Camera Module Forwardmost Lens Energy Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules experience resolution degradation and field of view obstruction due to foreign matter such as dust, frost, or water droplets adhering to the forwardmost lens, which reduces image quality and captures a narrower angle of view.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating a lens barrel with an energy generation device and an energy transfer member that supplies thermal or vibration energy to the forwardmost lens, using materials with high thermal conductivity and specific designs for efficient energy transfer, such as inclined surfaces or protrusions and grooves, to remove foreign matter effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the forwardmost lens is exposed outwardly to capture a wide field of view, then the field of view is improved, but foreign matter such as frost, dew, or dust easily adheres to the lens, causing resolution degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The energy generation device activates before foreign matter significantly degrades image quality to prevent adhesion. By applying energy (heat or vibration) in advance to the forwardmost lens, the system maintains the lens surface in a state that repels or prevents foreign matter accumulation, thus preserving both the wide field of view and resolution without needing to compromise lens exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The energy generation device converts harmful foreign matter (frost, dew) into beneficial effects by using thermal energy to melt ice/frost or vibrational energy to dislodge dust particles. The harmful adhesion is transformed into a controlled removal process, allowing the lens to maintain optical performance while remaining exposed to the environment for wide-angle capture
2Manufacturing precision
If an energy generation device is added to remove foreign matter, then resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy generation device is integrated into the existing lens barrel structure, merging the foreign matter removal function with the optical housing. This consolidation avoids adding separate complex subsystems and leverages existing structural elements to support the energy generation component, thereby improving resolution while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The energy generation device is designed to handle multiple types of foreign matter (frost, dew, dust) using a single mechanism that can operate in different modes (thermal heating or vibrational shaking). This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate devices for different contamination types, improving resolution without proportionally increasing device complexity
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
The solution effectively removes foreign matter from the lens, preventing resolution degradation and maintaining a wide field of view by using energy transfer to evaporate or dislodge adhering substances, ensuring consistent image quality and wide-angle capture.
Implementation Method 1
an energy transfer member disposed in contact with the forwardmost lens and the energy generation device, and configured to transfer the supplied energy to the forwardmost lens
Implementation Method 2
configured to transfer either one of thermal energy and vibration energy to the additional lens
Implementation Method 3
The energy generation device may be further configured to generate either one or both of thermal energy and vibration energy
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes: a lens barrel accommodating a lens; a forwardmost lens disposed closer to an object side than the lens; an energy generation unit configured to supply energy to the forwardmost lens; and an energy transfer member disposed in contact with the forwardmost lens and the energy generation unit, and configured to transfer the supplied energy to the forwardmost lens.