Fixed-Focus Camera Module Without Lens Barrel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fixed-focus camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges in size reduction and contamination issues due to the need for a lens barrel, which restricts their development and affects imaging quality.

Innovation Solution

A method where the optical lens assembly is directly packaged in a lens assembly holder without a lens barrel, using a glue layer to seal and align the components, allowing for size reduction and improved cleaning, and a focusing mechanism that adjusts the lens position externally to ensure imaging quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lens barrel is used to hold the optical lens assembly, then the lens assembly is protected and held in focused position, but the size of the photographing module increases and contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens assembly positioning stabilityVSAvoidphotographing module size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the lens barrel from the structure, extracting the protective and positioning function to a separate adhesive layer applied directly to the circuit board. This eliminates the volume occupied by the lens barrel while maintaining the lens assembly's focused position through the adhesive's bonding and positioning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the protective and positioning functions into the adhesive layer itself, which is applied directly between the lens assembly and circuit board. This merging eliminates the need for a separate lens barrel structure, reducing overall module size while maintaining reliability through the adhesive's dual functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the optical lens assembly is mounted inside the lens barrel, then the lens is protected, but contaminants are generated on the outer surface of the lens and inner surface of the lens barrel due to mutual friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens protectionVSAvoidparticle contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the lens barrel structure entirely, eliminating the source of friction-induced contamination between the lens outer surface and lens barrel inner surface. The lens assembly is mounted directly to the circuit board, preventing particle generation from mutual friction while maintaining protection through the adhesive layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of direct mounting (exposure to contaminants) into a benefit by using an adhesive layer that provides both protection and contamination prevention. The adhesive creates a sealed interface that protects the lens without requiring the friction-prone lens barrel structure.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If the lens barrel structure is used, then the lens assembly is held in focused position, but the size of the photographing module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus position accuracyVSAvoidmodule height
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning function from the lens barrel structure and implements it through a precision adhesive layer applied directly to the circuit board. This eliminates the height occupied by the lens barrel while maintaining focus position accuracy through controlled adhesive thickness and positioning features on the circuit board.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mounting parameter from mechanical attachment via lens barrel to chemical attachment via adhesive layer. This parameter change reduces the height dimension while maintaining positioning accuracy through adhesive formulation and application control, enabling lighter and thinner portable electronic devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the optical lens assembly is packaged inside the lens barrel, then the lens is protected from external contaminants, but contaminants generated during assembly cannot be removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens protection from contaminantsVSAvoidcontaminant removal difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the lens barrel structure, eliminating the enclosed space where contaminants would be trapped. The lens assembly is mounted directly to the circuit board with an adhesive layer, allowing contaminants to be accessed and removed from the exterior surface without disassembling a lens barrel structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential disadvantage of direct mounting (exposure to assembly contaminants) into a benefit by using an adhesive layer that can be applied in a controlled manner. The adhesive creates a sealed interface that protects against external contaminants while allowing for cleaner assembly processes, as contaminants can be removed from the accessible exterior surface.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3477935B1Fixed-focus photographing module and focusing device and method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 NINGBO SUNNY OPOTECH CO LTD
  • EP3477935B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3477935B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3477935B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a fixed-focus photographing module, a manufacturing method thereof, and a focusing device and method thereof. The focusing method includes: pre-assembling an optical lens assembly in a lens assembly holder, wherein the optical lens assembly is exposed at the exterior of the lens assembly holder, and the optical lens assembly is located in a photosnesing path of a photosensing component assembled in a circuit board to form a pre-assembled photographing module; performing, by the pre-assembled photographing module, a photographing operation to obtain a testing image; adjusting, according to the testing image, a relative position between the optical lens assembly and lens assembly holder until the pre-assemble photographing module outputs a clear image as required; and fixing the optical lens assembly and the lens assembly holder to complete a focusing operation and obtain an assembled fixed-focus photographing module.