Camera Module Alignment Using Instantaneous Curing Adhesive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules, especially those in portable devices and vehicles, face challenges in maintaining picture quality due to optical axis distortion and the need for precise alignment of lens and image sensor axes, particularly with features like automatic parking and around view monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A camera module manufacturing apparatus that aligns the optical axis of a lens with the image sensor using an instantaneous curing adhesive, such as solder, and includes a chart unit for optical-axis alignment, a substrate alignment unit, and a camera module fixing unit to securely attach the lens assembly to the substrate assembly, ensuring optimal image characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an instantaneous curing adhesive is used to fix the lens assembly on the substrate assembly, then productivity is improved, but alignment precision between the optical axis of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing alignment operations (chart unit alignment, substrate alignment unit adjustment, optical axis alignment unit calibration) before the instantaneous curing adhesive is applied. This ensures that the lens assembly and substrate assembly are precisely aligned with their optical axes coincident before fixation, allowing the adhesive to simply maintain the pre-established alignment rather than achieve it during curing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment and fixation systems with an instantaneous curing adhesive system. Instead of using mechanical clamps, screws, or other physical alignment mechanisms that would require complex adjustment and tightening operations, the system uses optical alignment units to establish precision alignment, then secures it with adhesive that cures instantly, thereby improving productivity while maintaining alignment precision.
2Reliability
If the optical axis of the lens and the optical axis of the image sensor are aligned, then image quality is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary alignment tools and reference structures, including a chart unit with alignment marks, an optical axis alignment unit with reference features, and a substrate alignment unit with positioning elements. These intermediaries facilitate precise optical axis alignment between the lens and image sensor without requiring direct complex mechanical coupling, thereby improving image quality while managing assembly complexity through standardized alignment interfaces.
3Device complexity
If existing equipment is used for camera module assembly, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and productivity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the alignment units and fixation structure to work together as an integrated system that can be added to existing camera module assembly equipment. The chart unit, substrate alignment unit, and optical axis alignment unit are designed with universal interfaces and standardized mounting configurations that allow them to function with various types of assembly equipment, thereby improving alignment precision without requiring complete replacement of existing equipment infrastructure.
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 solution minimizes optical axis distortion and enhances the productivity of camera module assembly by providing precise alignment and secure fixation, allowing for improved image quality and compatibility with various applications without requiring changes to existing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
fixing the lens assembly on the substrate assembly by applying an instantaneous curing adhesive, which is an inorganic material, to the lens assembly and the substrate assembly which are aligned
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module manufacturing apparatus includes: a chart unit configured to provide an image for optical-axis alignment to a substrate assembly including an image sensor; a substrate alignment unit disposed opposite to the chart unit, aligning the substrate assembly, and electrically connected to the image sensor; an optical axis alignment unit configured to allow an optical axis of a lens assembly including a lens and an actuator to be aligned with respect to an optical axis of the image sensor; and a camera module fixing unit positioned adjacent to the optical axis alignment unit, and fixing the lens assembly on the substrate assembly by applying an instantaneous curing adhesive, which is an inorganic material, to the lens assembly and the substrate assembly which are aligned.