Compact Optoelectronic Module with Optical Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in electronic appliances such as televisions is the limited space available for incorporating multiple optoelectronic devices like light sensors and emitters, which affects their functionality, power consumption, and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact optoelectronic modules that integrate light emitting devices, infra-red sensors, and ambient light sensors into a single module, fabricated using a wafer-level process, with optical channels separated by spacers to minimize optical cross-talk and reduce module size, allowing for efficient use of space and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optoelectronic devices are incorporated into appliances, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optoelectronic devices (light emitters, IR receivers, ambient light sensors) into a single integrated module with a common substrate and housing. This merging approach maintains enhanced functionality while reducing overall device complexity by consolidating multiple components into one unified structure that occupies less space and simplifies installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optoelectronic module serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can emit light for status indication, receive IR signals for remote control, and sense ambient light for display brightness adjustment. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate components, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optoelectronic devices are incorporated into appliances, then versatility is improved, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple optoelectronic devices into a single compact module with shared housing and mounting substrate, the patent reduces the total space required while maintaining all necessary functions. The integrated design allows these components to occupy a unified footprint rather than requiring separate installation areas for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple optical components are arranged within a single housing - light emitters, IR receivers, and ambient light sensors are positioned in adjacent cavities or mounting areas within the same external envelope, effectively nesting multiple functional elements within one compact form factor.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical channels are separated by spacers, then optical cross-talk is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical isolation function by introducing spacers that create physical separation between optical channels. These spacers are positioned between adjacent light emitters and sensors to block stray light paths, effectively removing optical cross-talk while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through standard assembly techniques.
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 compact modules provide enhanced functionality, reduced power consumption, and cost savings by enabling the integration of multiple sensors and emitters in a small form factor, suitable for space-constrained appliances like televisions, while maintaining effective performance and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitting device (e.g., a LED) can be operable to emit light in a visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum
Implementation Method 2
The first sensor can be, for example, an infra-red sensor that detects light in the infra-red region
Implementation Method 3
the second sensor can be, for example, an ambient light sensor that detects light in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
Compact optoelectronic modules are described and can be used in various electronic or other appliances, such as television units. For example, a light emitting device, a first sensor or sensor module such as an infra-red sensor or an infra-red receiver module, and a second sensor or sensor module such as an ambient light sensor or ambient light sensor module, can be integrated into a single compact optoelectronic module. Multiple such optoelectronic modules can be fabricated in a wafer-level process.