Opto-Electronic Module Asymmetric Optical Axes Cross-Talk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity sensors face challenges in achieving safe and energy-efficient operation, particularly in minimizing cross-talk and ensuring effective proximity detection, while also being compact and easily mass producible.
Innovation Solution
The design of opto-electronic modules with non-rotationally symmetric radiation and sensitivity distribution characteristics, aligned emission and detection directions, and de-centered optical arrangements, along with the use of passive optical components like lenses and prisms, helps minimize cross-talk and allows for a smaller, more efficient module design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional proximity sensors are used, then proximity detection function is achieved, but cross-talk between light emitter and light detector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the light emitter and light detector with non-coincident optical axes and different orientations. The light emitter has a first optical axis while the light detector has a second optical axis that is not parallel to the first, creating an asymmetric optical path that prevents direct light from reaching the detector and thereby suppresses cross-talk.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy-saving operation is prioritized, then power consumption is reduced, but proximity detection safety and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric optical configuration allows the system to use lower light emission intensity while maintaining reliable detection. By orienting the optical axes non-parallel and using specific angular relationships between the emitter and detector, the system optimizes light collection efficiency, enabling energy-saving operation without sacrificing detection reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If opto-electronic module size is reduced, then device compactness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and testing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light emitter and light detector into a single integrated opto-electronic module with a shared housing and common mounting structure. This integration reduces the overall module size while standardizing the internal configuration, which simplifies mass production processes and reduces the need for individual testing of each component assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric optical design is implemented as a standardized configuration within the integrated module, allowing for compact packaging. The fixed non-parallel optical axis arrangement becomes a design standard that simplifies manufacturing tooling and assembly processes, offsetting the complexity that might otherwise arise from the non-conventional optical geometry.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If non-rotationally symmetric radiation distribution is used, then cross-talk suppression is improved, but optical component design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-rotationally symmetric radiation distribution by configuring the light emitter and light detector with different orientations and non-coincident optical axes. This asymmetric arrangement creates directional light patterns that suppress cross-talk. The complexity is managed by using standard optical components arranged in a systematic asymmetric configuration rather than requiring custom-designed asymmetric 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 approach results in a compact, high-sensitivity, and energy-efficient opto-electronic module that effectively suppresses cross-talk, enabling safe operation and efficient proximity detection, while facilitating easier integration and reduced testing requirements in devices.
Implementation Method 1
an emission member E for emitting light generally detectable by the detecting member D
Implementation Method 2
a detecting member D for detecting light
Implementation Method 3
Passive optical component: An optical component redirecting light by refraction and/or diffraction and/or (internal and/or external) reflection
Implementation Method 4
Passive optical component: An optical component redirecting light by refraction and/or diffraction and/or (internal and/or external) reflection
Implementation Method 5
Passive optical component: An optical component redirecting light by refraction and/or diffraction and/or (internal and/or external) reflection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The opto-electronic module (1) comprises a detecting channel (30) comprising a detecting member (D) for detecting light and an emission channel (20) comprising an emission member (E) for emitting light generally detectable by said detecting member. Therein, a radiation distribution characteristic for an emission of light from said emission channel is non rotationally symmetric; and/or a sensitivity distribution characteristic for a detection in said detecting channel of light incident on said detection channel is non rotationally symmetric; and/or a central or main emission direction for an emission of light from said emission channel and a central or main detection direction for a detection of light incident on said detection channel are aligned not parallel to each other; and/or at least a first one of the channels comprises at least one of the following: e1) at least two passive optical components (52, 52'; 53, 53') each having an optical axis (Alpha2, Alpha2'; Alpha3, Alpha3'), wherein these components are arranged such that these optical axes do not coincide; e2) at least one passive optical component (52, 52',53, 53') having an optical axis, wherein this component is arranged with respect to the detecting member (D) and the emission member (E), respectively, comprised in that first channel such that this optical axis does not coincide with a central axis (c2; c3) of detection and emission, respectively, of the detecting or emission member comprised in said first channel; e3) at least one passive optical component (52, 52', 53, 53') constituting a non rotationally symmetric beam forming element or a portion thereof; e4) at least one passive optical component (52, 52', 53, 53') arranged so as to accomplish that a main direction (m2; m3) or a central direction (c2; c3) of light entering and exiting, respectively, the first channel is angled with respect to a such a direction, of light entering or exiting the first channel without presence of said at least one passive optical component in said first channel.