Vehicle Camera Module Hook Coupling to Prevent Substrate Warping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing camera module designs for vehicles face challenges in minimizing component mounting space, increasing manufacturing process time, and preventing substrate warping due to screw coupling and excessive torque.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a hook coupling structure between substrates, where a support member with a fence and hook portion securely connects substrates using adhesive materials, reducing the need for screws and minimizing the component mounting space while preventing warping and shaking during vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screws are used to fix substrates in a stacked structure, then the substrates are securely connected, but the screw-coupled area becomes useless and component mounting space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate connection strengthVSAvoidcomponent mounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support member extends downward from the first substrate to engage with the second substrate, utilizing the vertical dimension (Z-axis) for connection rather than occupying horizontal mounting space on the substrate surfaces. This dimensional transition allows secure connection without sacrificing component mounting area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member acts as an intermediary element between the first and second substrates, providing mechanical support and connection without requiring direct screw fixation on the substrate surfaces. The support member's hook portion engages with the second substrate while being attached to the first substrate, eliminating the need for surface-mounted fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If screws are used to couple substrates, then the substrates are firmly connected, but the manufacturing process time is increased due to screw coupling work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate connection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing process time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the fastening function from the substrate assembly process by providing a dedicated support member with integrated attachment structures. The support member's first attachment structure and second attachment structure separate the connection functions, allowing for simpler, faster assembly without complex screw coupling operations on the substrates themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional screw-mechanical fastening system with an attachment structure system that uses adhesive bonding and geometric interlocking. This substitution eliminates the need for threaded fasteners, hole drilling, and torque application, significantly reducing manufacturing process time while maintaining connection strength.

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

3Strength

If excessive torque is applied during screw tightening, then the substrates are securely fastened, but warping in the substrate occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate fastening strengthVSAvoidsubstrate flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical screw-torque fastening system with an adhesive-based attachment structure. This substitution eliminates the localized high-stress concentration and warping caused by excessive screw torque, while still achieving secure fastening through distributed adhesive bonding across the attachment surfaces.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed with pre-formed attachment structures that are prepared in advance for bonding. The first attachment structure and second attachment structure are configured to facilitate proper alignment and bonding before final curing, preventing warping by ensuring uniform stress distribution from the outset rather than applying excessive force during tightening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This design minimizes component mounting space by 30% compared to screw-coupling structures, simplifies the manufacturing process, and prevents substrate warping and shaking, enhancing workability and productivity.

Implementation Method 1

the upper surface of the fence portion is coupled to the lower surface of the first substrate using an adhesive material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3509289B1Camera module and vehicle camera
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3509289B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3509289B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3509289B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A camera module comprises: a lens barrel disposed in a front body and comprising a lens; a first substrate disposed under the body; a support member partially disposed on an undersurface of the first substrate; and a second substrate disposed under the first substrate and coupled to the support member, wherein the support member comprises: a fence portion disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a hook portion which comprises a region extending from the fence portion and having a coupling hole into which a partial side surface of the second substrate is inserted, and an extended portion inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the region having the coupling hole formed therethrough.