Camera Module FPCB Folding Layout for Lens Movement Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image stabilizers for cameras face challenges in efficiently stabilizing images due to mechanical limitations in lens and optical system shifting methods, leading to suboptimal performance in reducing shake-induced image distortion.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design incorporating a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) with multiple bent and folded areas to enhance connectivity and stability, allowing for improved image stabilization by adapting to lens movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid circuit board is used to connect the image sensor and connector, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to lens movements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to lens movements
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) instead of a rigid circuit board to connect the image sensor and connector. The FPCB can elastically deform to accommodate lens movements while maintaining electrical connectivity, thus providing both structural stability and adaptability to dynamic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit board is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to change its configuration from a first configuration (when the lens is in a first position) to a second configuration (when the lens is in a second position). This dynamic adaptability enables the circuit board to follow lens movements while maintaining stable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the circuit board is configured to extend linearly between components, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ability to accommodate lens movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidability to accommodate lens movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board is segmented into multiple regions with different functional characteristics: a first region that remains substantially planar for stable electrical connections, and a second region that is flexible to accommodate lens movements. This segmentation allows the board to maintain manufacturing simplicity while gaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the circuit board are designed with different properties: the first region has rigid, planar characteristics for stable connections, while the second region has flexible, deformable characteristics for accommodating movements. This local differentiation enables the board to perform multiple functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the circuit board is made flexible to accommodate lens movement, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to lens movementsVSAvoidcircuit board complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board is divided into a first region and a second region, where the first region maintains a substantially planar configuration for simple manufacturing and stable connections, while the second region incorporates flexibility for adaptability. This segmentation reduces overall complexity compared to making the entire board flexible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Only the necessary portion of the circuit board (the second region) is made flexible, while the first region remains simple and planar. This localized approach to flexibility minimizes manufacturing complexity while still providing the required adaptability for lens movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4723657A1Camera module and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4723657A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4723657A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4723657A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a camera module comprising: a lens including an optical axis; a lens housing configured to accommodate the lens; an image sensor configured to receive light passing through the lens; a connector configured to receive an electrical signal from the image sensor; and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) configured to connect the image sensor and the connector to each other. The FPCB may be configured to change between a first shape in which the FPCB extends substantially linearly between the image sensor and the connector and a second shape in which the FPCB has at least three bending areas, at least two folding areas, and at least two side areas along the circumference of the image sensor.