Camera Module Flexible Substrate for Image Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in maintaining stable electrical connections between moving and fixed parts during image stabilization functions, which can affect the camera's performance and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A camera module with a connecting structure that supports the movement of the moving part for image stabilization while maintaining electrical connections between the moving and fixed parts, utilizing flexible substrates and conductive patterns to ensure stable connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid connection structure is used between moving and fixed parts, then electrical connection stability is improved, but movement freedom for image stabilization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidmovement freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible substrate as the connection structure between the moving part (lens assembly) and fixed part (camera module housing). This flexible substrate can bend and deform to accommodate the rotational movement required for image stabilization while maintaining continuous electrical connection. The flexibility of the substrate resolves the contradiction by allowing movement freedom without compromising electrical connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection that can adapt its shape during operation. The flexible substrate dynamically changes its configuration to follow the rotational movement of the lens assembly during image stabilization, thereby maintaining electrical connectivity while enabling movement freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible substrate is used to enable movement, then movement freedom is improved, but electrical connection stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible substrate is specifically designed with appropriate flexibility to accommodate movement while maintaining structural integrity for electrical connection. The substrate's material properties and structural design allow it to bend without breaking or losing electrical conductivity, thus resolving the contradiction between movement freedom and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible substrate likely employs composite material structure combining conductive layers with flexible base materials. This composite construction provides both the flexibility needed for movement and the electrical conductivity required for stable connection, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lens rotates for image stabilization, then shake compensation capability is improved, but mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshake compensation capabilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic rotation mechanism that allows the lens assembly to rotate about the optical axis for image stabilization. This rotational degree of freedom is achieved through a relatively simple mechanical structure compared to more complex stabilization systems, enabling shake compensation while minimizing added mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4156872B1Electronic device comprising a camera module
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4156872B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4156872B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4156872B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device comprises a housing, and a camera module of which at least a portion is disposed inside the housing, wherein the camera module comprises: a fixed part including a first circuit board; a moving part including a lens, an image sensor, and a second circuit board electrically connected to the image sensor and facing at least a portion of the first circuit board, wherein the moving part has at least a portion accommodated in the fixed part, and is rotatably coupled to fixed part; and a connection structure disposed between the first circuit board and the second circuit board and including a flexible substrate electrically connecting the first circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the flexible substrate may comprise: a first portion including a first conductive pad coupled to a first conductive region of the first circuit board; a second portion including a second conductive pad coupled to a second conductive region of the second circuit board; and at least one via electrically connecting the first portion and the second portion. Various other embodiments identified from the specification are possible.