Oblique Light Source Unit for Compact Optical Inputting Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical finger navigation inputting modules require a prism to deflect light beams, making them thicker and less suitable for compact electronic devices due to the need for additional optical elements.
Innovation Solution
A light source unit comprising an illuminant element and a transparent encapsulator with an oblique surface, which refracts light beams without the need for a prism, allowing direct emission and sensing of oblique light beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a prism is used to deflect light beam obliquely, then the light beam can be deflected at a predetermined angle, but the optical inputting module becomes thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light deflection function with the transparent encapsulator that already exists in the device. The oblique surface is formed on the encapsulator itself, merging the protective/structural function with the optical deflection function, thereby eliminating the need for a separate prism component and reducing overall device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent encapsulator is given multiple functions: it serves as both the protective enclosure for the illuminant element and as the optical element that deflects the light beam. The oblique surface on the encapsulator enables it to perform the light deflection function that previously required a dedicated prism, making the device more compact.
2Ease of manufacture
If a prism is added to deflect light beam, then the optical path difference is sufficient, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light deflection function into the transparent encapsulator structure. By forming an oblique surface on the encapsulator itself, the invention eliminates the need for a separate prism component, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and the number of assembly steps while maintaining sufficient optical path difference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light deflection function from the traditional prism component and integrates it directly into the encapsulator structure. This extraction and integration approach simplifies the overall device architecture by removing unnecessary separate components and reducing assembly complexity.
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 a thinner and more compact optical inputting module by eliminating the need for a prism, maintaining high precision and low power consumption while facilitating easier integration into thin, light electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The transparent encapsulator has an oblique surface above the upper surface of the illuminant element and oblique to the upper surface
Data Source
AI summary
A light source unit is disclosed for arranging on a plane and emitting a light beam oblique to the plane. The light source unit includes an illuminant element and a transparent encapsulator. The illuminant element has an upper surface and a lower surface both parallel to the plane. The transparent encapsulator physically contacts with the illuminant element and at least covers the upper surface of the illuminant element. The transparent encapsulator has an oblique surface above the upper surface and oblique to the upper surface. In addition, an optical inputting module having the light source unit mentioned above is disclosed.