Camera Lens Electrical Contact via Spring Arm and Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera device manufacturing methods face challenges in establishing reliable electrical connections between the lens and the printed circuit board without affecting the optical alignment, and in accommodating varying lens housing materials.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a printed circuit board with an image sensor, mounting electrical contact elements with movable spring and latching arms, aligning and fixing the lens, and using a temporary mechanical pulse to release the locking mechanism for contact establishment, ensuring reliable electrical connections without compromising optical alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a force exerting element is used to press the electrical contact surface against the lens, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the optical alignment may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is aligned with the image sensor before the electrical contact is established. The alignment element positions the lens optically aligned with the image sensor, and only after this preliminary alignment is confirmed does the force exerting element engage to create the electrical connection, ensuring that contact pressure does not shift the optical alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly process is divided into distinct stages: first the optical alignment stage where the lens is positioned relative to the image sensor using the alignment element, then the electrical connection stage where the force exerting element engages to press the electrical contact surface against the lens. This segmentation ensures that optical alignment and electrical contact are achieved independently without interfering with each other
2Manufacturing precision
If the lens is aligned precisely with the image sensor, then optical quality is improved, but the electrical contact may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is aligned with the image sensor using the alignment element before the electrical contact is established. This preliminary alignment ensures optimal optical quality is achieved first, and only after confirmation of proper alignment does the force exerting element engage to create the electrical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment element acts as an intermediary component that first establishes the optimal optical relationship between the lens and image sensor. Once alignment is confirmed, the force exerting element serves as a second intermediary that transfers pressing force to create the electrical contact, ensuring both optical and electrical requirements are met without direct conflict
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to hold the spring arm in position, then electrical contact stability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The latching arm provides a locking mechanism that can engage or disengage as needed, enabling the system to adapt between locked and unlocked states without requiring a completely rigid and complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arm and latching arm form a self-latching mechanism where the spring arm automatically engages with the latching arm when pressed against the lens. The system uses its own elastic components to provide both the pressing force and the locking action, reducing the need for external actuators or complex control systems
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 method ensures reliable electrical contact between the lens and the printed circuit board, maintains optical alignment, and is adaptable to different lens housing materials, enhancing the manufacturing efficiency and quality of camera devices.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical contact element comprises a movable spring arm, on which the electrical contact point is disposed
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a camera device. The method includes: providing a printed circuit board with an image sensor; mounting an electrical contact element having an electrical contact surface on the printed circuit board; aligning a lens accommodated in a housing of the camera device and includes an electrically conductive contact region; fixing the lens in the housing; bringing into contact the electrically conductive contact region of the lens with the electrical contact surface.The electrical contact element includes a movable spring arm, on which the electrical contact point is disposed, and a movable latching arm. The latching arm locks the spring arm in a first position until the step of bringing into contact. In the step of bringing into contact, the locking of the spring arm is released by a temporary mechanical pulse applied to the latching arm by means of a release tool.