Vehicle Camera Module Holder for PCB-Safe Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera module mounting systems lack secure and efficient methods to align the image sensor with the camera lens without applying external force to the printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, which can lead to damage or misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle camera module design featuring guide arms that extend parallel to the camera lens' longitudinal extension, allowing the image sensor to be aligned without influence from the guide arms, and a holding member that maintains a mechanical stop with the camera housing to secure the module without applying force to the PCB, using a combination of metal and rubber/plastic materials for adjustable retaining force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional mounting system is used to secure the camera module to the camera housing, then the module can be fixed in place, but external force may be applied to the PCB assembly during mounting, causing damage or misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: guide arms that interface only with the lens assembly housing, and a holding member that interfaces with the camera housing. This segmentation ensures that mounting forces are applied to the robust lens assembly structure rather than the fragile PCB assembly, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arms act as an intermediary structure between the lens assembly and the holding member. They provide a mechanical interface that transfers mounting forces away from the PCB assembly, allowing the holding member to secure the module without directly contacting or applying force to the sensitive circuit board.
2Stability of the object's composition
If guide arms are positioned close to the PCB edges for structural support, then mounting stability is improved, but the guide arms may influence or interfere with the alignment of the image sensor with the camera lens
Solution Approach 1:
The guide arms are extracted from the PCB assembly structure and repositioned to interface exclusively with the lens assembly housing. This separation removes the potential for interference with PCB alignment while preserving the structural support function, as the guide arms now derive their stability from the more robust lens assembly rather than the PCB.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a two-dimensional PCB-based interface to a three-dimensional structure utilizing the lens assembly housing as the primary interface. The guide arms extend in a dimension perpendicular to the PCB plane, allowing stable mechanical support without constraining the precise alignment of the image sensor on the PCB.
3Strength
If the holding member is rigid to provide strong retaining force, then mounting security is improved, but the risk of applying excessive force to the PCB assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission path is segmented so that the rigid holding member provides strong retaining force to the camera housing, while the guide arms create a mechanical decoupling that prevents this force from being transmitted to the PCB assembly. The lens assembly housing acts as an intermediate structure that absorbs the mounting forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arms and lens assembly housing serve as a mechanical intermediary between the rigid holding member and the PCB assembly. This intermediary structure allows the holding member to be rigid and provide strong retaining force while preventing excessive force transmission to the sensitive PCB, as the forces are absorbed and distributed through the lens assembly structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle camera module (1) that includes a lens assembly (2) and a printed circuit board assembly (3) to which an image sensor (4) and associated components are mounted. The lens assembly (2) includes a camera module holder (5) and a camera lens (6), the camera lens (6) having a longitudinal extension (L) and a lens aperture (7), where the camera lens (6) at least partly is housed in the camera module holder (5). The camera module holder (5) includes at least two guide arms (8a, 8b, 8c) that are adapted to extend past corresponding printed circuit board edges (9a, 9b, 9c), the PCB assembly (3) being mounted such that the image sensor (4) faces the camera lens (6).