Compact Photoacoustic Sensor Layout for EMI-Shielded Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photoacoustic devices for non-invasive health monitoring are bulky, suffer from low signal-to-noise ratio, and face challenges with arterial orientation variability, making it difficult to design compact and effective PAPG devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact photoacoustic device design incorporating a platen, light source system with a uniform light guide, receiver system, and EMI shielding, utilizing VCSELs and piezoelectric receivers, with EMI shielding to mitigate interference and improve signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional photoacoustic devices are used, then health monitoring function is achieved, but device size becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functionally independent modules: light source system with VCSELs, uniform light guide component, receiver system with piezoelectric receivers, and EMI shielding. This segmentation allows compact arrangement while maintaining optimal performance of each subsystem, resolving the contradiction between small size and reliable signal detection.
Solution Approach 2:
A uniform light guide component is introduced as an intermediary between the VCSEL light source and the target tissue. This light guide ensures uniform light distribution across the illumination area, improving photoacoustic signal quality while enabling compact device design. The EMI shield acts as another intermediary to protect the receiver system from electromagnetic interference.
2Volume of moving object
If compact design is implemented, then device portability is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
An EMI shield is positioned between the light source circuitry and the receiver system to block electromagnetic interference. This intermediary protective element allows compact arrangement of components while maintaining signal integrity by preventing EMI from degrading the photoacoustic signals.
3Illumination intensity
If uniform light guide is used, then light distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide component is designed with a uniform cross-section throughout its length, differing from traditional tapered light guides. This parameter change (maintaining constant diameter) simplifies manufacturing processes while achieving uniform light distribution across the illumination area, improving both light quality and manufacturability.
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 design achieves a compact form factor, enhances signal detection by reducing electromagnetic interference, and improves signal-to-noise ratio, enabling effective non-invasive health monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting component configured to provide light to a first area of the platen via the first light guide component
Implementation Method 2
detect acoustic waves corresponding to a photoacoustic response of a target object proximate the first area of the platen to light emitted by the light source system
Implementation Method 3
a receiver system including at least two receiver stack portions... configured to detect acoustic waves corresponding to a photoacoustic response
Implementation Method 4
an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield configured to shield the receiver system from at least some of the EMI produced by the light source system circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
Some disclosed examples pertain to an apparatus that can include a platen, a light source system, a receiver system, and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. The light source system can include light source system circuitry, a light-emitting component, and a light guide component having a substantially uniform cross-section. The light-emitting component provides light to an area of the platen via the light guide component. The receiver system can include at least two receiver stack portions residing proximate on either side of the light guide component. The receiver system detects acoustic waves corresponding to a photoacoustic response of a target object proximate the area of the platen, to light emitted by the light source system. The EMI shield shields the receiver system from at least some of the EMI produced by the light source system circuitry. The light guide component conveys light through a portion of the EMI shield.