Camera Module Conductive Connector for Compact ESD Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to design an electronic device with a compact form factor that accommodates a large image sensor and lens system while maintaining structural integrity and preventing electrostatic discharge from affecting internal components.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a housing with a main body, cover plate, base plate, camera flange, and a cover frame, featuring conductive connectors between the cover frame and camera flange that are compressed and electrically connect these components, allowing for electrostatic discharge along the cover frame, camera flange, and base plate, while preventing discharge from reaching the PCB.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large image sensor and long focal length lens are used to achieve high-resolution photos, then image quality is improved, but the camera module size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidcamera module size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested lens structure where multiple lens elements are arranged concentrically around a central optical axis. The inner lens structure is positioned within the outer lens structure, creating a compact multi-element lens system that achieves high resolution without proportionally increasing the overall module volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a traditional linear lens arrangement to a three-dimensional concentric configuration. By utilizing radial and axial dimensions simultaneously, the lens system packs more optical elements into a compact space, reducing the camera module's protrusion while maintaining high imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If a compact camera module design is used to maintain terminal thickness, then device compactness is improved, but structural integrity and ESD protection become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidstructural integrity and ESD protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection between the cover frame and camera flange, ensures electrical continuity for ESD protection, and maintains structural rigidity of the camera module. This multi-functionality allows compact design without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive connector acts as an intermediary component that establishes an electrostatic discharge path between the external cover frame and the internal camera flange and PCB. This mediator component protects sensitive electronic components from ESD damage while enabling compact module integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conductive connectors are compressed between cover frame and camera flange to enable ESD discharge, then electrostatic protection is improved, but connector reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic discharge protectionVSAvoidconnector stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive connector is designed with specific material properties including appropriate hardness, elasticity, and electrical conductivity. By optimizing these parameters, the connector can withstand compression forces while maintaining reliable electrical contact and mechanical connection, ensuring both ESD protection and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration ensures the device remains compact, maintains structural integrity, and reduces the impact of electrostatic discharge on internal components, enhancing the stability of the electronic device's wiring and overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic discharge is capable of being generated along the cover frame, the first conductive connectors, the camera flange, and the base plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

first conductive connectors disposed between the cover frame and the camera flange, provided in a state compressed by the cover frame and the camera flange, and electrically connecting the cover frame to the camera flange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250016967A1Electronic device comprising conductive connector
Publication Date: 2025.01.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20250016967A1 patent drawing
  • US20250016967A1 patent drawing
  • US20250016967A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a main body and a cover plate, a base plate disposed on the main body, a camera flange disposed on the base plate, a cover frame configured to cover the camera flange, a plurality of lens structures including an outer lens structure connected to the cover frame and an inner lens structure connected to the camera flange, and a first conductive connector disposed between the cover frame and the camera flange.