elements are added, then sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam shaping elements directly with the light source assembly by positioning each lens in immediate proximity to its associated light source and integrating them into a unified optical module. This combination reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while still achieving the sensitivity improvement through focused light delivery to the photodetector.
3Measurement precision
If light beam path is extended, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved beam shaping elements (lenses) that focus and direct light beams along optimized curved paths. This curvature allows the light to be concentrated and delivered more efficiently to the photodetector, maintaining measurement accuracy over extended paths while reducing the required light intensity and thus lowering power consumption compared to straight, unfocused light paths.
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 solution enables a compact, energy-efficient biosensor module that improves sensitivity and reduces crosstalk, enabling accurate physiological measurements like oxygen saturation and heart rate monitoring with increased battery lifetime.
Implementation Method 1
the clear mold covering includes one or beam shaping elements each of which is disposed so as to intersect a path of a light beam from an associated one of the one or more light source
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated optical biosensor module includes one or more light sources operable to produce light for emission from the module, and an integrated circuit chip including a photosensitive region. The photosensitive region includes one or more photodetectors operable to detect light produced by the one or more light sources and reflected by a subject that is outside the module. The integrated circuit chip is operable to determine a physiological condition of the subject based on signals from the one or more photodetectors. A clear mold covering encapsulates the one or more light sources, wherein the clear mold covering includes one or beam shaping elements each of which is disposed so as to intersect a path of a light beam from an associated one of the one or more light source.