Optical Image Sensing Module Compact Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical point reading devices are limited by their structural configuration, making it difficult to further reduce their size while maintaining functionality, and they often require separate sound files for enhanced reading experiences, causing inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

An optical image sensing module with a compact structure, featuring a base with a light shielding portion and a lens portion that forms a closed accommodating space with the optical body, integrating the light guiding and lens components to reduce size and cost, and incorporating a light emitting component and sensing unit for efficient optical code reading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the optical components are arranged in a conventional configuration, then the optical code reading function is achieved, but the structural size cannot be reduced further

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidoptical component configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light guiding portion and lens portion are merged into a single integrated optical body structure. The light guiding portion directly connects to the lens portion without separate mounting interfaces, reducing the number of components and assembly steps while achieving compact size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light shielding portion is positioned within the base structure, and the optical body is nested within the base, with the lens portion recessed relative to the light guiding portion. This nested arrangement allows components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, minimizing the overall module footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate components are used for light guiding and lens functions, then optical performance is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidoptical function
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light guiding portion and lens portion are formed as a single integrated optical body, reducing the number of parts to manufacture and assemble. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the combined optical functions of light guidance and focusing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical body serves multiple functions simultaneously: the light guiding portion guides light from the emitting component, while the lens portion focuses the light onto the sensing unit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If internal components are exposed to the environment, then access is easier, but dustproof protection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust protectionVSAvoidcomponent access
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure acts as a protective enclosure with opening portions that can be covered by covers or seals. The light shielding portion and optical body are positioned within this enclosed space, protecting internal components from dust while allowing light to pass through designated openings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The module achieves a smaller size and lower cost while maintaining effective optical code reading capabilities, and provides a dustproof function by isolating internal components, enhancing the reading experience without the need for separate sound files.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting component (140)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The lens portion (121) is adjacent to the first opening (O1) of the light shielding portion (111)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission and focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

The sensing unit (130) is disposed in the second opening (O2) of the base (110)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

The light shielding portion has a columnar portion (111a) and a tapered end portion (111b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3779523B1Optical image sensing module
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 SONIX TECH
  • EP3779523B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3779523B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3779523B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

An optical image sensing module includes a base, an optical body, at least one light emitting component, and a sensing unit. The base has a light shielding portion and a bottom portion. The light shielding portion protrudes from the bottom portion. The light shielding portion has a first opening. The bottom portion has a second opening to correspond to the light shielding portion and a third opening adjacent to the second opening. The optical body is located on the base and has a lens portion and a light guiding portion. The lens portion is connected to the light guiding portion, and is adjacent to the first opening. The light emitting component is disposed within the third opening. The sensing unit is disposed in the second opening.