Optical Sensor Package with Opaque Cap and Apertures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical sensors face issues such as glue shifting, uneven glue application, and contamination due to the use of conventional attachment methods, which lead to inaccurate light sensing and potential damage to components.

Innovation Solution

A protective structure comprising transparent components on adhesive optical films with strategically placed apertures and an opaque cap, preventing light from reaching the sensor without passing through the apertures, and using molding compound to fill gaps, eliminating the need for glue and reducing the risk of damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional adhesive glue is used to attach transparent components to integrated circuit dies, then component attachment is achieved, but glue shifting and uneven glue application occur leading to manufacturing defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent attachmentVSAvoidglue application uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the adhesive glue layer from the optical path between the transparent component and integrated circuit die. By eliminating the glue entirely and using direct bonding or alternative attachment methods that do not require UV-curing adhesive in the light path, the invention prevents glue shifting, uneven application, and contamination issues while maintaining component attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reflective layer as an intermediary between the transparent component and the integrated circuit die. This reflective layer enables the desired optical function (reflecting light back through the transparent component) without requiring adhesive glue in the optical path, thereby eliminating glue-related manufacturing defects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If transparent mold component is used to cover the adhesive, then component protection is achieved, but the adhesive is only partially cured due to ultraviolet filtering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidadhesive curing completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the adhesive layer that requires UV curing from the optical path. By removing the glue entirely or replacing it with an adhesive that does not require UV curing, the invention prevents the partial curing issue caused by the transparent mold component's UV filtering properties, ensuring complete bonding reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Use of energy by moving object

If openings are left between integrated circuit dies and MEMS cap, then light transmission is enabled, but damage and contamination of integrated circuit dies occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidcomponent contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transparent component with the protective structure to create an integrated solution. By combining the light-transmitting function and protection function into a single integrated component design, the invention eliminates the need for separate openings that expose integrated circuit dies to contamination while maintaining necessary light transmission paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reflective layer as an intermediary that enables light transmission through a different optical path. Instead of leaving openings that expose components to contamination, the reflective layer guides light through controlled paths that maintain protection while enabling the necessary optical functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If laser drilling is used to form openings in molding compound, then light transmission paths are created, but additional manufacturing expense and component damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the light transmission function into the molding compound design itself during the molding process. By pre-forming the molding compound with integrated light-transmitting characteristics or integrated optical paths during the original molding operation, the invention eliminates the need for subsequent laser drilling operations, reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while preventing component damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the light transmission function with the protective molding compound structure. By integrating the optical function directly into the protective component rather than adding it through separate drilling operations, the invention simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs while maintaining protection against component damage.

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

This solution ensures precise light transmission, prevents glue-related issues, and enhances the robustness and accuracy of optical sensors by maintaining component alignment and protecting against moisture and thermal damage.

Implementation Method 1

a first adhesive transparent optical film (36) allowing light to pass therefrom to the transparent component (34a, 34b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

An opaque cap (56) is positioned on the transparent component (34a, 34b). The opaque cap (56) includes a first aperture (42) and a second aperture (44).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

Molding compound is positioned in the opening between the first and second portions of the transparent component (34a, 34b).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 4

a second integrated circuit die (26) on the substrate (22). The second integrated circuit die (26) includes a light emitting portion (29).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 5

a first integrated circuit die (24) on the substrate (22). The first integrated circuit die (24) includes a light sensor (27).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8779443B2Overmold with single attachment using optical film
Publication Date: 2014.07.15 STMICROELECTRONICS INT NV
  • US8779443B2 patent drawing
  • US8779443B2 patent drawing
  • US8779443B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sensor package is provided having a light sensitive component and a light emitting component attached to a same substrate. Light from the light emitting component is emitted from the package through a first opening and reflected back into the package to the light sensitive component through a second opening in the package. A glass attachment is placed between the light emitting component and the light sensitive component. A portion of the glass is removed and filled with an opaque substance to prevent light travelling between the light emitting component and the light sensitive component in the package.