Folded Camera Module Layout for Flare Suppression in Optical Zoom

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in managing optical path interference and flare issues, which affect image quality, particularly in high-resolution and high-magnification optical zoom functions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a reflector between lenses to redirect light and a blocking wall to manage optical path interference, along with a lens holder and concealing portions to minimize internal component visibility and maintain module thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a reflector is added to redirect light for high-magnification optical zoom, then optical zoom capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical zoom capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is integrated with the lens holder to form a unified structure, merging two previously separate components into one. This reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining the optical zoom functionality, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens holder is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the lens elements and simultaneously supports the reflector structure. This multi-functionality allows the same component to fulfill both mechanical support and optical redirection roles, reducing overall device complexity while enabling high-magnification optical zoom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Shape

If internal components are concealed to improve appearance, then aesthetic quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The concealing portion is merged with the lens holder structure, creating a single integrated component that provides both mechanical support and aesthetic coverage. This integration eliminates the need for separate concealing parts, reducing manufacturing steps while achieving the desired aesthetic quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of stationary object

If the lens holder overlaps the housing peripheral portion to maintain thickness, then compactness is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule thicknessVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The design utilizes overlapping in the planar dimension (lens holder overlapping the housing peripheral portion) to achieve thickness reduction in the vertical dimension. By distributing components across different planar layers, the overall module thickness is minimized while maintaining structural integrity.

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

4Reliability

If a blocking wall is added to prevent optical path interference, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking wall is integrated into the reflector structure, combining the light-blocking function with the existing optical redirection component. This integration adds the necessary image quality protection without introducing a completely separate part, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.

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

Enhances image quality by reducing flare and maintaining compact module size while supporting high-resolution and high-magnification optical zoom capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector disposed between the first lens and the second lens and configured to reflect, to the second lens, light passing through the first lens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4718153A1Camera module and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4718153A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4718153A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4718153A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This camera module may comprise: a first lens; a second lens; a lens holder configured to support the first lens; a reflector disposed between the first lens and the second lens and configured to reflect, to the second lens, light passing through the first lens; and a blocking wall configured to block an optical path between the reflector and the lens holder.