Optical Proximity Sensor Assembly with Integrated Light Guide

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touchscreen devices face challenges in preventing false screen touches, particularly when a user's face approaches the screen during calls, due to complex sensing apparatus structures that are difficult to assemble and require additional support and connecting pieces, leading to increased production time and costs.

Innovation Solution

An optical proximity sensor component with a light guide body that transfers light between the optical proximity sensor and the screen, eliminating the need for additional support structures and connecting pieces, featuring a cylindrical design with a light-shielding separating rib to prevent light absorption and enhance sensitivity, and a transparent material for efficient light transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a support structure and connecting piece are designed for the sensing apparatus, then the sensing apparatus can be properly positioned and electrically connected, but the structure becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing apparatus positioning and electrical connectionVSAvoidstructure complexity and assembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support structure and connecting piece into a single integrated support plate. The support plate simultaneously provides mechanical support for positioning the sensing apparatus and electrical connection through integrated circuit board connections, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying assembly while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical support structure for positioning the sensing apparatus, provides electrical connection pathways to the circuit board, and serves as a mounting platform. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while ensuring proper positioning and connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the sensing apparatus is placed at the black border position of the touchscreen, then the light hole can be disposed of conveniently, but additional support structures are required increasing assembly complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight hole disposal convenienceVSAvoidsupport structure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate integrates the positioning function for the sensing apparatus at the black border area with the structural support function. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent enables convenient light hole disposal while avoiding the need for additional separate support structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If the sensing apparatus is supported at the back of the touch module, then light sensing can occur at the first time, but a complex support structure and connecting piece are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight sensing response timeVSAvoidsupport structure and connecting piece
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate combines the positioning function (enabling immediate light sensing) with the electrical connection function. By integrating both functions into a single component placed at the back of the touch module, the patent achieves fast light sensing response while eliminating the need for separate connecting pieces and simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easy assembly, reduces production time, and improves sensitivity by directly installing the optical proximity sensor on the circuit mainboard, ensuring accurate screen control and power management without additional components, while maintaining a narrow bezel and stable circuit connections.

Implementation Method 1

the light guide body is configured to transfer, to the optical proximity sensor, light that enters from the first end face, and send out, through the first end face, light that is emitted by the optical proximity sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3809680B1Optical proximity sensor assembly and electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP3809680B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3809680B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3809680B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application provides an optical proximity sensor component, including an optical proximity sensor and a light guide body, where the light guide body includes a first end face, the light guide body is fixed on the optical proximity sensor, and the light guide body is configured to transfer, to the optical proximity sensor, light that enters from the first end face, and send out, through the first end face, light that is emitted by the optical proximity sensor. No additional connector or supporting part is required. The structure is simple and the assembly is convenient.