Camera Module Buffer Member Impact Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules experience malfunctioning and noise due to collisions and collision noise caused by external impacts, such as shaking, which result from the uncontrolled movement of lens modules within the camera housing.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design incorporating a buffer member with a flange portion and a reinforcing member, which absorbs impact energy by contacting the shield cover and housing components, reducing direct contact between the lens barrel and other parts, thereby minimizing noise and malfunction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lens module is made movable to enable autofocusing and optical image stabilization, then the camera module's functionality is improved, but collisions and collision noise occur when the lens module moves due to external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautofocusing and optical image stabilization functionalityVSAvoidcollisions and collision noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a buffer member that is pre-positioned between the lens module and the housing. When external forces cause the lens module to move, the buffer member is already in place to absorb the impact energy, preventing collisions and reducing collision noise. This is achieved through the buffer member's elastic deformation capability that is prepared in advance to cushion unexpected movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a buffer member is added to prevent collisions, then noise and malfunction are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and malfunctionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the buffer member with the flange portion of the lens module, making them an integrated component. The buffer member is coupled to the groove of the flange portion, combining the structural support function of the flange with the shock-absorbing function of the buffer member. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while still providing effective collision protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flange portion serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the lens module, enables coupling with the buffer member through its groove, and works together with the buffer member to absorb impact energy. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving noise and malfunction reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If the buffer member protrudes in opposing directions to contact the shield cover and step portion, then impact energy absorption is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorptionVSAvoidbuffer member positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer member is designed to be elastically deformable and is allowed to move and deform automatically in response to impact forces. When the lens module moves due to external forces, the buffer member self-adjusts its position and deformation degree to absorb the impact energy, without requiring precise pre-positioning or complex adjustment mechanisms. This self-service capability reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining effective impact absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer member utilizes elastic deformation as its key parameter to absorb impact energy. By changing its physical state from rigid to elastically deformable, the buffer member can adapt to varying impact forces without requiring precise dimensional control. The elastic property allows the buffer member to accommodate a range of impact scenarios, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 camera module effectively reduces noise and malfunction by absorbing impact energy through the buffer member's elastic deformation, preventing direct contact between the lens barrel and housing components, thus enhancing the camera's stability and performance during external vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

The buffer member is configured to couple to a groove of the flange portion and protrude in opposing directions from the flange portion to selectively contact the shield cover and the step portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11586097B2Camera module

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a lens barrel, a housing, a shield cover, and a buffer member. The lens barrel incudes a flange portion extending in a direction intersecting an optical axis. The housing is configured to accommodate the lens barrel and has a step portion configured to face a lower portion of the flange portion. The shield cover is coupled to the housing and configured to cover an upper edge of the lens barrel. The buffer member is configured to couple to a groove of the flange portion and protrude in opposing directions from the flange portion to selectively contact the shield cover and the step portion.