Camera Module Cover Structure for Flash Reflection Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The reduction in size of electronic devices and camera modules leads to increased instances of flash light being reflected into the camera, causing ghost images and over-exposure in photographed images.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design that incorporates a cover member with a patterned area to block flash light from entering the camera, using a combination of materials with varying light transmissivity and an adhesive member to minimize light reflection and absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the size of the electronic device and camera module is reduced, then the device becomes more compact, but flash light is more frequently reflected into the camera causing ghost images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of electronic deviceVSAvoidflash light reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A first cover member is introduced as an intermediary component between the flash and the camera. This cover member includes a first patterned area that blocks direct light paths from the flash to the camera sensor, preventing ghost images while maintaining the compact design of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The first cover member features a first patterned area with specific light-blocking properties located in a particular region. This localized patterned structure selectively blocks flash light in critical areas where reflection would occur, while other areas of the cover member maintain different optical characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the size of the electronic device and camera module is reduced, then the device becomes more compact, but mechanical elements cause flash light to be reflected into the camera

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of camera moduleVSAvoidlight reflection from mechanical elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first cover member serves as a mediator that intercepts light before it can interact with mechanical elements such as the shutter. The first patterned area on this cover member blocks direct light paths, preventing the light from reaching mechanical components that would otherwise reflect it into the camera.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The first patterned area is positioned to perform light blocking in advance, before the light can interact with mechanical elements. This preliminary action prevents the harmful reflection from occurring in the first place by eliminating the light path before it reaches potential reflectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a cover member is added to block flash light, then ghost images are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveghost imagesVSAvoidcamera module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first cover member is designed to serve multiple functions: it blocks flash light to prevent ghost images, provides structural support for the camera module assembly, and maintains the compact form factor. By combining these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is minimized while still achieving the light-blocking objective.

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

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

Prevents flash light from entering the camera, improving image quality by reducing ghost images and over-exposure.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive member disposed between the cover member and the cover housing so as to absorb light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a pattern formed on at least one portion of the cover member such that a reflection angle of light which is incident to the cover member and then reflected from the surface of the cover member becomes smaller than a refraction angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4164207B1Camera module and electronic device including camera module
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4164207B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4164207B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4164207B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document can comprise: at least one light-emitting unit; at least one camera arranged to be spaced from the at least one light-emitting unit; a cover housing, which includes a first part formed so that at least a part of the at least one light-emitting unit is inserted therein, and a second part formed so that at least a part of the at least one camera is inserted therein, and which is arranged to substantially cover the at least one light-emitting unit and the at least one camera; a cover member arranged in the cover housing; an adhesive member arranged between the cover member and the cover housing so that the cover member is attached to the cover housing; and a protrusion part formed in the cover housing to protrude toward the cover member at a position adjacent to the adhesive member. Other various embodiments are possible.