Optical Lens Assembly for Proximity Sensors with Peripheral Radiation Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensors face inefficiencies in power usage due to radiation loss at the outer periphery of optical lens assemblies and struggle to detect objects at close distances, requiring competing design optimizations for optical lenses.
Innovation Solution
The optical lens assembly incorporates a primary lens to direct radiation efficiently at longer distances and an additional optical structure at the periphery to redirect and utilize otherwise lost radiation for detecting objects closer to the sensor, maintaining the form factor and robustness of the lens assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an optical lens assembly is used to collimate radiation for high power efficiency, then power efficiency is improved, but radiation loss at the outer periphery of the lens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical lens assembly is divided into a first optical lens and a second optical lens, each serving distinct functions. The first lens collimates radiation for distant detection, while the second lens redirects peripheral radiation for close-range detection, thereby reducing overall radiation loss while maintaining power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical system are assigned different functions: the central region of the first lens handles collimated radiation for distant objects, while the peripheral region utilizes the second lens to redirect and focus radiation for close-range detection. This local differentiation optimizes both power efficiency and reduces peripheral radiation loss.
2Measurement precision
If the optical lens assembly is optimized for detecting objects at large distances, then detection accuracy at long range is improved, but detection capability at close distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical lens assembly achieves multi-functionality by incorporating two lenses: the first lens optimizes detection accuracy for distant objects through collimation, while the second lens enables effective close-range detection by redirecting peripheral radiation. This dual-lens configuration allows the same optical assembly to perform both long-range and close-range detection tasks effectively.
3Loss of energy
If an additional optical structure is added to redirect peripheral radiation, then radiation utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first optical lens and second optical lens are integrated into a single optical lens assembly, merging their functions into one unified structure. This combination allows the system to redirect and utilize peripheral radiation effectively while avoiding the complexity of separate, disconnected optical 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 enhances power efficiency by redirecting peripheral radiation, enabling effective detection of both distant and nearby objects without compromising the lens assembly's form factor or reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A primary lens may be configured to direct substantial amount of the radiation to a first distance
Implementation Method 2
an optical structure located at an outer periphery of the lens assembly may be configured to direct the radiation to a second distance
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an optical lens assembly comprising a primary lens and an optical structure located at an outer portion of the lens is disclosed. The primary lens is configured to direct a substantial amount of light to a predetermined first distance whereas the optical structure is configured to direct light towards a second distance that is relatively close to the optical lens assembly compared to the first distance. Other embodiments disclose light-emitting devices and proximity sensors having such an optical lens assembly. Alternative embodiments of the optical lens assembly are disclosed, including but not limited to an optical structure defining an optical surface located at a lens flange and optical structure defining a light guide located at a base portion of the optical lens assembly.