Camera Module Groove-and-Protrusion Housing for Compact Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in optimizing space efficiency and assembly processes, particularly in ultra-small designs used in small electronic products and vehicles.

Innovation Solution

The camera module design includes a first housing with a groove facing a separation space and a second housing with protrusion portions, utilizing an adhesive member to secure the housings together, along with elastic members to seal and guide components, enhancing space utilization and assembly efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the camera module uses a traditional sealing structure with separate housings, then the sealing performance is improved, but the overall size and complexity of the module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidmodule size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the first housing and second housing into a single integrated housing structure. The groove and protrusion features are formed directly on the housing body, eliminating the need for separate housing components and adhesive members, thereby reducing overall module size while maintaining sealing integrity through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove and protrusion structures are nested within the housing body itself, with the groove formed on the inner surface and the protrusion extending into the groove. This nested configuration provides sealing functionality without adding external components, reducing the overall volume of the camera module while maintaining reliable sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the camera module uses multiple separate components (housings, adhesive members, elastic members), then the assembly flexibility is improved, but the assembly process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the housing structure itself. The groove and protrusion features provide both mechanical coupling and sealing functions, while the integrated design eliminates the need for separate adhesive members, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining assembly flexibility through the built-in coupling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure provides self-aligning and self-sealing capabilities through the groove and protrusion features. The elastic member automatically engages with the groove to provide sealing and positioning, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures or additional fastening operations, thereby reducing assembly process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the camera module uses a compact design with integrated structures, then the space efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidgroove and protrusion dimensional precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the housing into functional zones with the groove and protrusion features clearly defined. By forming these features as integral parts of the housing through precision molding or machining, the design allows for standardized manufacturing processes that can achieve required tolerances more easily than attempting to assemble multiple precision components together

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4060975B1Camera module
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4060975B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4060975B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4060975B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A camera module comprises: a first housing; a lens module arranged in the first housing; a second housing coupled to the first housing; a substrate arranged in an inner space of the first housing and the second housing; an image sensor arranged on the substrate; and an adhesive member arranged between the first housing and the second housing, wherein the second housing includes a stepped portion on which the substrate is arranged, and a protrusion portion formed on an inner surface of the second housing to be in contact with a side surface of the substrate.