Camera Module Lens Barrel Assembly via Back-Side Threading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of compact camera lens modules in portable electronic devices is challenging due to the delicate nature of the lens and lens moving mechanism, requiring precise handling to avoid excessive forces and dust contamination, while also striving for a smaller size and higher image quality.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design with a lens barrel featuring a second cylindrical portion of larger diameter than the externally threaded portion, allowing assembly from the back side with specialized tools that engage the larger diameter section to facilitate threading into the movable sleeve, utilizing tools with high static friction coefficients and vacuum or adhesive assistance for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lens is inserted into the lens moving mechanism using conventional methods, then the assembly can be completed, but excessive forces are exerted on the delicate lens and mechanism, and dust may be trapped between components
Solution Approach 1:
A specialized assembly tool is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate the lens insertion process. The tool includes a gripping section that engages with the lens barrel and a rotating section that performs the threading operation, allowing the lens to be inserted without direct manual manipulation that would exert excessive forces or introduce dust contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional direct mechanical insertion method is replaced with a controlled threading mechanism. The lens is first positioned in a preliminary location, then rotated into its final position through controlled rotation of the assembly tool, substituting the rough mechanical insertion with a controlled rotational threading process that reduces harmful forces
2Volume of moving object
If the lens moving mechanism is made compact to fit within portable devices, then the device size is reduced, but the assembly becomes more difficult due to the small size of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The lens barrel is divided into distinct portions: a first cylindrical portion with external threads and a second cylindrical portion with a larger diameter. This segmentation allows the lens assembly to be compact while providing a larger engagement area for the assembly tool, making the assembly process easier despite the small overall size of the components
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly approach transitions from a single-dimensional insertion to a multi-dimensional process. The lens is first positioned axially in a preliminary location, then rotated into its final position, utilizing rotational movement in addition to axial movement to achieve compact assembly
3Device complexity
If the lens barrel has a uniform diameter, then the structure is simpler, but the assembly tool cannot securely engage the lens for threading
Solution Approach 1:
The lens barrel is designed with non-uniform diameter, featuring a second cylindrical portion with a larger diameter than the first portion. This local variation in geometry provides a secure engagement area for the assembly tool's gripping section, enabling reliable threading operation while maintaining overall structural simplicity
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
Enables compact and reliable assembly of camera lens modules by reducing the diameter of the lens moving mechanism's internal threads, allowing for a more compact camera module with improved image quality and reduced dust exposure.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing tools with high static friction coefficients
Implementation Method 2
vacuum or adhesive assistance for secure engagement
Implementation Method 3
vacuum or adhesive assistance for secure engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module has an image sensor and a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel having a first cylindrical portion that includes an externally threaded portion and a second cylindrical portion that has a larger diameter than the externally threaded portion. A lens moving mechanism includes a movable sleeve having internal threads that receive the externally threaded portion of the lens assembly. The lens moving mechanism is coupled to the image sensor such that the second cylindrical portion of the lens assembly is closest to the image sensor. The camera module is assembled by inserting the lens assembly into the lens moving mechanism from the side closest to the image sensor. An installation tool engages the second cylindrical portion to rotate the lens assembly and engage the externally threaded portion of the lens assembly with an internally threaded portion of a movable sleeve in the lens moving mechanism.