Waterproof Thermopile Module with Selective Infrared Filter

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices equipped with thermopile modules for infrared temperature detection are prone to rust and damage due to moisture exposure, as they lack waterproofing.

Innovation Solution

A thermopile module design incorporating an outer case, circuit substrate, sensor chip, filter structure, and a waterproof structure that surrounds the filter and outer case, with a through hole for exposing the filter structure and preventing water ingress, ensuring the module remains dry and functional.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the thermopile module is made open for infrared detection, then infrared temperature measurement is enabled, but moisture enters the device causing rust and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice durabilityVSAvoidmoisture exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a waterproof coating layer on the outer case and a waterproof seal between the filter structure and outer case, creating a protective barrier that blocks moisture while allowing infrared transmission. This flexible sealing approach resolves the contradiction by protecting internal components from moisture without blocking the infrared detection path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material structures including the waterproof coating layer combined with the outer case, and the filter structure with waterproof sealing. These composite structures provide both mechanical protection and infrared transparency while blocking moisture, thus resolving the contradiction between open design for detection and protection from harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the thermopile module is sealed waterproof, then moisture protection is achieved, but infrared heat energy cannot enter the sensor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture blockingVSAvoidinfrared detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof coating layer and seal structures are designed to be selectively permeable - blocking moisture molecules while allowing infrared radiation to pass through. This resolves the contradiction by creating a barrier that differentiates between harmful moisture and useful infrared energy based on their different physical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The filter structure with waterproof sealing acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the sensor. It mediates by selectively transmitting infrared radiation while blocking moisture, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a waterproof structure is added to the thermopile module, then moisture protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thin waterproof coating layers applied to existing surfaces rather than adding bulky waterproof components. This approach provides effective moisture protection while minimizing additional structural complexity and maintaining a compact design suitable for wearable devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof coating layer is integrated with the outer case structure, and the waterproof seal is combined with the filter structure assembly. This merging of waterproofing functions with existing structural elements adds protection without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 waterproof thermopile module effectively prevents moisture and dust from entering the device, maintaining its functionality and preventing rust, while allowing infrared heat energy to be accurately measured from ambient environments or object surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

measuring infrared temperature generated from an ambient environment or an object surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The filter structure is disposed above the sensor chip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilter structure: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

the waterproof structure has a through hole for exposing the filter structure and communicated with the opening of the outer case

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaterproofing: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 4

The sensor chip is disposed on the circuit substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermopile effect: Thermopile

Data Source

PatentUS11686623B2Thermopile module

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 PIXART IMAGING INC

AI summary

An electronic device includes an outer case, a circuit substrate, a thermopile sensor chip, a filter structure, and a waterproof structure. The outer case has an opening. The circuit substrate is disposed inside the outer case. The thermopile sensor chip is disposed on the circuit substrate. The filter structure is disposed above the thermopile sensor chip. The waterproof structure is surroundingly connected between the filter structure and the outer case, wherein the waterproof structure has a through hole for exposing the filter structure and communicated with the opening of the outer case.