Camera Module Buffer Member for Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules experience collisions and collision noise due to uncontrolled movement of the carrier caused by external shocks, leading to potential failure and damage.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design that includes a carrier configured to move in the optical axis direction, a frame with a coupling portion exposed externally, and a buffer member coupled to the coupling portion, with the buffer member positioned closer to the housing internal surface than the carrier, to absorb impacts and reduce noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the carrier is allowed to move freely in the optical axis direction for focus adjustment, then the camera module can achieve focus adjustment functionality, but external shocks cause uncontrolled carrier movement leading to collisions and collision noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcollision noise and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer member is positioned between the carrier and the housing to absorb impact energy before collisions occur. The buffer member is specifically arranged to contact the carrier during external shock events, preventing direct contact between the carrier and housing that would generate collision noise and damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer member acts as an intermediary element between the carrier and the housing. During normal operation, it allows controlled movement for focus adjustment. During external shocks, it mediates the interaction by absorbing impact energy, preventing direct collision between the carrier and housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a buffer member is added to absorb impacts and reduce noise, then collision noise and damage are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision noise reductionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer member is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. It uses basic buffering materials that provide effective impact absorption without adding significant complexity to the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 proposed design effectively reduces noise and prevents failure and damage by absorbing impacts between the carrier and other module components, enhancing the stability and reliability of the camera module.

Implementation Method 1

a buffer member configured to be coupled to the coupling portion, with a side of the buffer member disposed to be closer to an internal surface of the housing than a side of the carrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20250142187A1Camera module

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module is provided. The camera module includes a carrier in which a lens barrel is disposed, the carrier configured to move in an optical axis direction, a frame at least partially disposed inside the carrier, a housing which accommodates the carrier, and a buffer member, wherein the frame includes a coupling portion that is exposed to an external area of the carrier, and the buffer member is configured to be coupled to the coupling portion, and a side of the buffer member is disposed to be closer to an internal surface of the housing than a side of the carrier.