Opaque Polymer Separation Member for Optical Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical proximity sensors face challenges in managing internal electrical interference and optical crosstalk, particularly when mounted behind transparent or semi-transparent covers, which affects signal-to-noise ratio and detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of an opto-electronic module with a separation member made of opaque thermosetting or UV-curing polymer materials, including pigments and inorganic fillers, to separate the light emitter and detector, reducing optical crosstalk and enhancing signal quality by blocking unwanted light paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is mounted behind a transparent or semi-transparent cover, then the sensor can detect objects through the cover, but optical interference and crosstalk increase reducing signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into a first region (transparent/semi-transparent) for light transmission and a second region (opaque) for light blocking. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect objects through the transparent region while the opaque region blocks stray light and reduces optical interference, thereby maintaining detection capability while improving signal-to-noise ratio.
2Reliability
If a separation member is added to reduce optical crosstalk, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation member is integrated with the cover structure, and the cover is combined with the sensor housing to form a unified assembly. This merging approach reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies assembly while still providing the necessary optical separation to improve signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple functions: it protects the sensor, transmits light from target objects through the first region, blocks stray light through the second opaque region, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio without significantly increasing device 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
This configuration effectively reduces internal optical interference and improves the signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring accurate detection of objects within a predefined distance, even in environments with external light interference.
Implementation Method 1
the separation member is substantially non-transparent (i.e., opaque) to light emitted by the light emitter and/or light detectable by the light detector
Implementation Method 2
the separation member further includes one or more pigments, inorganic fillers and/or dyes that make the separation member substantially non-transparent to light detectable by the light detector and/or emitted by the light emitter
Data Source
AI summary
An opto-electronic sensor module (e.g., an optical proximity sensor module) includes a substrate, a light emitter mounted on a first surface of the substrate, the light emitter being operable to emit light at a first wavelength, and a light detector mounted on the first surface of the substrate, the light detector being operable to detect light at the first wavelength. The module includes an optics member disposed substantially parallel to the substrate, and a separation member disposed between the substrate and the optics member. The separation member may surround the light emitter and the light detector, and may include a wall portion that extends from the substrate to the optics member and that separates the light emitter and the light detector from one another. The separation member may be composed, for example, a thermosetting polymer material, a UV-curing polymer material or a visible light-curing polymer material, wherein the separation member further includes one or more inorganic fillers and/or dyes that make the separation member substantially non-transparent to light detectable by the light detector and/or emitted by the light emitter.