Camera Lens Module Threadless Focal Length Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera lens modules face challenges in miniaturization due to screw threads that increase size and generate foreign materials, affecting image quality and reliability when controlling focal length.

Innovation Solution

A camera lens module design featuring a lens housing that moves along an optical axis using a support portion and elastic member, with a control member and actuator for focal length adjustment, eliminating the need for screw threads and reducing foreign material generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw threads are used to combine the lens housing and main frame, then the lens housing can be securely mounted and moved along the optical axis, but the module size increases and foreign materials are generated affecting image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mounting and movement controlVSAvoidmodule size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the screw threads from the system entirely, extracting the harmful element that causes both size increase and foreign material generation. Instead of using threaded engagement, the invention employs a smooth cylindrical lens housing that fits into a corresponding recess in the main frame, eliminating the need for threads while maintaining secure mounting through friction and geometric constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical screw thread system with a simpler insertion-based mechanical system. The lens housing is mounted by direct insertion into the main frame recess, using geometric fit and friction rather than threaded engagement. This substitution eliminates the complexity and harmful effects of screw threads while achieving the same functional goal of secure mounting and controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If screw threads are used to combine the lens housing and main frame, then the lens housing can be securely mounted, but foreign materials are produced due to friction that fall onto the infrared filter or image sensor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidforeign material generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the screw threads from the system entirely, extracting the harmful element that causes foreign material generation through friction. The smooth cylindrical interface eliminates the threaded engagement that produces particulate contamination, thereby protecting the infrared filter and image sensor from foreign materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the friction that would normally be harmful into a beneficial force. By using a smooth cylindrical fit rather than threaded engagement, the friction between the lens housing and main frame recess provides secure mounting and controlled movement without generating foreign materials. The friction becomes a useful holding force rather than a source of contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If the distance between lens and image sensor is controlled by screw engagement, then focal length can be adjusted, but the height of screw threads increases the overall module size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocal length adjustmentVSAvoidmodule height
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the screw threads that increase module height, extracting the element causing the length problem. The lens housing uses a smooth cylindrical design that fits into the main frame without requiring the additional height of threaded structures, thereby reducing the overall module height while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using external screw threads that extend outward and increase height, the patent inverts the approach by using internal threading or a recess-based system where the engagement features are contained within the module boundaries. The lens housing inserts into a recess in the main frame, with the engagement features hidden inside, thereby avoiding height increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design enhances image quality and reliability by allowing precise focal length control without increasing module size, while minimizing foreign material interference and enabling miniaturization.

Implementation Method 1

a second elastic member installed on the lens housing or the support portion, for providing an elastic force to move the lens housing toward the image sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an actuator included in the support portion, for receiving power from the main frame, and a magnetic body engaged with the lens housing, for generating a driving force through interaction with the actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP2034719B1Camera lens module
Publication Date: 2015.11.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2034719B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2034719B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2034719B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A camera lens module is provided, in which a lens housing has at least one lens, a main frame contains the lens housing along an optical axis, a support portion is engaged with the lens housing and with the main frame to be rotatable along the optical axis, a cover is engaged with the main frame, for keeping the lens housing contained in the main frame, and a control member is engaged with the cover, for moving the support portion along the optical axis.