Camera Module Bracket-Stiffener Layout for PCB Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in reducing size while maintaining functionality, particularly in integrating auto focus and shake correction features.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design comprising a lens holder, bracket, printed circuit board, and stiffener with a leg portion soldered to a stiffener, along with a metal pad for electrical connection, reduces the size of the printed circuit board and enhances bonding strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the printed circuit board size is reduced to minimize the camera module size, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and miniaturization is achieved, but the bonding strength and flatness maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into a main body portion and a leg portion that extends downward. The leg portion is specifically designed to engage with the stiffener, separating the bonding function from the structural support function. This segmentation allows the printed circuit board to be smaller while maintaining adequate bonding strength through the dedicated leg-stiffener connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure combines multiple materials with complementary properties: the bracket provides mechanical support, the stiffener (made of rigid material) provides structural rigidity, and the leg portion creates a bonding interface. This composite approach allows size reduction while maintaining bonding strength through material synergies.
2Ease of manufacture
If the printed circuit board size is reduced, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but maintaining flatness becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffener is pre-installed on the printed circuit board before the bracket is fully assembled. This preliminary action provides early structural support that maintains flatness during subsequent assembly steps and throughout the product lifecycle, enabling cost reduction through smaller board sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of the stiffener and bracket creates a composite structure where the stiffener's rigidity compensates for the reduced size of the printed circuit board, maintaining flatness while enabling cost reduction through miniaturization.
3Volume of moving object
If the optical axis length is shortened for miniaturization, then the camera module size is reduced, but the integration of auto focus and shake correction functions becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket integrates multiple functions: it supports the lens holder, provides the leg portion for stiffener engagement, and incorporates the bobbin with coils for auto focus and shake correction. This merging of functions into a single component enables miniaturization while maintaining complex functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bobbin with coils is nested within the bracket structure, and the leg portion is integrated into the bracket's lower surface. This nesting allows compact arrangement of functional elements, enabling short optical axis length while maintaining auto focus and shake correction capabilities.
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
This design minimizes the camera module's size and manufacturing costs while maintaining flatness and firm bonding, allowing for further miniaturization and improved optical axis length.
Implementation Method 1
a lower surface of the leg portion can be soldered to an upper surface of the stiffener
Implementation Method 2
a portion of a lower surface of the bracket can be soldered onto the metal pad
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module comprising: a lens holder in which lenses are disposed; a bracket disposed under the lens holder; a printed circuit board disposed at the lower portion of the bracket; and a stiffener disposed under the printed circuit board, wherein the lower surface of the bracket has a leg portion which protrudes further down than other areas so as to be coupled to the upper surface of the stiffener.