Side Mount Optical Navigation Module Perpendicular Light Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical navigation modules are limited by their thickness, which restricts their application due to the parallel alignment of the light source emission surface and the light sensor sensing surface, preventing efficient interaction with objects on a perpendicular operation plane.
Innovation Solution
The optical navigation module features a substrate with a light source and sensor aligned perpendicularly to the operation plane, utilizing an optical structure with slanted surfaces and lenses to guide light from the source to an object, while a light shield with an aperture allows scattered light to reach the sensor, enabling control through a tactile switch, thus reducing thickness and expanding application possibilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the substrate, light source emission surface and light sensor sensing surface are aligned in parallel with the tracking surface, then the module can be manufactured with conventional designs, but the thickness of the optical navigation module is limited and application scope is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the conventional parallel alignment to a perpendicular arrangement where the substrate's base plane is perpendicular to the operation plane. The light source and light sensor are mounted on the base plane and emit/receive light perpendicular to the operation plane, enabling the module to interact with objects on a perpendicular surface and significantly reducing the required thickness.
2Reliability
If the light source and light sensor are spatially separated to prevent direct light from reaching the sensor, then false signals are avoided, but the module complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light shield with an aperture as an intermediary component between the light source and light sensor. The light shield blocks direct light paths while allowing scattered light from objects to pass through the aperture to the sensor, preventing false signals while maintaining a relatively simple module structure.
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 design allows for reduced thickness and wider application of optical navigation modules, enabling effective control by objects on a perpendicular plane, enhancing usability and versatility in consumer electronics.
Implementation Method 1
The optical structure is configured to guide the light emitted from the light source to the object
Implementation Method 2
The optical structure may include a slanted surface configured for bending the light from the light source toward the object at the operation plane
Implementation Method 3
The slanted surface may be applied with a reflective coating
Implementation Method 4
forms a light intensity pattern on the light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An optical navigation module for receiving control from an object disposed on an operation plane is provided. The optical navigation module includes a substrate defining a base plane that is perpendicular to the operation plane; a light source installed on the base plane of the substrate and configured to emit light to a side of the substrate; an optical structure installed at the side of the substrate; a light sensor installed on the base plane of the substrate; a light shield installed on the base plane of the substrate spatially separating the light source and the light sensor so that light emitted by the light source is not directly shed on the light sensor, the light shield having an aperture formed thereon; and a tactile switch for executing a command installed at a side of the light source that is opposite to the side facing the operation plane. The optical structure is configured to guide the light emitted from the light source to the object so that at least a portion of the light scattered by the object passes to the light sensor through the aperture on the light shield and forms a light intensity pattern on the light sensor.