TOF Sensor Light-Emitting Array Layout for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TOF sensors generate excessive heat due to light-emitting elements, leading to heat dissipation challenges and potential degradation of the elements.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting unit with groups of light-emitting elements that are turned on/off at different times using electrically isolated address lines, featuring optical lenses and an ion implantation layer to block defect movement, improving heat dissipation and maintaining appropriate light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light-emitting elements are operated simultaneously to provide sufficient light output, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat generation increases causing heat dissipation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially activating different groups of light-emitting elements at different time periods rather than simultaneously. The light-emitting elements are divided into multiple groups that are driven in alternating time slots, which reduces instantaneous heat generation while maintaining adequate average light output for TOF sensor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light-emitting elements into multiple independent groups that can be controlled separately. Each group is associated with different address lines and can be activated independently, allowing selective operation that manages heat distribution across the array while maintaining overall illumination requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light-emitting elements are disposed on one base substrate to increase light output, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light-emitting elements into multiple groups with independent control, allowing selective activation that reduces simultaneous heat generation. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high illumination intensity when needed while managing heat dissipation by operating groups alternately rather than all at once.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing periodic activation of different element groups, the patent reduces the cumulative heat load on the base substrate at any given time. The alternating operation pattern allows heat dissipation between activation cycles while maintaining sufficient average light output.
3Measurement precision
If light-emitting elements are operated for extended periods to maintain detection capability, then measurement precision is improved, but heat accumulation causes element degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by alternating between different groups of light-emitting elements, allowing each group to rest and cool down while another group is active. This extends the operational lifespan of individual elements by reducing continuous heat exposure, thereby maintaining detection capability over longer periods without significant degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a recovery mechanism by rotating between different groups of light-emitting elements. When one group is actively providing light for detection, other groups are recovering and cooling down. This cyclic discarding and recovering approach maintains measurement precision while preventing thermal degradation of individual elements.
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
Reduces heat dissipation issues and prevents degradation of light-emitting elements by controlling their activation times and isolating defect sources, enhancing the performance and longevity of the TOF sensor.
Implementation Method 1
an ion implantation layer is formed in order to block the movement of a defect from a defect source, such as an oxide layer or an etching part
Implementation Method 2
A conventional TOF sensor generates a large amount of heat due to light-emitting elements when operating for a predetermined time or more
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a light-emitting unit having improved heat dissipation properties and a TOF sensor including the same. There is provided a light-emitting unit including a base substrate, light-emitting elements that are arranged on the base substrate as a plurality of groups and that are sequentially arranged on an outermost side of the base substrate and an inside thereof in a preset form, and address lines that are electrically connected to the groups of light-emitting elements, respectively, and that are electrically spaced apart from each other.