Camera Module Damper Structure for Shock-Stable Lens Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules face challenges in miniaturization and stabilization due to the difficulty in applying voice coil motor (VCM) technology, especially when subjected to shocks and hand shaking, leading to potential damage and reduced image quality.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design incorporating a substrate, base, lens barrel, holder, and filter with a damper member on the holder to absorb shocks, and a bobbin and housing for optical axis movement, utilizing a silicone damper member for cushioning and a cross air vent design to prevent lens sticking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If VCM technology is applied for lens driving, then lens movement capability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of miniaturization increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens movement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the VCM (Voice Coil Motor) electromagnetic mechanical system with a purely mechanical lens driving structure. The lens barrel is directly movable within the base along the optical axis, driven by mechanical force from the bobbin assembly, eliminating the need for complex electromagnetic components while achieving the same lens movement function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the VCM component from the camera module design. By taking out the electromagnetic driving mechanism, the design simplifies the overall structure, reduces component count, and enables miniaturization while maintaining essential lens driving functionality through alternative mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If anti-shake means are added to stabilize the camera module, then stability is improved, but device complexity and height increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a damper member in advance within the holder structure to cushion and absorb shocks before they reach the lens and filter. This pre-positioned cushioning mechanism protects sensitive components from vibration and shock damage without requiring complex active anti-shake systems, thereby maintaining stability while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If damper member is added to absorb shocks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the damper member with the holder structure, integrating the shock-absorbing function into an existing component rather than adding a separate standalone damper assembly. This integration approach enhances reliability by providing shock protection while minimizing the increase in device complexity through component consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder structure serves multiple functions: it supports the filter, provides structural framework, and incorporates the damper member for shock absorption. By making the holder multi-functional, the patent achieves improved reliability through shock protection without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same structural element performs multiple roles.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If lens barrel is made movable for focusing, then functionality is improved, but susceptibility to shock damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidshock damage susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The damper member is positioned in advance within the holder to cushion shocks before they can damage the movable lens barrel. This pre-positioned protection allows the lens barrel to maintain its movability for focusing functionality while being protected from shock damage by the damper's shock-absorbing properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The damper member acts as an intermediary between the external shock sources and the lens barrel. It mediates the shock forces by absorbing and dissipating them, thereby protecting the movable lens barrel from direct shock impact while allowing the lens barrel to maintain its focusing movement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The design reduces the module's height, prevents damage to the lens and filter, maintains image resolution, and facilitates easy attachment and detachment, while stabilizing the lens against shocks and hand movements.

Implementation Method 1

a holder (310) disposed on the substrate (811) and within the opening (201) of the base (210)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the damper member (315) may be formed of an adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4632480A1Camera module
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4632480A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4632480A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4632480A1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a substrate; a base, which is disposed on the substrate and includes an opening; a lens barrel disposed on the substrate and the opening of the base; a holder disposed on the substrate and arranged inside the opening of the base; and a filter coupled to the holder, wherein the holder includes a damper member disposed at a position overlapping, in the direction of an optical axis, the lowest surface of the lens barrel.