Opaque Splits in Transparent Media for Optical Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face challenges in optical isolation between light emitters and detectors, leading to false signals and noise due to internal light leakage, which complicates the integration of these components within a single device without increasing device size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a unitary optical component with transparent and opaque portions within the device's housing, where the opaque portions are strategically placed between the transparent portions to prevent internal light reflection and leakage, while also being conductively connected to the device's ground to manage static electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If opaque portions are added to the optical component to block internal light paths, then optical isolation between emitter and detector is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical component is segmented into multiple functional portions: a first transparent portion for detector alignment, a second transparent portion for emitter alignment, and opaque portions positioned between them. This segmentation allows the single component to simultaneously provide optical isolation and maintain light transmission pathways, resolving the contradiction by integrating multiple functions into one divided structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously serves as a light transmission window and an optical isolation barrier. By incorporating both transparent and opaque portions within a single component, it performs multiple functions (light transmission for detector/emitter and light blocking for isolation) without requiring separate components, thus improving reliability while avoiding increased device complexity.
2Reliability
If the opaque portion is made conductive and connected to ground, then static electricity management is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive component is merged with the optical component, forming an integrated structure where the conductive element and optical element become a unified component. This combination eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces manufacturing complexity despite adding the grounding function, as the conductive portion is formed as part of the same manufacturing process as the optical component.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component itself provides the grounding function through its integrated conductive portion, rather than requiring a separate grounding component. The conductive material is incorporated directly into the optical component structure, allowing it to serve both its optical function and its electrostatic discharge function, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Volume of moving object
If a unitary optical component is used instead of separate components, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical elements (transparent portions and opaque portions) are merged into a single unitary optical component, eliminating the need for separate alignment and assembly steps. This integration reduces the overall device volume while managing manufacturing precision requirements by forming all critical features in one manufacturing process rather than requiring precise assembly of multiple separate components.
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 cross-talk and noise between emitters and detectors, enhancing the accuracy of light detection and emission while maintaining a compact device design by preventing internal light leakage and providing electrical grounding for static management.
Implementation Method 1
an opaque portion disposed between the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion
Implementation Method 2
a conductive component in electrical communication with the opaque portion and an electrical ground point of the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume of the electronic device, an electromagnetic radiation emitter and an electromagnetic radiation detector disposed in the internal volume, and an optical component disposed in the aperture. The optical component can include a first and second transparent portions disposed above the electromagnetic radiation detector and the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and an opaque portion disposed between the first and second transparent portions. A conductive component can be in electrical communication with the opaque portion and one or more components of the electronic device.