Camera Module Lens Barrel Coupling for Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In miniature camera modules, inadequate coupling between the lens barrel, lens holder, and printed circuit board can lead to misalignment of optical axes, resulting in degraded image quality.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that primarily couples the lens barrel and lens holder with epoxy adhesive and secondarily couples them using low-temperature soldering members, enhancing the coupling strength and maintaining optical axis alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If only a single coupling method is used between the lens barrel and lens holder, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the coupling strength is insufficient leading to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different coupling methods (adhesive coupling and mechanical coupling via protrusion-recess structures) into a unified coupling system. The adhesive coupling provides initial bonding and position holding, while the mechanical coupling structures provide additional structural strength and precise positioning, together achieving sufficient coupling strength to prevent misalignment between the lens barrel and lens holder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite coupling approach by integrating adhesive materials with mechanical coupling structures. The adhesive layer and mechanical protrusion-recess structures work together as a composite coupling system, where each component contributes different strengths - the adhesive provides continuous bonding and the mechanical structures provide localized strength and positioning, resulting in enhanced overall coupling performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If the coupling between lens barrel and lens holder is weak, then the assembly is easy to manufacture, but the optical axis alignment between lens and image sensor deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary positioning features during the assembly process, including pre-formed protrusion and recess structures that guide the lens barrel into correct alignment with the lens holder before final coupling is achieved. The adhesive is applied in advance to predetermined locations, and the mechanical coupling structures are pre-formed during manufacturing, enabling precise optical axis alignment to be established before the components are fully secured together.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple coupling methods are used to enhance coupling strength, then the alignment stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different coupling mechanisms at different locations between the lens barrel and lens holder. Adhesive coupling is applied at specific predetermined locations, while mechanical protrusion-recess structures are positioned at strategic points to provide localized structural support and positioning. This distributed approach to coupling ensures stable alignment throughout the assembly while allowing each local coupling mechanism to be optimized for its specific function.
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
The enhanced coupling strength improves image quality by maintaining optical axis alignment and preventing separation between the lens and image sensor components.
Implementation Method 1
the primarily coupling includes an epoxy adhesive coupling
Implementation Method 2
the secondarily coupling may include a soldering coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module is provided. A camera module according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a lens barrel accommodating a lens; a lens holder accommodating the lens barrel; an image sensor disposed under the lens barrel; and a printed circuit board having an image sensor mounted thereon and coupled to the lens holder, wherein the lens barrel and the lens holder are primarily coupled to each other in a state where an optical axis of the lens and an optical axis of the image sensor are aligned, and are secondarily coupled to each other in the primarily coupled state.