Camera Module Conductive Resilient Member Active Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules face challenges in performing active alignment processes without disrupting the operational connection between the lens units and printed circuit boards, requiring complex and separate processes for alignment.

Innovation Solution

The camera module incorporates conductive resilient members and electrodes to maintain a conductive connection between the lens units and printed circuit boards, allowing for easy active alignment while ensuring the connection remains operational during movement, and utilizing a cover member for grounding without additional electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed coupling is used to connect lens units and printed circuit boards, then structural stability is improved, but active alignment cannot be performed without disrupting operational connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidactive alignment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs resilient members instead of fixed rigid connections to connect the lens unit holder to the printed circuit board. These resilient members provide flexible electrical connection that maintains contact during relative movements, enabling the lens units to be dynamically adjusted during active alignment while preserving continuous operational connection. This dynamic connection approach resolves the contradiction by allowing both structural stability and operational flexibility during alignment processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient members change their physical state (elastic deformation) in response to relative movements between the lens unit holder and printed circuit board. This parameter change allows the connection to adapt during active alignment, maintaining electrical contact while accommodating position adjustments. The material's elastic properties enable the system to transition between different connection states without disrupting operational connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If separate alignment process is introduced to perform active alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the alignment function with the structural connection function by integrating resilient members that serve both as mechanical connectors and alignment-enabling elements. This eliminates the need for separate alignment procedures with additional fixtures or processes. The resilient members are incorporated directly into the assembly structure, allowing active alignment to be performed as part of the normal assembly process rather than as a separate complex procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient members provide self-adjusting capability during assembly, automatically maintaining electrical connection while accommodating alignment adjustments. This self-service feature eliminates the need for external alignment equipment or complex multi-step alignment procedures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high alignment precision through the inherent flexibility of the resilient connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If resilient members are used to maintain conductive connection during movement, then ease of active alignment is improved, but connection stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive alignment processVSAvoidconductive connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient members are pre-designed with appropriate elasticity to cushion and absorb relative movements between the lens unit holder and printed circuit board. This beforehand cushioning capability ensures that normal alignment movements are absorbed by the resilient deformation of the members, preventing loss of electrical connection. The pre-configured elastic properties provide a safety margin that maintains connection stability even during active alignment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This solution enables accurate and effective active alignment by maintaining conductive connections during the alignment process, simplifying the alignment procedure and providing a solid structure that withstands mechanical and electrical impacts.

Implementation Method 1

conductive resilient members mounted on the base and conductively connecting the first lens unit and the printed circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first lens unit including at least one liquid lens having curvature changed according to electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrowetting: Electrowetting

Data Source

PatentUS10841474B2Camera module

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

One embodiment of a camera module may comprise: a first lens unit including at least one lens; a second lens unit disposed facing the first lens in an optical axis direction, and including at least one lens; a printed circuit board disposed facing the second lens unit; and a base accommodating the second lens unit, and having a conductive resilient member mounted thereon which electrically connects the first lens unit and the printed circuit board.