Camera Module Lens Barrel Protrusion Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of camera modules in portable terminals often results in optical axis distortion due to tolerance errors, leading to resolution defects caused by flatness defects in the reference surface of the lens barrel, which affects the evaluation and performance of the lens barrel.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a lens barrel with upper and lower protrusion parts to maintain constant flatness and perpendicularity, along with a press-fitting ring injection-molded to support the lenses, ensuring accurate alignment and preventing tilt during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lens barrel is assembled using many optical components including the image sensor, then the camera module achieves high pixel and additional functions such as auto focusing AF and optical zoom, but the optical axis between the image sensor and the lens may be distorted due to tolerance by each part, causing tilt and resolution defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a press-fitting ring as an intermediary component between the lens barrel and the housing. This press-fitting ring serves as a mediator to correct and compensate for optical axis distortion caused by assembly tolerances. The press-fitting ring includes a reference surface that provides a stable baseline for alignment, effectively resolving the contradiction between achieving multiple functions and maintaining precise optical axis alignment.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bottom surface of the press-fitting ring is used as an image evaluating reference surface, then the lens barrel can be evaluated, but the bottom surface has low flatness due to accumulated error of stack assembly, causing high defect ratio and degrading resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a reference surface on the press-fitting ring before the final assembly. This reference surface is prepared in advance with high flatness and perpendicularity to the optical axis, serving as a stable foundation for subsequent alignment and evaluation. By preparing the reference surface beforehand, the patent eliminates the accumulated error problem that would occur if the reference surface were formed during final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The press-fitting ring acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the lens barrel and the housing, providing a stable reference surface for alignment. The reference surface on the press-fitting ring serves as a mediator to correct optical axis distortion and provides an accurate baseline for evaluating lens performance, thereby resolving the measurement precision issue.
3Volume of moving object
If the camera module is miniaturized and slimed according to preference, then the portable terminal achieves compact design, but the assembly tolerance and part tolerance cause optical axis distortion and tilt
Solution Approach 1:
The press-fitting ring serves as an intermediary component that compensates for assembly tolerances in compact camera modules. By providing a stable reference surface and mechanical support, the press-fitting ring maintains optical axis alignment even when the overall module size is reduced, thereby resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a camera module including: a lens barrel including at least one lens L stacked and bonded therein and having a lower protrusion part formed on a bottom surface thereof; a housing having an internal space so as to receive the lens barrel therein and having a supporting surface supporting the lens barrel; and a substrate formed below the housing and having an image sensor mounted thereon.