Optical Sensor Housing Cap Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sensors, such as ranging and proximity sensors, face challenges in reducing optical noise from unwanted sources, which leads to inaccurate and inconsistent readings due to increased crosstalk and reduced signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a housing cap with specific crosstalk reducing features, including a transmission opening with a vertical surface and an angled surface, and a receiving opening with an angled surface, helps minimize optical noise by preventing crosstalk radiation from reaching the optical radiation receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional housing cap design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but optical crosstalk increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission opening is divided into multiple surface sections (first surface, second surface, third surface, fourth surface) with different orientations. Each surface segment serves a specific function: the first and second surfaces transmit optical radiation, while the third and fourth surfaces are positioned to block crosstalk radiation from reaching the optical radiation receiver, thereby reducing optical noise while maintaining transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different surfaces of the transmission opening are assigned different functional properties. The first surface is configured for optimal optical transmission, while the third surface is specifically oriented to block crosstalk. This local differentiation of surface properties allows the housing cap to simultaneously achieve high transmission efficiency and effective crosstalk reduction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If crosstalk reduction features are added to housing cap, then optical noise is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution addresses crosstalk reduction by utilizing the angular/directional dimension rather than adding physical barriers. The transmission opening surfaces are oriented at specific angles relative to the optical axis and to each other, creating geometric relationships that naturally block crosstalk paths. This dimensional approach to noise reduction avoids the need for additional manufacturing steps or complex assemblies
3Area of moving object
If transmission opening angle is increased to improve transmission, then optical coverage is enhanced, but crosstalk radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission opening surfaces are configured with asymmetric orientations relative to the optical axis. The first surface has a different angular relationship with the optical axis than the second surface, and the third and fourth surfaces are positioned asymmetrically to block crosstalk. This asymmetric configuration allows the opening to maintain wide angular coverage for legitimate optical transmission while creating geometric barriers that selectively block crosstalk radiation paths
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 solution effectively reduces unwanted optical noise, enhancing the accuracy and consistency of optical sensor readings by maintaining wide optical transmission and receiving angles while minimizing crosstalk.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first portion of the upper portion of the transmission opening comprises a transmission opening upper portion vertical surface, wherein the transmission opening upper portion vertical surface is substantially parallel to an optical transmission axis
Implementation Method 2
at least a second portion of the upper portion of the transmission opening comprises an upper portion angled surface, wherein the upper portion angled surface progresses into the transmission opening from an outer surface of the housing cap at a transmission opening angle
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to an optical sensor configured to transmit and receive optical radiation while minimizing optical noise, such as crosstalk. An example optical sensor includes an optical radiation source configured to direct optical radiation at a target object, an optical radiation receiver configured to receive reflected optical radiation off the target object, and a housing cap. The housing cap includes a transmission opening having a lower portion and an upper portion positioned to direct optical radiation toward the target object, and a receiving opening positioned to received reflected optical radiation. A first portion of the upper portion of the transmission opening includes a vertical surface that is substantially parallel to an optical transmission axis. A second portion of the upper portion of the transmission opening comprises an angled surface, progressing into the transmission opening from an outer surface of the housing cap at a transmission opening angle.