Optical Finger Navigation Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in developing a compact and cost-effective optical finger navigation system for small portable devices, as existing systems face complexity and high costs due to their miniaturization, requiring a simpler assembly process and reduced component count.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a small optical finger navigation device using a prefabricated molded lead frame sub-assembly and lens holder sub-assembly, assembled via a heat staking process, which eliminates defects and reduces manufacturing costs, and incorporates a light guide system to direct light efficiently, eliminating the need for an illumination lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical navigation device is miniaturized for compact portable devices, then the device size is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, sensor, and lens into a single integrated optical navigation device package. This merging of components into one compact unit reduces the overall device footprint while simplifying the manufacturing process, as the integrated design eliminates the need for separate assembly of multiple discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical navigation device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single package: illumination (light source), image capture (sensor), and optical focusing (lens). This multi-functionality allows the device to be miniaturized without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the optical navigation device is miniaturized for compact portable devices, then the device size is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of light source, sensor, and lens into a single package reduces the total component count and assembly steps, leading to lower manufacturing costs despite the miniaturized size. The unified design allows for more efficient production processes.
3Device complexity
If the optical navigation device uses fewer component parts, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the navigation functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light source, sensor, and lens into a single package, reducing the component count from multiple separate parts to one unified assembly. This merging maintains all necessary navigation functions (illumination, image capture, and optical focusing) while simplifying the overall device structure and assembly process.
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 approach enables the production of a small, affordable optical finger navigation system with reduced assembly complexity and lower raw material costs, enhancing production yield and minimizing defects, while maintaining effective navigation functionality in compact portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates a light guide system to direct light efficiently, eliminating the need for an illumination lens
Implementation Method 2
a sensor to generate the images from light that is reflected off the user's finger
Data Source
AI summary
An optical finger navigation (OFN) device for use in handheld portable devices is presented. The OFN device may include a light source, a sensor, a lens holder integrated with a light guide system and a molded lead frame. The lens holder may include a lens receiving region for receiving the lens, a light guide system for directing light emitted by the light source towards the navigation surface. The light guide system may include a slanted wall that may be coated with a light reflective material.