Camera Module Contact Structure for PCB-Space ESD Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing camera module design in electronic devices faces challenges in securing a mounting space and maintaining an appropriate contact point for electrostatic discharge (ESD) due to the use of contact members like gasket sponges, which limit design freedom and require space on the printed circuit board.

Innovation Solution

A contact structure is implemented using a fixing member and a conductive member to connect the camera deco and a support bracket, forming a discharge path for ESD without occupying additional space on the printed circuit board.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a contact member (e.g., gasket sponge) is used as a surface mount device on a printed circuit board to prevent ESD malfunction, then ESD protection is improved, but mounting space on the printed circuit board is occupied and design freedom is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveESD protectionVSAvoidmounting space on printed circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The contact member is merged with the fixing member that secures the camera module to the housing. The fixing member serves dual functions: mechanically fixing the camera module and providing ESD protection through the conductive contact member. This integration eliminates the need for separate ESD protection components on the printed circuit board, resolving the space occupation issue while maintaining ESD protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact member acts as an intermediary between the camera deco (housing) and the fixing member, providing an electrical discharge path for ESD. This intermediary structure allows ESD protection without requiring direct mounting on the printed circuit board, thereby preserving mounting space and design freedom while ensuring reliable ESD protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a contact member is disposed on an area of the printed circuit board that overlaps the camera deco, then ESD protection is achieved, but design freedom and mounting space are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveESD protectionVSAvoiddesign freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ESD protection function is merged into the fixing member structure. The fixing member that is already required to secure the camera module now also provides ESD protection through the integrated contact member, eliminating the need for separate ESD protection components and preserving design freedom for other mounting configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing member serves itself by providing both mechanical fixation and ESD protection functions through the integrated contact member. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated ESD protection components, thereby maintaining design freedom and adaptability in the overall device layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a separate contact structure is added for ESD protection, then ESD functionality is improved, but device complexity and material requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveESD functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact member for ESD protection is merged with the existing fixing member. This integration reduces device complexity by eliminating separate ESD protection components and simplifying the overall structure, while still providing effective ESD functionality through the conductive contact between the camera deco and the fixing member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances ESD protection by securing design freedom and reducing material and size requirements, while maintaining effective ESD functionality without additional thickness or cost.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive member at least partially disposed between the camera deco and the fixing member to electrically connect the camera deco and the fixing member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic Discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS20250261352A1Contact structure of camera module and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.08.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20250261352A1 patent drawing
  • US20250261352A1 patent drawing
  • US20250261352A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device is provided according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device includes a housing including a rear plate having an opening and a support bracket at least partially disposed along an edge of the rear plate; a camera decoration disposed in the opening to be exposed to the outside, covering a camera assembly and connected to rear plate; a printed circuit board disposed in the housing; a rear structure supporting the camera assembly and the printed circuit board; a fixing member coupled to the rear structure and fixing the camera assembly and/or the printed circuit board to the support bracket; and a conductive member at least partially disposed between the camera decoration and the fixing member to electrically connect the camera decoration and the fixing member to each other.