Time-of-Flight Sensor Layout Using Components as Radiation Shields

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensing systems require a separate shield component to block electromagnetic radiation between the emitter and detector, which increases complexity and cost, while also contributing to measurement noise.

Innovation Solution

An electronic component is strategically located between the emitter and detector to absorb or redirect electromagnetic radiation, eliminating the need for a separate shield and improving measurement accuracy by reducing direct radiation interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a separate shield component is used to block electromagnetic radiation between emitter and detector, then radiation blocking is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic radiation interferenceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shield function with an existing electronic component (such as a capacitor or resistor) that is already part of the sensing system circuitry. By integrating the radiation-blocking function into an existing component rather than adding a separate shield, the system reduces component count while maintaining effective radiation blocking between the emitter and detector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes an existing electronic component serve dual purposes: its original electrical function in the circuit and its new function as a radiation shield. For example, a capacitor that was originally used for signal conditioning now also blocks electromagnetic radiation from reaching the detector directly, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated shield component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a separate shield component is used to block electromagnetic radiation, then radiation blocking is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic radiation interferenceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shield function with an existing electronic component (such as a capacitor or resistor) that is already part of the sensing system circuitry. By integrating the radiation-blocking function into an existing component rather than adding a separate shield, the system reduces component count while maintaining effective radiation blocking between the emitter and detector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes an existing electronic component serve dual purposes: its original electrical function in the circuit and its new function as a radiation shield. For example, a capacitor that was originally used for signal conditioning now also blocks electromagnetic radiation from reaching the detector directly, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated shield component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electronic component is positioned between emitter and detector, then radiation blocking is achieved, but component placement constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect radiation interferenceVSAvoidcomponent placement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes an existing electronic component serve dual purposes: its original electrical function in the circuit and its new function as a radiation shield. For example, a capacitor that was originally used for signal conditioning now also blocks electromagnetic radiation from reaching the detector directly, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated shield component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 results in a more compact, cost-effective sensing system with reduced noise and improved measurement accuracy by blocking direct electromagnetic radiation, enhancing the performance of the sensing system.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic component blocks (e.g. absorbs and/or redirects) an amount of electromagnetic radiation that would otherwise propagate directly from the emitter to the detector without leaving the sensing system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation emission:

Implementation Method 3

a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20230019676A1A sensing system

Publication Date: 2023.01.19 AMS INTERNATIONAL AG

AI summary

A sensing system comprising an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation, a detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation and an electronic component configured to interact with a circuitry of the sensing system. The electronic component is located at least partially between the emitter and the detector. The electronic component reduces an amount of electromagnetic radiation propagating from the emitter to the detector. The electronic component advantageously reduces the unwanted detection of electromagnetic radiation that would otherwise propagate directly from the emitter to the detector without leaving the sensing system, thereby reducing a measurement noise and improving an accuracy of the sensing system. The sensing system may form part of a time-of-flight sensing system or a proximity sensing system. The sensing system may form part of an electronic device such as a mobile phone.