Camera Module Bracket Structure for Compact Auto Focus and Shake Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in reducing size while maintaining functionality, particularly in integrating auto focus and shake correction features.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design comprising a lens holder, bracket, printed circuit board, and stiffener, where the bracket's leg portion is soldered to the stiffener, and the printed circuit board includes a cavity for the image sensor, with a metal pad for electrical connection, allowing for miniaturization and enhanced structural stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the camera module integrates auto focus and shake correction functions, then the functionality is improved, but the size of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidsize
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bracket and stiffener into a single integrated component structure. The bracket serves both as a mounting structure for the lens holder and as a stiffening element for the printed circuit board, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device volume while maintaining auto focus and shake correction functionalities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The printed circuit board is positioned within the cavity of the bracket structure, and the stiffener is integrated into the bracket's lower portion. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently, reducing the total volume required for the camera module while preserving all necessary functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the printed circuit board size is reduced, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the bonding strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidbonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is constructed using a composite structure combining metal and resin materials. The metal portion provides mechanical strength and rigidity for the mounting function, while the resin portion provides damping and shock absorption. This composite construction maintains bonding strength even as the overall printed circuit board size is reduced, balancing manufacturing cost reduction with structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The stiffener is pre-integrated into the bracket structure during manufacturing, creating a pre-strengthened assembly before the printed circuit board is installed. This preliminary reinforcement ensures that when the printed circuit board is reduced in size, the bonding interfaces are already prepared with adequate structural support to maintain required bonding strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If the optical axis length is shortened, then the camera module is miniaturized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical axis lengthVSAvoidprecision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is divided into distinct functional segments: the lens holder with lens, the bracket with integrated stiffener, and the printed circuit board with cavity for the image sensor. Each segment is designed and manufactured separately with optimized dimensions, then assembled together. This segmentation allows for precise control of each component's dimensions while maintaining overall miniaturization of the optical axis length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed with a three-dimensional structure featuring an upper plate, side plates, and an integrated stiffener portion that extends in multiple directions. This spatial arrangement allows the optical components to be positioned more efficiently, shortening the optical axis length while distributing manufacturing tolerances across multiple dimensions rather than concentrating them in a single linear direction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The design reduces the size of the printed circuit board, lowers manufacturing costs, maintains flatness and bonding strength, and shortens the optical axis length, enabling further miniaturization of the camera module.

Implementation Method 1

A metal pad is disposed on an upper surface of the printed circuit board, and a portion of a lower surface of the bracket can be soldered onto the metal pad

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

A lower surface of the leg portion can be soldered to an upper surface of the stiffener

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoldering: Soldering

Data Source

PatentEP4593405A1Camera module and optical device
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4593405A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4593405A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4593405A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A camera module comprising: a lens holder in which lenses are disposed; a bracket disposed under the lens holder; a printed circuit board disposed at the lower portion of the bracket; and a stiffener disposed under the printed circuit board, wherein the lower surface of the bracket has a leg portion which protrudes further down than other areas so as to be coupled to the upper surface of the stiffener.