Camera Assembly Shielding Structure for RF Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compact camera assemblies in electronic devices face issues with electromagnetic interference from printed circuit boards and image sensors, which can degrade radio frequency performance and weaken the ground structure, especially with dual-camera setups.

Innovation Solution

A camera assembly design featuring a shielding structure between the camera bracket and metal case, with a flexible circuit board and a conductive shielding member forming a coupling capacitance to shield electromagnetic waves and improve antenna reception sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If camera assembly is made compact with integrated electronic parts, then camera size is reduced, but electromagnetic interference increases and degrades RF performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera assembly sizeVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The camera assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first region containing the image sensor and control circuitry, and a second region containing wireless communication circuits. This spatial segmentation reduces electromagnetic interference by separating noise-generating components from sensitive communication components, while maintaining overall compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A ground structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the image sensor region and the wireless communication circuit region. This ground structure acts as an electromagnetic shield, blocking interference from the image sensor while maintaining proper grounding for the wireless communication circuits, thus resolving the contradiction between compact integration and RF performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual-camera assembly is used, then camera functionality is enhanced, but ground structure is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera functionalityVSAvoidground structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ground structure is designed to maintain equipotential connectivity across the entire camera assembly, including both single-camera and dual-camera configurations. By providing a continuous low-impedance ground path that accommodates multiple camera modules, the ground structure's electrical strength is preserved even as functional versatility increases with dual-camera implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 shielding structure effectively reduces electromagnetic noise, enhancing antenna reception sensitivity by 1 to 2 dB and preventing performance deterioration in dual-camera assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive shielding member forming a coupling capacitance to shield electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoupling capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a shielding structure interposed between the camera bracket and the metal case, the shielding structure being electrically connected to ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3613207B1Camera assembly and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3613207B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3613207B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3613207B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a front plate, a back plate, and a side member surrounding a space between the front plate and the back plate. The side member includes a plurality of non-conductive portions and a conductive portion. The electronic device also includes a display module, and at least one wireless communication circuit. The electronic device also includes a printed circuit board (PCB). The camera assembly is exposed through a portion of the back plate. The camera assembly includes an image sensor mounted on the PCB, and a plurality of lenses. The camera assembly also includes a barrel that surrounds the plurality of lenses, and a camera bracket that surrounds at least part of the barrel. The camera assembly also includes a metal case that surrounds at least part of the camera assembly, and a shielding structure.