Optical Assembly on Deformable PCB for Compact Physiological Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable physiological measurement devices face challenges in ergonomics and compactness, making them difficult to produce and distribute on a large scale while maintaining effective optical measurement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The optical assembly incorporates an optical unit with a deformable printed circuit, a force sensor, and a movable optical unit that can translate orthogonally, allowing for improved optical measurement while simplifying and compacting the device architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing portable physiological measurement devices are designed with optical sensors and force sensors separately, then measurement functionality is achieved, but device complexity and size increase, making them difficult to produce and distribute on a large scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical sensor and force sensor into a single integrated assembly where the optical sensor is mounted on a deformable printed circuit that also supports the force sensor. This merging of previously separate components reduces device complexity and facilitates easier manufacturing while maintaining both optical and force measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable printed circuit serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the optical sensor, acts as a sensing element for force measurement through its deformation, and serves as an electrical connection medium. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
2Measurement precision
If existing portable physiological measurement devices incorporate multiple sensors for accurate measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the devices become larger and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is mounted within or on the deformable printed circuit structure, which itself is integrated with the force sensor. This nesting arrangement allows multiple sensing functions to coexist in a compact volume, maintaining measurement precision while minimizing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the deformable printed circuit to sense force through its deformation in three-dimensional space, allowing force measurement without adding significant volume. The optical sensor maintains its measurement precision while being positioned on this deformable structure, achieving compact integration of multiple sensing functions.
3Measurement precision
If the optical unit is made fixed relative to the housing, then structural simplicity is achieved, but optical measurement accuracy and adaptability to different measurement conditions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical unit is made movable relative to the housing through the deformable printed circuit, allowing it to adjust its position and maintain optimal contact with the measurement surface. This dynamic capability improves optical measurement accuracy by adapting to different measurement conditions while the overall structural complexity remains manageable due to the integrated design.
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 solution enables more efficient and compact optical measurement, enhancing the usability and scalability of portable physiological measurement devices while maintaining accurate data collection.
Implementation Method 1
the force sensor is a piezoelectric strain sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical assembly comprising: - an optical unit (116L), - a deformable printed circuit (504), the optical unit (116L) being physically mounted and electronically connected to the printed circuit (504), and - a force sensor (502) configured to determine information relating to the deformation of the printed circuit (504).