Miniature Camera Module Illumination Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules struggle to achieve miniaturization while maintaining a wide viewing angle, as the addition of an illuminating module typically increases the outer diameter and reduces the field of view.
Innovation Solution
The camera module design relocates the bearing part from the incident surface to the emergent surface, allowing the illuminating module to be placed on the incident surface without increasing the outer diameter, and utilizes specific mounting recesses and receded planes to maintain a wide viewing angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an annular LED illuminating module is loaded on the front end of the camera module, then the illumination function is achieved, but the outer diameter of the entire module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminating module is relocated from the front end (lateral dimension) to the incident surface (axial dimension) of the lens assembly. This dimensional transition allows the light sources to be positioned on the incident surface rather than extending the outer diameter, thereby achieving illumination without increasing the module's lateral size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the illuminating module on the lateral side or front end of the camera module as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the placement strategy by positioning it on the incident surface of the lens assembly. This inverted approach reverses the traditional spatial relationship between the illuminating module and the camera module structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bearing part is located near the lens farthest from the image sensor to facilitate assembling, then the assembly is compact, but the illuminating module cannot be placed on the incident surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is divided into distinct functional regions: the incident surface region for housing the illuminating module, and the emergent surface region for the bearing part. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned optimally for its function without interfering with the other, enabling both compact assembly and illuminating module placement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens assembly are assigned different functions and structural characteristics. The incident surface area is designed to accommodate the illuminating module with appropriate mounting structures, while the emergent surface area houses the bearing part. This local differentiation enables both functions to coexist without compromise.
3Length of stationary object
If the outer diameter is reduced to maintain miniaturization, then the module size is reduced, but the field of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the illuminating module to the incident surface (axial positioning), the design maintains a small outer diameter (3.4mm) while preserving the original field of view. The light sources are positioned to illuminate without obstructing the optical path, separating the illumination function from the imaging function in the spatial dimension.
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 design enables miniaturization of the camera module while preserving a wide viewing angle by reducing the protrusion height of the illuminating module and ensuring correct relative positions of light sources, thereby controlling the outer diameter and achieving both miniaturization and wide-angle capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The illuminating parts 221 may be light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
a lens assembly including a plurality of lenses and a lens barrel disposed around the lenses for supporting the lenses
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is provided and includes a lens assembly and an illuminating module. The lens assembly includes a plurality of lenses and a lens barrel disposed around the lenses for supporting the lenses. The lens assembly includes an incident surface, an emergent surface and a lateral surface. The lens barrel includes a bearing part parallel to the lenses, and the bearing part is disposed on the emergent surface of the lens assembly and is not disposed on the incident surface of the lens assembly. The illuminating module includes at least one light source and an annular circuit board, and disposed on the incident surface of the lens assembly.