Camera Module Spring Contact Assembly for Focal Position Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera modules with integrated electrical consumers face challenges in achieving a force-free and size-neutral electrical connection, particularly in small cameras where the electrical interface becomes inaccessible after assembly, potentially disrupting the focal position of the objective lens.

Innovation Solution

The method involves inserting spring contacts with the circuit board into the housing, which are later clamped and brought into contact with the objective lens's electrical interface after the lens is fixed using an adhesive bond, ensuring the spring forces are applied only after the adhesive has reached its ultimate strength, thus maintaining the focal position and allowing for a force-free connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the electrical connection is implemented using plug connectors, then the electrical consumer can be supplied with energy, but the overall size of the camera module increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy supplyVSAvoidoverall size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical connection function with the mechanical mounting structure by integrating spring contacts into the housing that automatically contact the objective lens during assembly. This eliminates the need for separate plug connectors, achieving both electrical energy supply and compact size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring contacts are nested within the housing structure, utilizing the existing space between the housing and the objective lens. This nested arrangement allows the electrical connection components to be accommodated without increasing the overall camera module volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the objective lens is fixed with adhesive bond before electrical connection, then the focal position is stable, but the electrical interface becomes inaccessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocal position stabilityVSAvoidaccessibility of electrical interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring contacts are pre-installed in the housing before the objective lens is fixed with adhesive bond. This preliminary action ensures that the electrical interface remains accessible during the adhesive curing process, allowing electrical connection to be made while maintaining focal position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring contacts are designed to be movable during assembly, allowing them to adapt to the objective lens position. This dynamic characteristic enables electrical connection to be established even as the lens is being positioned and bonded, resolving the conflict between stability and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If force is applied to establish electrical connection during assembly, then the electrical contact is established, but the focal position of the objective lens is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical contactVSAvoidfocal position

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring contacts are designed with inherent elasticity that cushions the contact force. This beforehand cushioning through the spring mechanism ensures reliable electrical contact while limiting the force applied to the objective lens, thereby protecting the focal position from adverse effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring contacts transform the electrical connection process by changing the force parameter from a rigid mechanical connection to a flexible spring-based connection. This parameter change allows sufficient contact force for reliable electrical connection while maintaining low enough force to preserve manufacturing precision of the focal position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables a force-free and size-neutral electrical connection of the objective lens, ensuring the focal position is not compromised and allowing for secure, low-force contact even in small camera modules.

Implementation Method 1

The objective lens is, in fact, fixed after the alignment, for example, via an adhesive bond

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the spring forces of the spring contacts become effective only after the adhesive bond has reached its ultimate strength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11917274B2Method for manufacturing a camera module, camera module

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a camera module. The method includes: a) mounting an image sensor on a circuit board, b) inserting and fixing the circuit board into a housing, c) aligning an objective lens accommodated in the housing and including an electrical interface with respect to the image sensor, d) fixing the objective lens in the housing. In step b) spring contacts, which are movable with respect to the circuit board, are inserted into the housing together with the circuit board and, in a step e), i.e., after the fixation of the objective lens in the housing, are brought into contact with the electrical interface with the aid of clamping and/or fixing elements.