Optoelectronic Sensor Stabilizing Plate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to create a space-saving optoelectronic sensor with enhanced mechanical stability, as thinner printed circuit boards used in miniature sensors compromise the stability of chip-on-board electronic components and are prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A thin printed circuit board is positioned directly on a stabilizing metal plate, which serves as the outer wall of the sensor, allowing for a robust configuration while maintaining a thin, space-saving design, and an electrical connection is made through the plate to other components. The plate is made of precious metal for added stability and corrosion resistance, with a partially transparent cover encapsulating the components for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the printed circuit board thickness is decreased to save space, then the sensor height is reduced, but the mechanical stability of the printed circuit board deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizing plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the thin printed circuit board and the sensor housing. This plate provides the necessary mechanical support and stability to the thin circuit board, allowing the sensor to maintain a compact height while preventing damage to COB electronic components. The stabilizing plate acts as a mediator that decouples the height reduction from the stability loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor structure employs a composite design combining the thin printed circuit board with a stabilizing plate and housing structure. This composite construction allows the thin circuit board to benefit from the mechanical properties of the stabilizing plate and housing, achieving both compact dimensions and adequate mechanical stability through material and structural composition.
2Volume of moving object
If the printed circuit board thickness is decreased, then space is saved, but the risk of damage to COB electronic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing plate is positioned beforehand to provide protective support to the COB electronic components on the thin circuit board. This pre-positioned structural element cushions and protects the vulnerable electronic components from mechanical damage, allowing the use of thin circuit boards without compromising component reliability.
3Strength
If a stabilizing plate is added to improve mechanical stability, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing plate is merged with the housing structure or integrated into the overall sensor assembly, reducing the number of separate components. This merging approach provides the necessary mechanical strength while minimizing the increase in device complexity by combining structural support functions into existing components rather than adding entirely separate elements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor, preferably a miniature optoelectronic sensor, comprising optical and electronic components (3, 4) positioned on a single-sided printed circuit board (2). In a particularly robust optoelectronic sensor, the thin printed circuit board (2) rests directly on a stabilizing plate (8) with one unpopulated side, the stabilizing plate (8) forming an outer wall of the sensor (1).