Camera Module Reinforcement Member for Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in portable devices face challenges in miniaturization and thickness reduction while maintaining image sensor alignment, as metal structures used for reinforcement increase the device's thickness and susceptibility to warping due to external forces and temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reinforcement member, such as a metal frame, in the same layer as the image sensors and electronic components, and an additional reinforcement plate in the lower portion of the substrate to prevent warping without increasing the module's thickness, while ensuring alignment and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a metal structure is mounted in the upper or lower portion of the dual camera for alignment and reinforcement, then the image sensor alignment and structural stability are improved, but the thickness of the camera module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from placing reinforcement structures in the vertical dimension (upper or lower portions increasing thickness) to placing them in the horizontal dimension (same layer as image sensors). The reinforcement member is disposed in the same layer as the first and second image sensors, extending in the horizontal direction to provide alignment and stability without adding vertical thickness.
2Strength
If a metal structure is mounted in the upper or lower portion of the dual camera for reinforcement, then the structural integrity is improved, but the device becomes more susceptible to warping due to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an additional reinforcement member (reinforcement plate) as an intermediary element disposed on the opposite side of the substrate from the image sensors. This reinforcement plate acts as a mediator that counteracts warping forces, working in conjunction with the first reinforcement member to provide balanced structural support and reduce susceptibility to warping from external forces and temperature changes.
3Volume of moving object
If the camera module is miniaturized and slimmed for portability, then the device size is reduced, but the alignment of multiple image sensors becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of structural reinforcement with the function of alignment reference. The first reinforcement member is disposed in the same layer as the image sensors and includes openings that expose the sensors, thereby serving dual purposes: providing structural support for miniaturization and serving as an alignment reference structure to maintain precise sensor positioning despite the reduced module size.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for a camera module is provided. The camera module includes a substrate, a first image sensor disposed in a first area on one side of the substrate, a second image sensor disposed in a second area on the one side, a reinforcement member disposed in an area around the first area and the second area so as to support at least a portion of the substrate, a first housing disposed in an area including at least a portion of the first area so as to be stacked on the first image sensor and one part of the reinforcement member while accommodating a first lens part corresponding to the first image sensor, and a second housing disposed in an area including at least a portion of the second area so as to be stacked on the second image sensor and the other part of the reinforcement member.