Wearable Optical Module Waterproofing via Nested Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical detecting modules in wearable devices lack sufficient waterproofing, leading to damage from exterior moisture, which compromises their functionality, especially in outdoor or water activities.
Innovation Solution
An optical detecting module with a packaging structure that includes a main body, light emitting and incoming units, and a waterproofing component, where the waterproofing component is filled between the main body and the housing to prevent moisture ingress, and the main body is designed to cover the optical detecting component and light source, with additional blocking components to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical detecting module is designed without waterproofing, then the structure remains simple and manufacturing is easier, but the reliability deteriorates due to moisture damage to electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure employs nested waterproof components where the first waterproof component is disposed between the housing and the main body, and the second waterproof component is disposed between the housing and the first waterproof component. This nested arrangement provides multiple layers of waterproof protection while maintaining a compact integrated structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproofing function is segmented into multiple independent waterproof components rather than using a single complex waterproof seal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific location and function, making manufacturing easier while achieving comprehensive waterproofing protection for the optical detecting component and light source
2Reliability
If waterproofing components are added to protect electronic components, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure integrates multiple functions into unified components. The main body serves both as a structural housing for the optical detecting component and light source, and as a mounting platform for the waterproof components. The light emitting unit and light incoming unit are integrated into the main body, eliminating the need for separate housings and reducing overall component count while maintaining comprehensive waterproofing protection
3Volume of moving object
If the optical detecting module is made smaller for wearable devices, then the device becomes more suitable for wearable applications, but the waterproofing function becomes more difficult to implement effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The nested waterproof component arrangement allows multiple layers of protection to be stacked vertically within a compact footprint. The first waterproof component is positioned between the housing and main body, while the second waterproof component is positioned between the housing and first waterproof component, creating a space-efficient waterproof barrier that provides effective protection without significantly increasing the module's overall volume
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof components are designed as thin film-like structures that can be effectively integrated into the compact packaging structure. These thin film waterproof layers provide effective moisture barrier protection while occupying minimal space, enabling reliable waterproofing in the small-form-factor optical detecting module suitable for wearable devices
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detecting module with waterproofing function can be installed on a housing of a wearable device and includes an optical detecting component, a light source and a packaging structure. The light source is disposed by the optical detecting component, and the packaging structure provides the waterproofing function to the optical detecting component and the light source. The packaging structure includes a main body, a light emitting unit, alight incoming unit and a waterproofing component. The main body covers the optical detecting component and the light source. The light emitting unit and the light incoming unit are disposed on the main body and respectively face the light source and the optical detecting component. The waterproofing component is filled into a gap formed between the main body and the housing, to prevent moisture from leaking into the gap to rust terminals of the optical detecting component and the light source.