Compound-Eye Camera Module Positioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compound-eye camera modules lack an effective method for fixing multiple monocular camera modules together using a connecting member, leading to inefficiencies in assembly and potential inaccuracies in image alignment.

Innovation Solution

A compound-eye camera module design where camera-side positioning portions on each monocular camera module and member-side positioning portions on the connecting member are fitted together, allowing for precise alignment and fixation, eliminating the need for complex compound eye adjustments and enhancing repairability and heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a connecting member is used to fix multiple monocular camera modules together, then the assembly of monocular camera modules is enabled, but the assembly process is complex and time-consuming without effective positioning methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning portions are pre-formed on both the connecting member and monocular camera modules during manufacturing, enabling quick and accurate assembly without complex adjustment processes. The positioning portions are designed in advance to match specific geometries that guide correct alignment during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member acts as an intermediary component with positioning portions that mediate between multiple monocular camera modules. These positioning portions facilitate precise alignment and stable connection, simplifying the overall assembly process by providing a standardized interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple monocular camera modules are assembled using a connecting member, then compound-eye camera functionality is achieved, but image alignment accuracy is difficult to ensure without precise positioning mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage alignment accuracyVSAvoidpositioning mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with simple geometric fitting between positioning portions. The positioning portions use basic geometric shapes (protrusions, recesses, or shaped surfaces) that naturally guide alignment through their form, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of repair

If traditional fixing methods are used without dedicated positioning portions, then assembly is simpler, but repairability and heat dissipation are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule repairabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is designed as a separate, modular component with positioning portions that interfaces with individual monocular camera modules. This segmentation allows any single module to be independently removed and replaced without affecting other modules, significantly improving repairability while maintaining simple assembly through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3445033B1Compound-eye camera module and electronic device

Publication Date: 2022.06.15 SONY GROUP CORP

Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary

The present technology relates to a compound-eye camera module and an electronic device in which a plurality of monocular camera modules can be fixed together by a connecting member more effectively. In the compound-eye camera module, a camera-side positioning portion for positioning formed on a camera-side reference surface of each of the monocular camera modules and a member-side positioning portion for positioning formed on a member-side reference surface of the connecting member are fitted together, to connect the plurality of monocular camera modules together, whereby the plurality of monocular camera modules can be fixed together by the connecting member more effectively. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a compound-eye camera module in which a plurality of CMOS image sensors is connected together.