Optical Device with Segmented Transparent Member and Molding Resin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state image devices face challenges in reducing thickness and manufacturing costs due to issues with moisture resistance, strength, and the difficulty in protecting peripheral circuit regions, which leads to gaps and resin residue affecting reliability.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an optical device with a light-transmitting member covering the light receiving or emitting regions, a molding resin coating the side surfaces and major surface excluding the covered region, and electrodes for external connection on the back surface, using a light-transmitting adhesive and molding resin to enhance moisture resistance and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a transparent member is directly adhered on micro lenses without a ceramic package, then the thickness and manufacturing cost are reduced, but moisture resistance and reliability deteriorate due to gaps and resin residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective structure into two segments: a transparent member covering the light receiving region and a molding resin covering the peripheral circuit region. This segmentation allows each material to be optimized for its specific function while eliminating gaps that would compromise moisture resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the transparent member and molding resin into an integrated protective structure where both materials are present simultaneously. The transparent member protects the optical region while the molding resin protects the peripheral circuits, and their combined presence eliminates gaps that would allow moisture ingress.
2Device complexity
If the transparent member is directly adhered on micro lenses, then the device complexity is reduced by eliminating ceramic packages, but the strength and protection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented between two materials: the transparent member provides optical protection and the molding resin provides mechanical protection. This segmentation allows each material to be optimized for its primary function while together they provide comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining transparent member material and molding resin material. Each material contributes different properties: the transparent member provides optical clarity and the molding resin provides mechanical strength, creating a composite protective structure that exceeds the capabilities of either material alone.
3Reliability
If molding resin is used to coat the entire surface including the light receiving region, then moisture resistance is improved, but optical properties deteriorate due to resin interference with light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coating application: the transparent member is applied only to the light receiving region to maintain optical properties, while the molding resin is applied to the peripheral circuit region for moisture protection. This spatial segmentation resolves the conflict between optical performance and moisture resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the device receive different protective treatments tailored to their specific requirements. The light receiving region receives a transparent member optimized for optical clarity, while the peripheral circuit region receives molding resin optimized for moisture protection. Each region has local quality optimized for its function.
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 results in a small, thin, and high-quality optical device with improved moisture resistance and reliability, allowing for reduced size and thickness without the need for additional housing, while preventing mechanical damage and stray light issues.
Implementation Method 1
a light-transmitting member covering one of the light receiving region and the light emitting region adhered on the major surface of the optical element with a light-transmitting adhesive
Implementation Method 2
a molding resin for coating side surfaces of the light-transmitting member and the major surface of the optical element excluding the region covered with the light-transmitting member
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device is equipped with a light receiving region 16a and a peripheral circuit region 22 located around the light receiving region 16a on a major surface of an light receiving element 11a; electrodes for external connection 15 electrically connected to the peripheral circuit region 22 formed on a back surface opposite to the major surface of the light receiving element 11a; a transparent member 12 covering the light receiving region 16a adhered on the major surface of the light receiving element 11a with a light-transmitting adhesive 13; and a molding resin 14 for coating side surfaces of the transparent member 12 and the major surface of the light receiving element 11a excluding the region covered with the transparent member 12.