Camera Module Ambient Light Sensor Laser Direct Structure Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing camera modules with ambient light sensors (ALS) face challenges in size and cost due to the need to bend a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to connect electrically with the ALS, which increases the overall size and expense of the module.

Innovation Solution

The camera module design incorporates a shell with a through hole and recesses that allow the ALS to be soldered directly to a seat on the front surface, eliminating the need for bending the FPCB by using laser direct structure technology to form connectors and circuits, and a curable adhesive fixes the PCB to the back surface, enabling direct electrical connection without bending the PCB.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the ALS is located at the front side of the camera module, then the exposure detection accuracy is improved, but the FPCB size increases due to bending requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure detection accuracyVSAvoidFPCB size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the FPCB with the shell by forming the circuit board directly on the shell's inner surface using laser direct structure technology. This integration eliminates the need for a separate FPCB component and removes the bending requirement, thereby reducing the FPCB area while maintaining electrical connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical bending connection method with a laser direct structure approach. Instead of physically bending the FPCB to reach the ALS, the circuit is directly formed on the shell surface, substituting the mechanical flexibility requirement with a direct structural integration that eliminates the bending need.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the FPCB is bent to connect to the ALS, then electrical connection is achieved, but the camera module cost and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidcamera module size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board is merged with the shell structure, eliminating the need for a separate, bendable FPCB component. This reduction in component count and structural simplification directly decreases device complexity and overall camera module size while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the bending requirement from the design by directly forming the circuit on the shell. This removes the complex bent FPCB structure entirely, simplifying the device architecture and reducing size without compromising electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a bent FPCB is used to connect the ALS, then electrical connection is established, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the complex mechanical bending and assembly process with a laser direct structure manufacturing method. This allows the circuit to be directly formed on the shell in an integrated process, eliminating the need for separate FPCB bending and connection steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the circuit board function directly into the shell structure, the patent reduces the number of discrete components and assembly steps required. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces overall production cost while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces the size and cost of the camera module by eliminating the need for FPCB bending, while protecting the ALS and circuits from damage and ensuring accurate exposure determination.

Implementation Method 1

a curable adhesive fixes the PCB to the back surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

using laser direct structure technology to form connectors and circuits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser direct structure: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS8982276B2Camera module with ambient light sensor

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 RAYPRUS TECHNOLOGIES LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a shell, an ambient light sensor, and a lens module having a printed circuit board. The shell has a seat in its front surface, a first connector on its back surface, and circuits connecting the first connector to the seat by a laser direct structure technology. The ALS is soldered to the seat. The PCB is attached to the back surface of the shell and includes a second connector connected to the first connector.