Vehicle Camera Module Waterproofing via Integrated Sealing and Stacked Circuit Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules for vehicles face challenges in miniaturization and waterproofing, particularly at the terminal area of the wiring, leading to increased parts and complex assembly structures that compromise sealing and assembly performance.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that integrates a first body with circuit boards and a second body with a lens barrel, using a screw connection and sealing members to minimize parts and enhance waterproofing, allowing for active alignment on x, y, z axes and simplified focus adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sealing members are used to ensure waterproofing at lens, sensor, and mechanical parts, then waterproofing reliability is improved, but device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated sealing structure. The first sealing member seals between the first body and second body, while the second sealing member seals between the cover glass and second body, creating a unified waterproof system that reduces the number of separate sealing components needed while maintaining comprehensive waterproofing across all critical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The second body serves multiple functions: it holds the lens barrel, provides mounting surfaces for both sealing members, and acts as a structural interface between the first body and cover glass. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed in the camera module while maintaining waterproofing reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If circuit board area is increased to accommodate assembly direction requirements, then assembly performance is improved, but external size of camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar circuit board layout to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement. The first circuit board is mounted on the first body, while the second circuit board is mounted on the second body, utilizing the Z-axis dimension. This vertical stacking approach allows adequate assembly area for each circuit board without increasing the overall footprint of the camera module.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit boards are nested in different spatial locations within the camera module structure. The first circuit board is positioned in the first body, and the second circuit board is positioned in the second body, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization and maintains compact external dimensions while providing sufficient area for proper assembly operations.
3Volume of moving object
If number of parts is reduced for miniaturization, then external size is reduced, but waterproofing performance deteriorates due to fewer sealing opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs O-ring sealing members that provide flexible, reliable waterproofing at the critical interfaces. The first O-ring seals between the first body and second body, while the second O-ring seals between the cover glass and second body. These flexible sealing elements maintain effective waterproofing with minimal structural complexity, enabling miniaturization without compromising sealing performance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present embodiment relates to a camera module comprising: a first body; a second body coupled to the first body; a lens unit coupled to the second body; a circuit substrate unit located in an internal space formed by the first body and the second body and having an image sensor mounted thereon; and a focusing unit formed in the second body, and moving and fixing the lens unit or the circuit substrate unit in an optical axis direction of the lens unit, wherein a distance between the lens unit and the image sensor in the optical axis direction is adjusted through the focusing unit.