Adjustable Optical Lens Central Axis Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules face challenges in achieving high imaging quality due to deviations in the central axis alignment of lenses and optical sensors, leading to blurry images and increased production costs, primarily because of the limitations in molding, packaging, and manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable optical lens system with an optical structural member and multiple lenses that can be adjusted in various directions (horizontal, vertical, tilt, and rotation) to align the central axis lines, allowing for precise alignment with the optical sensor, thereby improving image quality and reducing production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional molding and packaging techniques are used to assemble multiple lenses, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the central axis alignment precision between lenses and optical sensor deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentral axis alignment precisionVSAvoidpackaging process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adjustable lens assembly mechanism that allows the lens group to be dynamically positioned and adjusted after assembly. The lens assembly can be moved along the optical axis and laterally adjusted to achieve precise central axis alignment with the optical sensor, transforming a static assembly into a dynamically adjustable one. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high precision alignment without requiring extremely complex packaging processes during initial assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary alignment and adjustment of the lens assembly before final packaging and sealing. The lens group is pre-adjusted to achieve the required central axis alignment precision, and then the assembly is fixed and packaged. This preliminary action ensures high alignment precision is achieved before the packaging process begins, avoiding the need for complex post-packaging adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple lenses are aligned overlappingly and molded together, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the position and inclination of each lens deviate from the ideal central axis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens position and inclination precisionVSAvoidlens assembly ease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an adjustable lens assembly that can be positioned and inclined dynamically after the initial molding process. The lens group is mounted on an adjustable support structure that allows for fine-tuning of position and inclination angles, enabling high precision alignment to be achieved after manufacturing without requiring extremely precise molding and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary adjustable support structure between the lens group and the final housing. This support structure acts as a mediator that absorbs the manufacturing tolerances and allows for adjustment of the lens position and inclination. The support structure includes adjustment mechanisms that enable precise positioning without requiring the lenses themselves to be manufactured with extremely high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the central axis lines of lenses and optical sensor are not aligned, then the camera module can be produced quickly, but the image quality deteriorates due to blurry images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentral axis alignment precisionVSAvoidcamera module production efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary alignment and adjustment of the lens assembly before final packaging. The lens group is pre-adjusted to achieve the required central axis alignment with the optical sensor, and then the assembly is fixed and packaged in a standardized process. This preliminary action ensures high alignment precision is achieved before the packaging process begins, allowing for quick and efficient production without sacrificing image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates self-alignment features in the lens assembly design, where the lens group automatically tends toward the correct position through mechanical guidance features or gravitational alignment. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex external alignment equipment and manual adjustment, thereby improving production efficiency while maintaining high alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If adjustment mechanisms are added to align lenses, then the central axis alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentral axis alignment precisionVSAvoidoptical lens structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a simple adjustable lens assembly mechanism that allows for post-assembly adjustment of the lens group position and inclination. The adjustment mechanism consists of basic mechanical components such as adjustment screws, sliders, or spring-loaded positioning elements, rather than complex motorized or automated systems. This dynamic adjustment capability achieves high central axis alignment precision while keeping the added structural complexity minimal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary adjustable support structure as a mediator between the lens group and the housing. This support structure incorporates simple adjustment mechanisms that enable precise positioning of the lens assembly. The intermediary structure absorbs the complexity of the adjustment mechanism, keeping the lens group itself simple while providing the necessary adjustment capability through the support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12105350B2Adjustable optical lens and camera module and manufacturing method and applications thereof
Publication Date: 2024.10.01 NINGBO SUNNY OPOTECH CO LTD
  • US12105350B2 patent drawing
  • US12105350B2 patent drawing
  • US12105350B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjustable optical lens and camera module, and manufacturing method and applications thereof is disclosed. The camera module includes an optical sensor and an adjustable optical lens. The adjustable optical lens includes an optical structural member and at least two lenses, wherein each of the lenses is arranged in an internal space of the optical structural member. Along a vertical direction of the optical structural member, at least one lens is adapted to be adjustably pre-mounted to an internal space of the optical structural member serving as an adjustable lens. The side wall of the optical structural member is provided with at least one adjustment channel, which is positioned corresponding to the adjustable lens, so that an assembling position of the adjustable lens can be adjusted through the adjustment channel so as to align a central axis line of the adjustable optical lens with a central axis line of the optical sensor.