Multi-Camera Module Adhesive Alignment and Yield Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-ocular image-capturing apparatuses face high production costs and yield reduction due to complex alignment requirements and adhesive curing processes, leading to defective products even when individual camera modules are non-defective.
Innovation Solution
The use of an adhesive with a specific temperature range release property for fixing camera modules, combined with a reinforcing resin portion and light guiding surfaces for efficient curing, allows for adjustable alignment and easy removal of defective modules, reducing production costs and improving yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If adhesive is used to fix camera module to support member, then alignment adjustment is enabled before curing, but yield reduces when alignment fails because entire multi-ocular module becomes defective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-ocular module into independently replaceable camera modules. When one camera module has alignment issues, only that specific module needs to be removed and replaced, rather than discarding the entire assembly. This segmentation allows selective replacement of defective components, improving yield by salvaging functional parts of the multi-ocular system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery of support members and other camera modules when one module fails alignment. By using adhesive that allows for controlled removal and replacement, the system recovers valuable components (support member, other camera modules) instead of discarding the entire assembly, thus improving production yield and reducing waste.
2Manufacturing precision
If high accuracy alignment is required for multiple camera modules, then manufacturing precision improves, but production process complexity increases and failure rate rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs alignment adjustment while the adhesive is still uncured, before final bonding occurs. This preliminary adjustment phase allows for easy repositioning and fine-tuning of camera modules without the constraint of cured adhesive. After alignment is satisfied, the adhesive is then cured to lock the position, separating the adjustment phase from the bonding phase to simplify the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic bonding process where the adhesive transitions from a flexible, adjustable state to a rigid, fixed state. During the uncured phase, the adhesive allows for dynamic positioning and alignment adjustments. Once cured, it provides static structural support. This dynamic property enables both easy alignment and secure fixation without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If adhesive is used for fixing camera modules, then material costs reduce compared to screws, but assembling costs increase due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adhesive bonding that enables self-alignment through adjustment before curing. The uncured adhesive provides a tolerance window that allows operators to manually adjust camera module positions to achieve proper alignment without requiring complex external alignment equipment or mechanisms. This self-service alignment capability reduces assembling costs despite using adhesive instead of cheaper mechanical fasteners.
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 approach effectively suppresses yield reduction and production cost increases by enabling precise alignment and easy identification and removal of defective modules, enhancing the efficiency of multi-ocular image-capturing apparatus production.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive portion formed of an adhesive that has a property of being released in a specific temperature range
Implementation Method 2
a light guiding surface in the corner portion, the light guiding surface being used to guide light to the space between the first face portion and the second camera module, the light being used to cure the adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
To suppress a reduction in yield and to reduce production costs even when a failure has occurred with respect to the alignment and the like of a camera module in a multi-ocular configuration in which a plurality of camera modules is included. An image-capturing apparatus includes a plurality of camera modules; and a support member used to support the plurality of camera modules in a specified positional relationship, the image-capturing apparatus including a first camera module and at least one second camera module as the plurality of camera modules, the first camera module being fixed to the support member, the at least one second camera module being fixed to the support member using an adhesive portion formed of an adhesive that has a property of being released in a specific temperature range.