Proximity Sensor Optical Isolator Baffle Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity sensors have separate packages for radiation sources and detectors, leading to increased size, complexity, and cost, as well as internal radiation propagation that pollutes the sensing signal.
Innovation Solution
A proximity sensor package with a lens module and optical isolator, featuring a baffle and grooves, houses both the radiation source and detector within a single package, preventing internal radiation propagation and allowing common circuitry for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the radiation source and detector are housed in separate packages, then internal radiation propagation is reduced, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radiation source and detector into a single integrated sensor package, eliminating the need for separate packages. This merging reduces overall device complexity and footprint while maintaining sensing accuracy through the addition of an optical isolator that prevents internal radiation propagation between the source and detector components.
2Reliability
If the radiation source and detector are housed in separate packages, then internal radiation propagation is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radiation source and detector into a single integrated sensor package, eliminating the need for separate packages. This merging reduces overall device complexity and footprint while maintaining sensing accuracy through the addition of an optical isolator that prevents internal radiation propagation between the source and detector components.
3Reliability
If a baffle is added to prevent internal radiation propagation, then sensing signal accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical isolator comprising a baffle and groove structure as an intermediary element between the radiation source and detector. This mediator blocks internal radiation propagation paths while allowing the source and detector to remain in close proximity, thus improving sensing accuracy without requiring separate packages.
4Device complexity
If the source and detector are mounted in a single package with common circuitry, then device complexity is reduced, but internal radiation propagation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical isolator comprising a baffle and groove structure as an intermediary element between the radiation source and detector. This mediator blocks internal radiation propagation paths while allowing the source and detector to remain in close proximity, thus improving sensing accuracy without requiring separate packages.
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 configuration reduces sensor complexity and size, minimizes stray radiation, and enhances reliability by allowing accurate alignment and absorption of internal radiation, improving the proximity sensing signal.
Implementation Method 1
the baffle may be opaque to radiation emitted by the radiation source
Implementation Method 2
the bottom of the groove being adjacent an upper edge of the baffle
Data Source
AI summary
The internal propagation of radiation between a radiation source and radiation detector mounted within a sensor package is prevented by the use of an optical isolator. The optical isolator is formed by the combination of a baffle mounted between the source and detector and a groove formed in an upper surface of the sensor package between the source and detector. A bottom of the groove is positioned adjacent to an upper edge of the baffle.