Integrally Molded Seal Member for Waterproof Camera Barrel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased demand for waterproofing and durability in camera lenses for electronic devices conflicts with the need for a larger field of view, as separate compressive pads or elastomeric grommets require additional space and can migrate, restricting the field of view.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with a seal member integrally formed onto the housing barrel and upper lens cover, using materials like thermoplastic elastomers or silicone, which minimizes intrusion and prevents migration, thereby maintaining a larger field of view while ensuring sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate compressive pads or elastomeric grommets are used for sealing, then waterproofing and durability are improved, but the field of view is reduced due to increased size and migration
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is integrally formed with the housing barrel through over-molding, merging two previously separate components (seal member and housing barrel) into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate compressive pads or grommets, reducing the overall sealing system size and preventing migration while maintaining waterproofing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is formed from elastomeric material that provides flexible sealing capability. The integral formation allows the seal to conform to mating surfaces without requiring excessive thickness or extension into the camera body, thus preserving field of view while ensuring durable waterproofing
2Reliability
If separate seal members are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member and housing barrel are combined into a single integrated component through over-molding. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps of installing seal members onto the housing barrel, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is pre-formed as an integral part of the housing barrel during the molding process itself, rather than being added as a separate component afterward. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing process and reduces assembly complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A camera assembly for an electronic device. The camera assembly comprises an image sensor, a housing barrel, at least one lens and a seal member. The housing barrel is positioned above the image sensor and includes a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an inner surface which defines a barrel cavity. The image sensor is configured to receive light that extends through the barrel cavity. The at least one lens is positioned within the housing barrel. The upper lens cover is positioned over the distal end of the housing barrel. The upper lens cover has an inner surface and an outer surface. The seal member is integrally formed with one of the housing barrel, at a distal end thereof, and the inner surface of the upper lens cover, wherein the seal member effectively provides a seal between the housing barrel and the upper lens cover.