Camera Module Substrate Fixation via Snap-Fit Hook

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing screw fixing methods for camera modules in vehicles are costly and complex, necessitating a more efficient method to secure internal electrical components against external forces.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a first housing with a lens module, a second housing with a support portion and a hook part that blocks upward movement of the substrate, allowing secure fixation without screws, thereby reducing production costs and simplifying the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw fixing method is used to secure electrical components, then reliability of component fixation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidfixation structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical fixation system with a snap-fit mechanism. The substrate includes protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the housing, eliminating the need for screws while maintaining reliable fixation. This substitution reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while preserving fixation stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation structure is designed to be self-aligning and self-fixing. The protrusions on the substrate automatically engage with the recesses in the housing during assembly, providing automatic positioning and secure fixation without requiring additional fastening operations or complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If screw fixing method is used to secure electrical components, then resistance to external force is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to external forceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive screw-based mechanical fixation with a cost-effective snap-fit mechanism. The molded protrusions and recesses are integrated into the substrate and housing respectively, requiring no additional fasteners or fastening operations, thereby reducing material costs and assembly complexity while maintaining strength against external forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixation features (protrusions and recesses) are merged directly into the substrate and housing structures during the molding process. This integration eliminates the need for separate fasteners and reduces the number of parts, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate fixation strength for vehicle applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If screw fixing method is used to secure electrical components, then stability against fluctuation is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The snap-fit fixation structure provides self-aligning protrusions that automatically position the substrate correctly within the housing during assembly. This self-positioning capability ensures stable component composition without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple assembly steps, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3606025B1Camera module and automobile
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3606025B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3606025B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3606025B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a camera module and an automobile comprising the same, the camera module comprising: a first housing in which a lens module is disposed; a second housing including a base and a support portion extending upward from the base; and a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted and which is disposed on the support portion, wherein the substrate and the support portion are disposed in the first housing.