Camera Module Shielding Member Reflection Reducing Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges with flare and resolution degradation due to internal reflections from the inner surfaces of shielding members, which impair image quality, especially when a long focal length is required in thin devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reflection reducing member on the inner surface of the shielding member, such as a tape, film, or paint with low reflectance, or featuring holes or particles, to minimize internal reflections between the lens module and the image sensor, thereby reducing flare and resolution degradation phenomena.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If an optical path conversion unit is introduced to achieve a long focal length in a thin device, then the focal length requirement is met, but internal reflections from the shielding member inner surface cause flare and resolution degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal lengthVSAvoidinternal reflections causing flare and resolution degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A reflection reducing member is introduced as an intermediary element on the inner surface of the shielding member. This mediator absorbs or scatters the reflected light, preventing it from reaching the image sensor and causing flare, while allowing the optical path conversion unit to maintain the required focal length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful reflected light is converted into a beneficial effect by using the reflection reducing member to absorb or scatter it. The light that would otherwise cause flare is redirected or absorbed, transforming the harmful reflection into a non-interfering condition that maintains image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the distance from the optical path conversion unit to the image sensor is increased to prevent internal reflections, then flare is reduced, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal reflectionsVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The reflection reducing member serves as a mediator that allows the shielding member to remain close to the optical path conversion unit while still preventing harmful reflections. This intermediary solution eliminates the need to increase device thickness to achieve reflection reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a shielding member is added to block external light, then flare from external sources is reduced, but internal reflections from the shielding member inner surface degrade image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal light interferenceVSAvoidinternal reflections from shielding member

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding member's inner surface, which generates harmful reflections, is treated with a reflection reducing member. This converts the harmful reflective property into a beneficial absorptive or scattering property, allowing the shielding member to block external light while preventing internal reflections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflection reducing member is applied specifically to the inner surface of the shielding member where reflections occur. This local treatment modifies only the necessary area to prevent internal reflections while maintaining the shielding member's overall structure and external light blocking function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution effectively reduces internal reflections, enhancing image quality by minimizing flare and resolution degradation, allowing for improved performance even in thin portable devices with long focal lengths.

Implementation Method 1

a reflection reducing member disposed on an inner surface of the shielding member and configured to reduce internal reflections from the inner surface of the shielding member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The reflection reducing member may include particles having a reflectance low enough to substantially prevent reflection of light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS20240377652A1Camera module

Publication Date: 2024.11.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a housing including an opening and configured to accommodate an optical path conversion unit and a lens module, a shielding member configured to shield the opening of the housing, and a reflection reducing member disposed on an inner surface of the shielding member and configured to reduce internal reflections from the inner surface of the shielding member occurring between an end of the lens module and an image sensor.