Portable Electronic Device Optical Modules with Curved Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The light receiving efficiency of optical communication modules in portable electronic devices is limited by the device casing, leading to increased size and reduced portability.
Innovation Solution
The light emitting and receiving modules are designed to protrude from the device surface, covered by transparent covers with curved surfaces to maximize light reception and minimize interference, while maintaining a compact device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the area of the optical communication module is enlarged to increase light receiving area, then light receiving efficiency is improved, but the size of the portable electronic device is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement where the optical module lies flat on the device surface to a three-dimensional protruding structure. The optical communication module extends outward from the device body, creating additional spatial dimension for light reception. This dimensional change allows the light receiving area to be effectively enlarged without increasing the device's footprint area, resolving the contradiction between light receiving efficiency and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a transparent cover with a curved surface (convex toward the light source) to cover the optical communication module. This curved geometry optimizes light reception by reducing reflection and refraction losses compared to a flat surface. The spherical/curved shape allows broader angular acceptance of incoming light signals, effectively increasing light receiving efficiency without requiring a larger module area, thus maintaining compact device dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the optical communication module is installed inside the device casing, then device size is reduced, but light receiving efficiency is limited by receiving position and angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the optical communication module to protrude from the device surface rather than being fully embedded within the casing. This creates additional spatial dimension for light reception, allowing the module to be exposed to incoming light signals from multiple angles. The protruding structure optimizes the receiving position by extending the light reception interface closer to the external environment, improving light receiving efficiency while maintaining a compact overall device size through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent cover featuring a curved surface is designed to optimize light reception angles. The convex curvature facing the light source reduces the impact of oblique incident light by minimizing reflection and maximizing transmission into the optical module. This curved geometry effectively broadens the angular acceptance range for incoming light signals, resolving the limitation on light receiving efficiency caused by restricted receiving angles when the module is installed inside the device casing.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flat cover is used over the optical module, then manufacturing is simple, but light reception is blocked by refraction and reflection at the flat surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional flat cover with a transparent cover featuring a curved surface that is convex toward the light source. This curved geometry optimizes optical performance by reducing reflection and refraction losses that occur at flat surfaces. The spherical/curved shape allows incident light rays to strike the surface at more favorable angles, minimizing total internal reflection and maximizing light transmission to the optical communication module, thereby significantly improving light reception efficiency while remaining manufacturable.
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
Enhances light emitting and receiving efficiencies without increasing the device size, allowing for comfortable handling and improved signal consistency.
Implementation Method 1
light reception intensity of the optical communication module is limited by the casing of the portable electronic device
Implementation Method 2
light reception intensity of the optical communication module is limited by the casing of the portable electronic device
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable electronic device (D) includes an apparatus body (1), a light emitting module (2), a light receiving module (3), and at least one transparent cover (4). The light emitting module (2) and the light receiving module (3) are disposed at the apparatus body (1) and protrude from a surface of the apparatus body (1). The at least one transparent cover (4) covers the light emitting module (2) and the light receiving module (3).