Camera Module Terminal Unit Asymmetric Leg Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of conductive connections in camera modules, particularly between terminal units and electrodes of liquid lenses, is compromised due to thermal expansion and contraction of conductive adhesives, leading to potential defects in auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a terminal unit with a leg structure where one portion has a smaller width than another, and the use of conductive adhesives between terminal units and electrodes, ensures stable connections by reducing stiffness and preventing adhesive expansion issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional terminal unit with uniform width is used to connect the liquid lens electrode, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the conductive connection reliability deteriorates due to thermal expansion and contraction of conductive adhesives
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal unit employs an asymmetric leg structure where the width varies along its length. Specifically, the width of the terminal unit leg is smaller at one end compared to the other end, creating an asymmetric geometry that reduces stiffness and accommodates thermal expansion/contraction of the conductive adhesive, thereby improving connection reliability without significant structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal unit structure modifies its geometric parameter (width) along its length to optimize performance. By making the width smaller at one end compared to the other end, the structure achieves reduced stiffness and better thermal compensation capabilities, directly addressing the reliability issue caused by adhesive thermal expansion
2Reliability
If the third portion of the terminal unit has the same width as the first portion, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the stiffness cannot be reduced to prevent adhesive expansion defects
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal unit applies local quality by having different width dimensions at different portions of its structure. The third portion has a smaller width compared to the first portion, creating localized structural characteristics that reduce stiffness specifically where needed to accommodate adhesive thermal expansion, while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a straightforward geometric modification
3Reliability
If a rigid terminal unit structure is used to ensure mechanical strength, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the conductive adhesive cannot expand and contract freely, leading to connection defects
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric leg structure with varying width creates a flexible region that allows the conductive adhesive to expand and contract with temperature changes while maintaining overall structural integrity. The smaller width at one end of the terminal unit leg provides the necessary compliance without compromising the mechanical strength of the overall connection structure
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 design enhances the reliability of conductive connections, preventing defects and ensuring consistent performance of auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions in camera modules.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive adhesive member disposed between the first portion and the electrode of the liquid lens
Implementation Method 2
The liquid lens unit may perform auto-focusing and hand-tremor compensation functions by electrically adjusting the curvature of an interface between two types of liquids
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment comprises a substrate, a lens barrel arranged on the substrate, and a lens unit arranged in the lens barrel, wherein: the lens unit includes a liquid lens unit; the liquid lens unit includes a holder, a liquid lens which is arranged in the holder and which includes an electrode, and a terminal unit arranged in the holder and electrically connected to the liquid lens; the terminal unit includes a first part coupled to the electrode of the liquid lens, a second part arranged in the holder, and a third part for connecting the first part and the second part; and the width of the third part is smaller than the width of the first part.