Camera Lens AF Terminal Pads Planar Configuration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera lens suspensions with auto focus systems face challenges in efficiently connecting electrical components due to the location of terminal pads, which can lead to structural weaknesses and limited Z-stroke in the auto focus assembly.

Innovation Solution

The camera lens assembly incorporates AF terminal pads located on the inner portion of the moving member at or near the major planar surface, allowing for electrical connection with the auto focus assembly's terminal pads, which are mounted to the moving member and connected using solder or conductive adhesive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If terminal pads are located above the lowermost portion or base of the assembly in gooseneck forms, then electrical connections are accessible from the outside, but structural weakening and shock robustness issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection accessibilityVSAvoidstructural robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal pads are repositioned from a vertical gooseneck configuration to a planar configuration at or near the major planar surface of the moving member. This dimensional change allows electrical connections to be made at the same level as the moving member surface, eliminating the need for vertical extensions that compromise structural integrity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal pads are extracted from the base/gooseneck structure and repositioned directly onto the moving member's major planar surface. This separation eliminates the weak gooseneck connection while maintaining electrical connectivity functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If terminal pads are located on gooseneck forms above the moving member surface, then electrical connections can be made externally, but the auto focus stroke is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection accessibilityVSAvoidauto focus stroke
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the terminal pads to the planar surface of the moving member rather than extending them vertically via goosenecks, the Z-stroke distance is increased. The lens can now move further along the optical axis without the constraint of vertical electrical connection structures.

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

3Ease of operation

If terminal pads are positioned over the shape memory alloy wires, then electrical connections are accessible, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection accessibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal pads are extracted from the complex gooseneck structure and repositioned to the simple planar surface of the moving member. This eliminates the need for complex vertical extensions and simplifies the overall assembly structure while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3500884B1Camera lens suspension with enhanced auto focus electrical interconnects
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 HUTCHINSON TECH INC
  • EP3500884B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3500884B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3500884B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A camera lens assembly is described. The camera lens assembly includes a support member. The camera lens assembly also includes a moving member having a major planar surface and AF terminal pads located at or near the major planar surface, wherein the moving member is mounted to the support member. And, the camera lens assembly includes an auto focus assembly having AF terminal pads, wherein the auto focus assembly is mounted to the moving member and the AF terminal pads of the auto focus assembly are electrically connected to the AF terminal pads of the moving member.