Camera Module Flex Circuit for Image Stabilization Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in providing effective image stabilization due to the repulsive force and tension on connecting members when the image sensor circuit board moves relative to the connector circuit board, affecting manufacturing process and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a movable member with an image sensor and a connecting member that includes flexible circuit boards with via connections, allowing for deformation to accommodate movement, reducing the influence of repulsive force and tension during image stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the image sensor circuit board moves relative to the connector circuit board for image stabilization, then image stabilization function is achieved, but repulsive force and tension on connecting members increases affecting reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of connecting memberVSAvoidrepulsive force and tension on connecting member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is designed as a flexible circuit board that can bend and deform to accommodate the relative movement between the image sensor circuit board and connector circuit board during image stabilization. This flexibility allows the connecting member to absorb repulsive forces and tension without compromising electrical connection reliability, directly resolving the technical contradiction between achieving image stabilization movement and maintaining connecting member reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to flex and adapt its shape during operation. The flexible circuit board can dynamically adjust to the movement requirements of image stabilization while maintaining electrical connectivity, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic adaptable one that handles force variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the image sensor circuit board moves relative to the connector circuit board, then image stabilization function is achieved, but manufacturing process difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage stabilization functionVSAvoidmanufacturing process of connecting member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible circuit board design, while enabling image stabilization movement, presents manufacturing challenges. The multi-layer structure with vias and conductive patterns on flexible substrates requires specialized manufacturing processes, increasing production complexity compared to rigid circuit boards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible circuit board deforms to accommodate movement, then image stabilization is enabled, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeformation capability of connecting memberVSAvoidstructural complexity of connecting member

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible circuit board incorporates multiple layers including flexible substrates, conductive patterns, and insulating layers to enable deformation while maintaining electrical connectivity. This multi-layer construction increases structural complexity but provides the necessary adaptability for image stabilization movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is divided into multiple functional layers (flexible substrate, conductive patterns, insulating layers, protective coatings) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall manufacturing complexity through modular production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 impact of repulsive force and tension on connecting members, improving manufacturing process and reliability while maintaining effective image stabilization.

Implementation Method 1

each of the first flexible circuit board and the second flexible circuit board includes a first layer, a second layer disposed to face the first layer, and a via configured to electrically connect the first layer and the second layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4290307B1Camera module and electronic device comprising same

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic device includes a housing having a main circuit board disposed therein and a camera module, at least part of which is disposed in the housing, the camera module being electrically connected with the main circuit board. The camera module includes a camera housing, a lens assembly, at least part of which is accommodated in the camera housing, the lens assembly including a lens, a movable member including an image sensor and a first circuit board electrically connected with the image sensor, the movable member being coupled to the camera housing so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens, a second circuit board, at least part of which is electrically connected with the main circuit board, and a connecting member that electrically connects the first circuit board and the second circuit board.