Vehicle Camera Module Optical Axis Alignment via Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules mounted on vehicle windshields face challenges in achieving high image forming accuracy due to the need for high surface accuracy of contact surfaces between the optical assembly and the camera casing, which is difficult to maintain and can lead to decreased imaging accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that uses ultraviolet curing adhesives to join the optical assembly to the camera casing, with assembly reference surfaces aligned on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the optical axis, reducing the demand for high surface accuracy of the casing surfaces and improving the alignment and stability of the optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high surface accuracy is required for contact surfaces between optical assembly and camera casing, then image forming accuracy is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and surface accuracy is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adhesive layer as an intermediary substance between the optical assembly and camera casing. This adhesive layer compensates for surface irregularities and maintains the required positional accuracy without demanding extremely high surface accuracy from the mating surfaces, thereby resolving the contradiction between image forming accuracy and manufacturing ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the joining method from rigid mechanical contact to chemical adhesive bonding. This parameter change allows for greater tolerance in surface accuracy while maintaining the positional relationship between the optical assembly and camera casing, thus improving manufacturability without sacrificing image forming accuracy
2Device complexity
If conventional joining methods are used, then assembly is simple, but optical axis displacement and distortion occur reducing imaging accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer serves as a mediator that provides both mechanical bonding and positional stabilization. It prevents optical axis displacement and distortion that would occur with conventional rigid joining methods, while still maintaining a relatively simple assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer provides beforehand cushioning by compensating for potential misalignments and stresses before they can cause optical axis displacement. This preventive approach maintains imaging accuracy without adding complex alignment mechanisms
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 design enhances image forming accuracy and imaging precision by allowing for accurate adjustment of the optical assembly's position relative to the camera casing, reducing the risk of optical axis displacement and distortion, while also simplifying the manufacturing process and avoiding damage to the optical components.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesive includes a ultraviolet curing property, and sections, at which the optical assembly and the camera casing are joined via the adhesive, are exposed to the outside of the camera casing
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is mountable to an inner side of a front windshield of a vehicle and is configured to capture an image of an external environment of the vehicle. The camera module includes an optical assembly, a camera casing, and an adhesive. The optical assembly includes an assembly reference surface for determining the position of an optical axis and captures an image of the external environment by forming an optical image incident along the optical axis from the external environment. The camera casing includes a casing reference surface to be positioned with respect to the front windshield on the outside of the camera casing and accommodates the optical assembly in a state separate from inner wall surfaces. The adhesive joins the optical assembly to the camera casing in a state in which the assembly reference surface is aligned with an imaginary plane extending along the casing reference surface.