Vehicular Camera Lens Holder Assembly With Fastenerless PCB Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle imaging systems require complex and costly assembly processes due to the need for multiple fasteners and components, which increases the time and expense of attaching lenses to imager circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A lens holder with metal inserts that are insert molded into a plastic retaining member, allowing for solder attachment directly to the imager PCB without additional fasteners, enabling a fastenerless surface mount and reducing the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fasteners and components are used to attach the lens holder to the imager circuit board, then the attachment strength and reliability are improved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lens holder attachment function with the imager circuit board mounting function into a single integrated structure. The lens holder is directly attached to the imager circuit board using a unified attachment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and intermediate components. This merging of functions reduces assembly complexity while maintaining attachment reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from the attachment system. By removing separate fasteners, brackets, and intermediate mounting structures, the design achieves direct attachment of the lens holder to the imager circuit board. This extraction of redundant elements simplifies the assembly process while the remaining integrated structure provides sufficient attachment strength.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners and components are used to attach the lens holder to the imager circuit board, then the attachment strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lens holder and imager circuit board mounting functions into a single integrated attachment mechanism. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs. The integrated design maintains attachment strength through optimized structural features while eliminating the cost of multiple separate fasteners and components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective attachment mechanisms that are simpler and more economical than traditional multi-fastener systems. The integrated attachment structure uses standard manufacturing processes and common materials, reducing both component costs and assembly costs. The design prioritizes cost-effective solutions that provide sufficient attachment strength without requiring expensive specialized fasteners or complex assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If additional fasteners and separate components are used, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the number of components and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment functions into a single integrated operation. The lens holder attachment to the imager circuit board is achieved through one unified mounting process rather than multiple separate fastening operations. This merging of operations reduces assembly time significantly while maintaining attachment reliability through the integrated design that ensures proper alignment and secure attachment in a single step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment and positioning features into the integrated attachment mechanism. The lens holder includes built-in alignment features that ensure correct positioning before final attachment, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment and adjustment steps. This preliminary action is built into the design, allowing for rapid and reliable attachment without compromising precision.
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
This solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces costs, and enhances the attachment of lenses to imager circuit boards, making the camera system easier to manufacture and install while maintaining alignment and focus with the imager.
Implementation Method 1
A lens holder with metal inserts that are insert molded into a plastic retaining member
Implementation Method 2
allowing for solder attachment directly to the imager PCB
Data Source
AI summary
An imager assembly for a vehicular camera module includes an imager circuit board and a lens holder. An imager is disposed at the imager circuit board. The lens holder includes a lens holding portion that accommodates a lens. The lens holder includes a plurality of pins extending from an attaching portion and extending in a direction away from the lens holding portion of the lens holder. With the attaching portion of the lens holder at the imager circuit board, individual pins of the plurality of pins are received at least partially through respective apertures of the imager circuit board to locate the lens holder at the imager circuit board. With the pins received at least partially through the apertures of the imager circuit board, and with the lens aligned with the imager at the imager circuit board, the pins are fixedly attached at the imager circuit board.