Optical Sensor Module Glass Interlock for Eye Safety and EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensor modules lack effective safety measures to prevent eye damage from the full intensity of the light-emitting device if the protective glass is detached or broken, and they also face challenges in managing electromagnetic interferences (EMI) between components.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensor module incorporates a glass with a conductive trace that is electrically connected to a conductive strip and wire bonding, which forms a conductive loop. This loop is designed to break if the glass detaches, thereby deactivating the light-emitting device for safety. Additionally, the conductive trace provides EMI shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the glass is removed or detached from over the light-emitting device, then the light intensity can be reduced or the device can be accessed, but the full intensity light may cause harm to user's eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary safety mechanism by integrating a conductive trace on the glass surface that forms an electrical connection with the light-emitting device before the glass is ever detached. This pre-configured conductive path enables the system to detect glass detachment and automatically reduce light intensity or deactivate the device, preventing eye damage before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive trace acts as an intermediary element between the glass and the light-emitting device. It serves dual purposes: optically, it allows light transmission when the glass is intact; electrically, it provides a detection mechanism that mediates the connection status, enabling the system to respond appropriately when the glass is removed or detached.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the glass is kept over the light-emitting device, then user safety is protected, but the light intensity is reduced due to the glass acting as a diffuser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of light intensity based on the presence or absence of the glass. The system can adjust the light-emitting device's output in real-time: when the glass is detected as present, full or reduced intensity is maintained; when the glass is removed, the system dynamically reduces or deactivates the light source to prevent eye damage, thus adapting the illumination level to current safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the light-emitting device based on glass presence detection. By monitoring the electrical connection status through the conductive trace, the system modifies key parameters such as light intensity, emission duration, or activation state to balance safety protection with functional performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conductive elements are added to the glass and module cap, then EMI shielding is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive trace integrated on the glass surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides EMI shielding to protect against electromagnetic interference, enables detachment detection through electrical connection monitoring, and maintains optical transparency when intact. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the EMI shielding function with the glass protective cover by integrating a conductive trace directly onto the glass surface. This combination eliminates the need for separate EMI shielding components and simplifies the overall structure, as the glass now serves both as a physical protective barrier and an electromagnetic shield, while also enabling detachment detection.
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 solution effectively addresses the safety concern by ensuring the light-emitting device is deactivated if the glass becomes detached, and it also manages EMI by using the conductive trace for shielding, enhancing the overall performance and safety of the optical sensor module.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive trace provides EMI shielding
Implementation Method 2
at least a conductive wire formed by wire bonding, the at least one conductive wire electrically connecting the conductive trace to the at least one conductive strip
Implementation Method 3
the glass being relatively transparent to light at the wavelengths used
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical sensor module. An example optical sensor module comprises: a light-emitting device; a module cap adapted to at least partially cover the light-emitting device, the module cap comprising a first opening located over the light-emitting device; at least a conductive strip assembled with, or included in, the module cap; a glass positioned in the first opening and/or covering the first opening, and adapted to transmit light signals emitted by the light-emitting device, the glass including a conductive trace; and at least a conductive wire formed by wire bonding, the at least one conductive wire electrically connecting the conductive trace to the at least one conductive strip.