Camera Module Cover Part with Indium-Tin Oxide Heating Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules exposed to outdoor environments face issues with dew or frost formation on lens surfaces, leading to defective operation and distorted images due to blocked light incidence.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design incorporating a cover part with a heating layer made of indium-tin oxide, a first and second reflection prevention layer, an electrode layer, and a print layer, which includes a bonding and connecting portion to prevent frost and dew formation by heating the cover part, and an anisotropic conductive film electrode layer for simplified connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the camera module is exposed to outdoor environment, then it can be used for various purposes (security, vehicles, parking), but dew or frost forms on the lens blocking light incidence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage scenariosVSAvoiddew or frost formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating layer is activated before dew or frost can form on the lens, preventing condensation by maintaining the cover glass temperature above the dew point. This preliminary heating action eliminates the harmful effect before it occurs, ensuring continuous clear light transmission in outdoor environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature of the cover glass is actively controlled by the heating layer, changing the thermal parameter to prevent dew or frost formation. By maintaining the surface temperature above the dew point, the physical condition for condensation is eliminated, resolving the contradiction between outdoor usability and dew prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a heating layer is added to prevent dew or frost, then lens transparency is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens transparencyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A thin transparent heating film made of indium-tin oxide is applied directly to the cover glass, integrating the heating function into the existing structure rather than adding separate bulky heating elements. This thin-film approach maintains lens transparency while minimizing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cover glass is constructed as a composite structure with multiple functional layers including the transparent heating layer, reflection prevention layers, and electrode layers. This composite design consolidates multiple functions (heating, optical protection, electrical connection) into a single integrated component, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If multiple layers (heating layer, reflection prevention layers, electrode layer) are added, then dew or frost is prevented and image quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedew or frost preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heating layer, reflection prevention layers, and electrode layer are combined into a single integrated cover part assembly that is mounted as one unit to the retainer. This merging of multiple functional layers into a single manufacturable component simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining all necessary functions for dew prevention and image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover part is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides heating (dew prevention), optical protection (reflection prevention), and electrical connection (through the electrode layer). This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one component, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 inhibits the formation of dew or frost, ensuring continuous operation by maintaining lens transparency and improving image quality through controlled heating and reflection prevention.

Implementation Method 1

a heating layer disposed under the cover glass... The heating layer may be made from an indium-tin oxide material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a first reflection prevention layer disposed on the cover glass... and a second reflection prevention layer disposed under the heating layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection prevention: Anti-Reflective Coating

Data Source

PatentUS11435574B2Camera module

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module according to one embodiment comprises: a barrel provided with at least one lens; a retainer having an inner space and accommodating the barrel in the inner space; a holder coupled to the lower portion of the retainer; a housing disposed on the lower side of the holder and accommodating a printed circuit board; and a cover part mounted on the retainer and disposed in front of the lens. The cover part comprises: a cover glass; a first reflection suppression layer disposed on the upper side of the cover glass; a heating layer disposed on the lower side of the glass cover; and a second reflection suppression layer disposed on the lower side of the heating layer.