Camera Module Lens Assembly Miniaturization via Guide Member Elasticity

Solution Overview

Problem

Miniaturizing camera modules for small portable devices like mobile communication terminals is hindered by the inability to manufacture small, effective torsion springs, which are essential for lens driving mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A lens assembly design that replaces the torsion spring with a guide member featuring an elastic support part and a guide groove, allowing for elastic attachment and movement of the lens assembly without the need for a separate elastic unit, enabling miniaturization and reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a torsion spring is used to provide elastic force for lens driving, then the lens assembly can be firmly engaged and driven, but the camera module cannot be miniaturized because the torsion spring becomes too small to manufacture and observe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens driving engagementVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the elastic force function from a separate torsion spring component and integrates it into the guide member structure itself. The guide member's elastic portion provides the necessary elastic force to engage the screw member, eliminating the need for a separate torsion spring and enabling miniaturization of the camera module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the guide function and elastic force provision into a single guide member component. The guide member simultaneously guides the movement of the body along the optical axis and provides elastic force through its elastic portion to engage the screw member, reducing the total number of components and enabling miniaturization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If the camera module is miniaturized for mobile communication terminals, then it becomes suitable for small portable devices, but the torsion spring becomes impossible to manufacture and insufficient in elastic force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera module sizeVSAvoidtorsion spring manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the elastic force function from a separate torsion spring component and integrates it into the guide member structure itself. The guide member's elastic portion provides the necessary elastic force to engage the screw member, eliminating the need for a separate torsion spring and enabling miniaturization of the camera module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member serves itself by providing both the guide function and the elastic force function through its own structure. The elastic portion of the guide member generates the necessary elastic force to engage the screw member, eliminating the need for a separate torsion spring component that would be difficult to manufacture at small scales.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a separate torsion spring is used for elastic force, then lens driving is reliable, but the camera module structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens driving operationVSAvoidcamera module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the guide function and elastic force provision into a single guide member component. The guide member simultaneously guides the movement of the body along the optical axis and provides elastic force through its elastic portion to engage the screw member, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member performs multiple functions: it guides the movement of the body along the optical axis through the guide groove, provides elastic force through its elastic portion to engage the screw member, and enables reliable lens driving operation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 lens assembly achieves sufficient operational reliability and miniaturization without a torsion spring, simplifying the camera module structure, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, and enhancing its suitability for small portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

one side elastically and tightly attached to the screw member and moved by rotation of the screw member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7755859B2Lens assembly of camera module

Publication Date: 2010.07.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A lens assembly of a camera module mounted in a small portable device includes a body receiving at least one lens and having a hole at one side, a screw member inserted in the hole in a direction substantially parallel to an optical axis, a support boss provided at the other side of the body and including a coupling hole formed in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis, and a guide groove formed at one side of a side surface of the support boss, a shaft coupled with the coupling hole of the support boss and guiding a movement of the body, and a guide member having one side elastically and tightly attached to the screw member and moved by rotation of the screw member, and the other side coupled with the shaft to be movable along the guide groove and moving the body along the optical axis.