Camera Module Housing with Integrated Circuit Pattern Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing camera module designs require a separate connection board for actuator control, leading to increased size and complexity, which complicates manufacturing and inventory management.

Innovation Solution

A camera module with an electronic circuit pattern layer formed on the surface of injection-molded parts, eliminating the need for a separate PCB, and integrating the actuator and lenses within a housing that includes a lens holder and an electronic circuit pattern layer connected to the PCB terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate connection board is provided for actuator control, then the actuator can be controlled by conductibly connecting terminals, but the camera module size increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator control connectionVSAvoidconnection board structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection board function into the housing by forming an electronic circuit pattern layer directly on the housing surface. The housing serves dual purposes: as a structural component and as a circuit carrier, eliminating the need for a separate connection board and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the lens, and simultaneously serves as a circuit board for actuator control. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate connection board is provided for actuator control, then electrical connection can be established, but manufacturing cost and inventory control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the connection board functionality into the housing structure, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations. The electronic circuit pattern layer is formed directly on the housing during or after housing manufacturing, eliminating separate connection board production and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a separate connection board is provided, then actuator control is enabled, but the camera module size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator control capabilityVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the connection board into the housing structure, eliminating the need for a separate component. This merging of functions directly reduces the overall volume of the camera module while maintaining actuator control capability through the electronic circuit pattern layer formed on the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9807286B2Camera module having a housing and an electronic circuit pattern layer formed thereon

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mounted with an image sensor, a housing arranged on an upper surface of the PCB and including therein at least one or more lenses, an actuator positioned on the housing, and an electronic circuit pattern layer formed at an non-exposed surface of the housing.