Camera Module Heating Device Electrical Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera module production methods face challenges in securely and simply electrically contacting a heating device integrated into the objective, especially after the objective is inserted into the housing and aligned with the image sensor.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using preloaded and/or activatable contact elements, such as spring arms or thermally/electrically activatable materials, which are applied to contact surfaces on the objective after it has been inserted, aligned, and fixed to the housing, ensuring secure and contactless electrical contacting of the heating device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible contact elements (foil conductors or cables) are used to electrically contact the heating device, then the accessibility and ease of alignment are improved, but the joining speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contact elements are pre-loaded onto the objective before insertion into the housing. This preliminary preparation allows the objective to be inserted and aligned first, and then the contact elements are activated (e.g., by heating) to establish electrical contact automatically, thereby increasing joining speed while maintaining ease of alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment and contact establishment with an automated system where pre-loaded contact elements are activated through thermal or electrical means after insertion. This substitution of mechanical operations with automated activation processes significantly increases joining speed.
2Productivity
If electrical contacting is performed before insertion or during insertion, then the joining speed is improved, but the adhesive bond may be affected by forces from the contact elements
Solution Approach 1:
The objective is inserted and fixed with the adhesive bond first, allowing the bond to cure and become force-resistant. Only after this stable foundation is established are the contact elements activated to establish electrical contact. This sequence prevents the adhesive bond from being compromised by contact element forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive bond is established beforehand and allowed to cure to a state where it can absorb and withstand forces. This preliminary stabilization cushions against potential forces that might arise during subsequent electrical contacting operations, protecting the adhesive bond from damage.
3Ease of manufacture
If contact elements are made accessible for manual handling, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the complexity of the assembly process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Contact elements are pre-loaded onto the objective during manufacturing, making them easily applicable. The objective is then inserted into the housing, and the contact elements are activated automatically (e.g., through heating) to establish electrical contact. This eliminates the need for complex manual handling and alignment operations during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact elements are designed to activate and establish electrical contact automatically after insertion, without requiring manual manipulation or complex alignment procedures. The system serves itself by using the insertion action and environmental conditions (heat) to trigger the contact establishment, simplifying the assembly process.
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
This approach ensures that the adhesive bond and the position of the objective relative to the image sensor remain unaffected by the electrical contacting of the heating device, while also allowing for faster joining speeds and secure electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
fixing the objective by producing an adhesive bond to the housing
Implementation Method 2
activatable, in particular thermally or electrically activatable, contact elements
Implementation Method 3
activatable, in particular thermally or electrically activatable, contact elements
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a camera module which has an objective including an integrated heating device, and a housing including a printed circuit board and an image sensor. The method includes: inserting the objective into the housing, aligning the objective with respect to the image sensor, fixing the objective by producing an adhesive bond to the housing, electrically contacting the heating device integrated into the objective with the aid of preloaded and/or activatable, in particular thermally or electrically activatable, contact elements, which are brought into electrically conductive contact with contact surfaces formed on the outer circumference of the objective by releasing a loading apparatus and/or by activation, in particular by thermal or electrical activation. Use of a contact element is also described.