Compact Camera Module Lens Barrel Using Controlled Fiber Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic lenses in compact camera modules lack the mechanical properties and dimensional stability required for surface mounting, as they are prone to poor mechanical properties and rough surfaces when reinforced with materials like milled glass to enhance heat resistance.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic composition comprising a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a plurality of fibers with controlled length distribution, specifically between 80 to 250 micrometers, is used to form the base and lens barrel of compact camera modules, providing improved strength and a smooth surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If milled glass is added to improve heat resistance, then heat resistance is improved, but surface roughness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fiber length parameter from conventional milled glass (typically >250 micrometers) to a specific range of 50-200 micrometers. This parameter change allows the fibers to provide heat resistance while maintaining a smooth surface finish suitable for component attachment, resolving the contradiction between heat resistance and surface quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer combined with specifically sized fibers (50-200 micrometer length). This composite approach enables the material to simultaneously achieve high heat resistance from the fiber reinforcement and smooth surface quality from the optimized fiber dimensions, overcoming the limitations of conventional plastic materials.
2Strength
If milled glass is added to improve mechanical properties, then strength is improved, but dimensional stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the fiber length parameter to 50-200 micrometers, which provides sufficient mechanical strength reinforcement while minimizing the negative impact on dimensional stability. The controlled fiber length prevents excessive material expansion and distortion during molding, achieving both strength improvement and dimensional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies fiber reinforcement locally within the thermoplastic composition, using specifically sized fibers (50-200 micrometers) that provide mechanical strength where needed without compromising the overall dimensional stability of the molded part. The localized optimization of fiber characteristics resolves the contradiction between strength and dimensional stability.
3Strength
If fiber length is increased to improve mechanical properties, then strength is improved, but filling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the fiber length parameter to a specific range of 50-200 micrometers. This parameter optimization achieves a balance where fibers are long enough to provide mechanical strength reinforcement but short enough to flow easily into molds during injection molding, resolving the contradiction between strength improvement and manufacturing ease.
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 thermoplastic composition achieves excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and smooth surfaces, enabling the formation of thin, stable components suitable for compact camera modules with improved attachment and processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
attempts have been made to use liquid crystalline polymers having a high heat resistance for the molded parts of a compact camera module
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoplastic composition for use in a compact camera module is provided. The thermoplastic composition contains a liquid crystalline polymer and a plurality of fibers. The volume average length of the fibers in the thermoplastic composition is selectively controlled according to the present invention so that it is within a certain range, such as from about 80 to about 250 micrometers. The fibers also have a narrow length distribution. That is, at least about 70% by volume of the fibers have a length within a certain range. Through the use of a liquid crystalline polymer and fibers of a certain weight average length and narrow length distribution, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition is able to achieve a desirable combination of strength and surface smoothness, which enables it to be uniquely suited for a compact camera module.