Compact TOF Sensor Module Sealing and Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for time-of-flight sensor arrays that minimize space requirements while maintaining high imaging quality, are cost-effective, and efficient in production, particularly for applications like the automotive industry and gesture recognition systems.
Innovation Solution
A time-of-flight sensor module design featuring a housing with a slot and protective window assembly, a module insert with a closure section and carrier section, a circuit board arrangement with a light source and light sensor, and a coupling element for external connectivity, allowing for a compact and adaptable configuration that reduces external influences and supports efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the housing is completely sealed to protect against dust and external influences, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for precise sealing surfaces and complete seal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into a closure section with a retaining surface that seals the opening edge of the housing, and a protective window arrangement that seals the rear side. This segmentation allows each sealing component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall sealing system while maintaining complete protection against dust and external influences.
2Ease of manufacture
If the module insert integrates multiple components (closure section, carrier section, support section) to reduce part count and simplify production, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases due to the integrated multi-functional structure
Solution Approach 1:
The module insert merges multiple functional sections into a single integrated component: the closure section for sealing, the carrier section for mounting the circuit board assembly, and the support section for structural support. This consolidation reduces the total part count, simplifies assembly procedures, and improves production efficiency while maintaining all necessary functions through carefully designed integrated structures.
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
The design achieves a compact, high-quality imaging solution with reduced susceptibility to mechanical damage and dust, enabling efficient and cost-effective production while maintaining high reliability and adaptability for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The functionality of TAF sensor arrays is based on measuring the time of flight of light. A light source within the TAF sensor array illuminates a scene to be imaged in pulses. The emitted light, reflected by the scene, and returning to the TAF sensor array is detected. The time of flight of the light is determined.
Implementation Method 2
The emitted light, reflected by the scene, and returning to the TAF sensor array is detected.
Implementation Method 3
The protective window arrangement is positioned on the housing such that the area to be illuminated can be lit by the light source through a protective window of the protective window arrangement, and that light reflected from the illuminated area can be detected by the light sensor through a protective window of the protective window arrangement. The protective window(s) of the protective window arrangement are designed to be transparent or largely transparent to the light emitted by the light source and used for detection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A time-of-flight sensor module, abbreviated: TOF sensor module, comprising: - a housing, - a module insert with a shutter section (7a) and a carrier section (7b), wherein a retaining surface (7a') of the shutter section seals at least partially against the housing (12), - a circuit board assembly (2a, 2b) preferably having a pivot connection (29a, 29b), - a light source (10) and a light sensor (4), - an optical frame (11) with retaining pins (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e, 25f). The TOF sensor module has a coupling element (27) extending from the inside of the housing towards the outside of the housing, and which carries a first connector assembly (38) that is coupled inside the housing to the circuit board assembly (2a, 2b). For positioning, the coupling element (27) has, among other things, retaining bolts (44a, 44b).