Integrated Sensor Window with Opaque Isolation Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining optical isolation between photoemitters and photodetectors while minimizing device size and maximizing accuracy, as existing designs often require separate windows that increase size and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The integration of two transparent regions with an opaque isolation region within a single window allows for closer proximity of photoemitters and photodetectors, reducing the need for separate windows and enhancing optical isolation by using materials like sapphire, onyx, alumina, or silicon dioxide for transparency and zirconia, black glass, or metal for opacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate windows are used for photoemitter and photodetector, then optical isolation is maintained, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate windows into a single integrated window structure that contains both transparent regions and opaque isolation regions. This merging approach maintains optical isolation between photoemitter and photodetector while reducing the overall device volume by eliminating the need for separate window components and their associated mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds opaque isolation regions within the transparent window structure, creating a nested configuration where the isolation features are contained within the window itself. This nesting allows the window to serve multiple functions simultaneously - providing optical transmission paths while maintaining isolation barriers - thereby reducing device size without compromising optical isolation performance.
2Volume of moving object
If photoemitter and photodetector are placed closer together, then device size is reduced, but optical isolation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the window structure. Transparent regions are positioned to allow light transmission from photoemitter to photodetector, while opaque isolation regions are strategically placed to block stray light. This local differentiation of material properties enables close spacing of photoemitter and photodetector while maintaining adequate optical isolation through the integrated opaque barriers.
3Reliability
If multiple separate windows are used, then optical isolation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple window functions into a single monolithic component that can be manufactured as one piece. This integrated window structure eliminates the need for separate photoemitter window, photodetector window, and isolation structures, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining optical isolation performance through the built-in opaque regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated window structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides optical transmission paths for light from photoemitter to photodetector, maintains optical isolation through embedded opaque regions, and acts as a structural component of the device housing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies manufacturing while ensuring reliable optical isolation.
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 enables more compact and aesthetically pleasing devices with reduced power consumption and improved accuracy in monitoring physiological parameters like heart rate and blood oxygen content by maintaining effective optical isolation and minimizing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
a first transparent region that allows light from a photoemitter positioned within the housing to pass through the opening
Implementation Method 2
a second transparent region that allows light to pass through the opening and be received by a photodetector that is positioned within the housing
Implementation Method 3
an opaque region positioned between and optically isolating the first transparent region and the second transparent region
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated window for a photosensor for use in an electronic device has first and second transparent regions separated by an opaque region. The first transparent region allows a transmitter to emit light out of the housing of the electronic device and the second transparent region allows a receiver to receive light through the housing. The opaque region is disposed between the first and second transparent regions to isolate them from one another such that the transmitted light is isolated from the received light.