Screw-Coupled Camera Module for Thermal Focus Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical devices in camera modules, such as housings and lens holders, expand and contract with temperature changes, affecting the distance between the image sensor and the lens, which destabilizes the camera's resolution.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design with a screw-coupled lens module and lens holder structure, where the screw-coupled region is positioned closer to the upper end, and coupling members adjust the distance between the lens module and the image sensor to maintain stability across temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical devices such as housings or lens holders are used, then the camera module can be assembled and sealed, but the distance between the image sensor and the lens changes due to thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the coupling member from rigid to flexible by using a material with elastomeric properties. This allows the coupling member to deform elastically in response to thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining a stable distance between the image sensor and lens while still providing secure mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material for the coupling member that combines elastomeric properties with appropriate mechanical strength. This composite material allows the coupling member to simultaneously provide rigid support for assembly and flexible deformation for thermal compensation, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.
2Reliability
If the housing is sealed to prevent contamination, then protection from foreign substances is improved, but temperature-induced deformation still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastomeric properties of the coupling member to dynamically adjust to thermal expansion and contraction within the sealed housing. The material's ability to deform and recover maintains stable component spacing despite temperature variations, while the housing remains hermetically sealed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent explicitly addresses thermal expansion by using a coupling member made of elastomeric material that can accommodate dimensional changes. This material choice allows the system to absorb thermal expansion and contraction forces without compromising the sealed environment or the critical distance between optical components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the screw-coupled region is positioned closer to the upper end, then temperature-induced deformation is compensated, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the screw-coupled region closer to the upper end of the lens holder, where the elastomeric coupling member can more effectively compensate for thermal expansion and contraction. This strategic positioning optimizes the mechanical advantage of the elastomeric material in maintaining stable component spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric coupling member acts as an intermediary between the rigid housing and lens holder, absorbing thermal stresses and maintaining stable spacing. The screw-coupling mechanism serves as a mediator that allows controlled movement while maintaining secure connection, resolving the complexity issue through functional integration.
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 design compensates for distance changes due to temperature fluctuations, maintaining consistent resolution by fixing the upper end of the lens module and adjusting the lower end through expansion and contraction, thereby stabilizing the camera's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling member between the protruded part and the printed circuit board, and the coupling member includes an elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
The camera module comprises: a housing; a lens holder disposed inside the housing; a lens module disposed inside the lens holder; and a printed circuit board disposed at a lower portion of the housing and including an image sensor facing the lens module, wherein the lens module is screw-coupled to an inner surface of the lens holder, wherein the lens holder is screw-coupled to an inner surface of the housing, and wherein the screw-coupled region of the lens module is disposed more adjacent to an upper end of the lens module than a lower end thereof.