Camera Module Lens Barrel Heating and Thermal Management

Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules face performance degradation due to condensation or frost on the lens and heat generated by the image sensor, leading to inaccurate object recognition and potential deformation of the lens barrel, which complicates the module structure and increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A camera module incorporating a thermoelectric element that can be electrically connected to an electrode to cool or heat the image sensor and lens, using a voltage polarity switch to manage temperature, thereby preventing condensation, maintaining image quality, and reducing heat-induced deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a heating wire or transparent electrode is added to prevent condensation, then condensation prevention is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensation preventionVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens barrel is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the structural housing for the lens assembly and as the heating element for condensation prevention. The lens barrel includes a heating unit integrated within its structure, eliminating the need for separate heating wires or transparent electrodes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective condensation prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating function is merged with the lens barrel structure itself. The heating unit is integrated into the lens barrel, combining the structural support function with the thermal management function, thus reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall module structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an additional cover glass with transparent electrode is added, then condensation prevention is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensation preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lens barrel is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the structural housing for the lens assembly and as the heating element for condensation prevention. The lens barrel includes a heating unit integrated within its structure, eliminating the need for separate heating wires or transparent electrodes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective condensation prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating function is merged with the lens barrel structure itself. The heating unit is integrated into the lens barrel, combining the structural support function with the thermal management function, thus reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall module structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If heat is generated from the image sensor, then image sensor functionality is maintained, but lens barrel deformation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage sensor operationVSAvoidlens barrel shape

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A heat dissipation unit is introduced as an intermediary between the image sensor and the lens barrel. This heat dissipation unit acts as a thermal interface that conducts heat away from the image sensor while providing thermal isolation to the lens barrel, preventing heat-induced deformation while maintaining image sensor functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat is extracted from the image sensor through a dedicated heat dissipation unit. The heat dissipation unit separates the thermal management function from the optical path, extracting heat away from the image sensor and preventing it from reaching the lens barrel, thus maintaining lens barrel dimensional stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution effectively removes condensation and frost from the lens, maintains image sensor performance, and prevents lens deformation, ensuring consistent camera module performance across varying environments without increasing complexity or costs.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoelectric element disposed on the substrate and having a surface contact the electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The thermoelectric element may be configured to cool the image sensor and heat the first lens when a voltage of a first polarity is applied to the thermoelectric element through the electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 3

The thermoelectric element may be configured to cool the first lens when a voltage of a second polarity, different from the first polarity, is applied to the thermoelectric element through the electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20220066121A1Camera module

Publication Date: 2022.03.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a substrate including an image sensor and an electrode, a thermoelectric element disposed on the substrate and having a surface contact the electrode, and a first lens disposed on another surface of the thermoelectric element.