Proximity Sensor Vertical Light Path for Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proximity sensors have low utilization efficiency of reflected light and poor resolution due to the placement of light sources and sensors, making them ineffective for precise distance measurement, especially on unknown reflective surfaces with varying reflectivity.
Innovation Solution
A proximity sensor design featuring a first and second light source with finger electrodes and transparent electrode layers, where light passes through gaps in the electrodes and is reflected back through transparent layers for improved light utilization and precise photocurrent measurement, allowing for better resolution and type identification of reflective surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the light source and sensor are spaced apart in a traditional proximity sensor, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the utilization efficiency of reflected light is low and the resolution of proximal sensing is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a lateral arrangement (light source and sensor side-by-side) to a vertical arrangement (light source below substrate, sensor above substrate), utilizing the depth dimension to improve light collection efficiency while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent substrate acts as an intermediary medium that allows light to pass through from the light source below, reflect off the target surface, and be detected by the sensor above, enabling improved light utilization without direct contact between light source and sensor
2Device complexity
If the light source and sensor are spaced apart in a traditional proximity sensor, then the device structure is simple, but the reflected light cannot be effectively received
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging the light source below the substrate and the sensor above the substrate in opposite directions, the patent creates an optical path that efficiently captures reflected light without requiring complex lateral positioning structures
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent substrate serves multiple functions: as a mechanical support structure, as an optical window for light transmission, and as a mounting platform for the sensor, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving light utilization
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional proximity sensor is used, then the device can measure distance to reflective surfaces, but it cannot accurately measure distances to different types of reflective surfaces with varying reflectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures both the intensity of reflected light and the time of flight (or phase shift) to obtain multiple parameters about the target surface, allowing the system to adapt to different reflectivity characteristics and accurately measure distances to various surface types
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the detected reflected light characteristics to identify surface type and adjust measurement parameters or select appropriate measurement modes, enabling accurate distance measurement across different reflective surface conditions
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 significantly increases the utilization efficiency of reflected light, enabling precise distance measurement with minimal distance change and accurate identification of reflective surface types, enhancing the sensor's resolution and applicability in applications like robot finger operations.
Implementation Method 1
When the first light source emits first light, the first light through the first gaps sequentially passes through the first active layer and the first transparent electrode layer onto a reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
the first light is reflected by the reflective surface to form first reflected light
Implementation Method 3
the first reflected light passes through the first transparent electrode layer and is received by the first active layer
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity sensor includes a substrate, a light source, a finger electrode, an active layer, and a transparent electrode layer. The substrate has opposite top and bottom surfaces. The light source faces toward the bottom surface of the substrate. The finger electrode is located on the top surface of the substrate, and has finger portions and gaps between every two adjacent finger portions. The active layer covers the finger electrode, and is located in the gaps. The transparent electrode layer is located on the active layer. When the light source emits light, the light through the gaps sequentially passes through the active layer and the transparent electrode layer onto a reflective surface. The light is reflected by the reflective surface to form reflected light, and the reflected light passes through the transparent electrode layer and is received by the active layer.