Asymmetric Spacer for Camera Module Flare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in camera modules is the flare phenomenon occurring between lenses, which affects resolution and is exacerbated by the limited space in portable devices, necessitating a solution for downsizing and thinning while reducing flare.
Innovation Solution
A spacer with a unique outer and inner surface configuration, featuring different lengths and distances, inclination angles, and specific surface shapes to control light and fit within a lens barrel, reducing flare and enabling easier mounting in portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera module is downsized and thinned to fit portable devices, then the space for mounting is reduced, but the flare phenomenon between lenses increases
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent lenses to control and block stray light. The spacer includes a light blocking portion that extends toward the optical axis, creating a physical barrier that prevents flare phenomenon while maintaining the compact lens arrangement necessary for downsized camera modules
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is designed with non-uniform thickness, where the light blocking portion has greater thickness near the optical axis compared to peripheral regions. This local variation in quality allows effective flare blocking at critical areas while minimizing overall spacer volume, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and flare reduction
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a spacer is added to reduce flare, then the light blocking capability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is integrated with existing camera module components rather than being a completely separate element. The light blocking portion is merged with the spacer structure that already serves positioning and spacing functions, thereby adding flare protection without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains proper spacing between lenses, positions optical components, and blocks stray light through its light blocking portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thus limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving effective flare reduction
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer includes an outer circumferential surface in contact with a lens barrel, and an inner circumferential surface forming a hole for controlling an amount of light, a first length of the hole in a first direction, intersecting an optical axis, and a second length of the hole in a second direction, intersecting the optical axis, are different from each other, and a first distance from the outer circumferential surface to the inner circumferential surface, extended in the first direction, is less than a second distance from the outer circumferential surface to the inner circumferential surface, extended in the second direction.