Camera Module Lens Barrel Adhesive Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face issues with mechanical reliability due to screw thread friction during focus adjustment, leading to foreign object generation and image quality deterioration. Additionally, the use of epoxy in assembly can result in defective modules, and the conventional assembly process with conductive and insulating tapes is complex and space-restricted.

Innovation Solution

The camera module employs a screw thread-free coupling method using adhesive materials like thermosetting or UV epoxy to secure the lens barrel and bobbin, and introduces a single multi-tape that simultaneously provides insulation and conductivity to address electrical interference and simplify the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screw thread coupling is used to secure the lens barrel and bobbin, then mechanical strength is improved, but foreign objects are generated due to friction during focus adjustment operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidforeign object generation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw thread mechanical coupling system with an adhesive bonding system. The lens barrel is secured to the bobbin using adhesive material applied to the peripheral surface of the lens barrel, eliminating the male-female screw thread interaction that generates foreign objects through friction during focus adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the coupling mechanism from mechanical (screw threads) to chemical (adhesive bonding). The adhesive material creates a fixed connection between the lens barrel and bobbin, preventing the relative movement and friction that would otherwise generate foreign objects during focus operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If epoxy is used for assembly of the lens barrel, then mechanical strength is improved, but epoxy may penetrate into the lens barrel and bobbin and move downwards to be transferred to an image area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly strengthVSAvoidepoxy penetration and transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies adhesive material locally to the peripheral surface of the lens barrel rather than using epoxy that penetrates into the assembly. The adhesive is positioned at the outer peripheral surface where it can bond the lens barrel to the bobbin without penetrating into the internal spaces where it could migrate to the image area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the harmful penetration property from the bonding process by replacing penetrating epoxy with surface-applied adhesive. The adhesive remains on the peripheral surface and does not penetrate into the lens barrel-bobbin assembly, thereby preventing migration to the image area while still providing strong bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If conductive tape and insulating tape are used separately for grounding and insulation, then electrical protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical protectionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the conductive tape and insulating tape into a single integrated component. The terminal unit incorporates both the insulating function (to prevent contact with other electric elements) and the conductive grounding function (to block electromagnetic interference) within one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate tape applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation to prevent short circuits, establishes electrical connection for grounding to block EMI, and serves as a mounting structure for the PCB. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate insulating and conductive tapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If conductive tape and insulating tape are used separately, then electrical protection is improved, but manufacturing productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the application of conductive and insulating tapes into a single integrated terminal unit that performs both functions simultaneously. This eliminates one manufacturing step and reduces the time and complexity involved in the assembly process, thereby improving productivity while maintaining electrical protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances the mechanical reliability of the camera module by preventing foreign object generation and improving assembly efficiency through a simplified tape-based solution that reduces electrical interference and optimizes space usage.

Implementation Method 1

a lens barrel coupled to a bobbin through adhesive material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3919977B1Camera module
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3919977B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3919977B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3919977B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A camera module is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention comprises: a printed circuit board provided with an image sensor; a lens unit mounted at the upper side of the printed circuit board and arranged at a position corresponding with the image sensor; and an actuator unit for fixing the lens unit and adjusting the focus of an image, wherein a lens barrel has a groove formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof.