Camera Module Cover Glass Elevation via Metal Ball Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face challenges in maintaining a sufficient distance between the cover glass and the image sensor to prevent dust particles from affecting image quality, as conventional adhesives fail to hold the cover glass high enough relative to the image sensor.
Innovation Solution
The camera module employs metal balls, such as gold balls, stacked on pads in the non-imaging zone of the image sensor to elevate the cover glass, increasing the distance between the cover glass and the image sensor, and uses sealing adhesives to prevent dust ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between the cover glass and the image sensor is increased to reduce dust particle projections, then image quality is improved, but the adhesive cannot hold the cover glass sufficiently high
Solution Approach 1:
Metal balls are introduced as intermediary elements between the adhesive and the cover glass. The adhesive bonds to the metal balls rather than directly supporting the cover glass at full height, allowing the cover glass to be positioned higher above the image sensor while the adhesive maintains sufficient bonding strength to the metal balls.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a direct planar adhesive bond to a three-dimensional arrangement using stacked metal balls. This vertical stacking creates discrete height levels that elevate the cover glass while distributing the mechanical load through multiple contact points, enabling greater height achievement with maintained adhesive strength.
2Device complexity
If adhesive is used to hold the cover glass, then the structure is simple, but the cover glass cannot be held at sufficient height
Solution Approach 1:
Metal balls serve as intermediary support elements that bridge the gap between the adhesive layer and the cover glass. This intermediary structure enables the cover glass to be positioned at a greater height above the image sensor while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of discrete, easily manufactured metal ball components.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes an image sensor, a number of metal balls, and a cover glass. The image sensor includes an active surface and a number of pads. The active surface includes an imaging zone and a non-imaging zone surrounding the imaging zone. The imaging zone is configured to sense incident light and to convert the incident light into corresponding electric signals. The pads are formed on the non-imaging zone. The metal balls are stacked on three of the pads, which are not linear. The numbers of the metal balls on each of the three pads are equal to each other such that heights of the metal balls on each of the three pads are substantially equal to each other. The cover glass is positioned on the metal balls.