Camera Module Objective Alignment via Welded Cylindrical Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera module manufacturing methods face challenges in achieving stable multi-axis alignment and robust connection of the objective to the image sensor or housing, particularly due to issues with adhesive materials that expand or change properties over time, and the difficulty in achieving precise clearances for welding.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using cylindrical pins to indirectly connect the objective to the support or housing via welds, allowing for multi-axis alignment and a robust, stable connection, even with large gaps, by welding the pins to both the objective and the housing, ensuring a stable focal position over the camera module's life cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive connections are used to connect the objective to the support or housing, then the assembly process is simple and tightness is achieved, but the material properties change due to humidity expansion and aging, resulting in unstable focal position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cylindrical pins as intermediary elements between the objective and the support/housing. These pins serve as mediators that transmit mechanical forces while maintaining a stable geometric relationship, eliminating the need for adhesive materials that change properties over time. The pins provide a rigid, stable connection that preserves focal position stability throughout the product lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism of adhesives with a mechanical connection system using cylindrical pins and weld points. This substitution eliminates the material property changes associated with adhesive aging and humidity expansion, providing a more reliable and stable connection that maintains focal position over time.
2Reliability
If welded joints are used to connect the objective to the support or housing, then a robust connection with stable focal position is achieved, but small clearances between joining partners are required which cannot always be achieved in multi-axis alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical pins act as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between the objective and the support/housing. These pins can accommodate larger clearances while still providing a stable welded connection, eliminating the need for precise clearance control during multi-axis alignment. The pins absorb dimensional variations and maintain connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into discrete cylindrical pins rather than requiring a continuous precise fit. This segmentation allows each pin to independently accommodate clearance variations while maintaining the overall structural integrity and alignment of the objective relative to the support or housing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cylindrical pins are used to bridge large gaps between objective and support/housing, then multi-axis alignment is achieved regardless of clearance, but the connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical pins serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as alignment references for multi-axis positioning, provide structural support to bridge gaps, enable welded connections for robust fixing, and maintain focal position stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, actually simplifying the overall structure despite the added alignment flexibility.
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 stable focal position of the objective over the camera module's life cycle, providing a robust and durable connection that maintains alignment and prevents material property changes due to humidity or aging, unlike adhesive connections.
Implementation Method 1
the cylindrical pins are in each case placed laterally against the objective and are welded on the one hand to the objective, and on the other hand to the support or to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a camera module. An objective is aligned in relation to an image sensor and is subsequently fixated in terms of position by connecting to a support receiving the image sensor or to a housing surrounding the image sensor. The objective is connected to the support or to the housing via at least two cylindrical pins, the cylindrical pins being in each case placed laterally against the objective and being welded on the one hand to the objective, and on the other hand to the support or the housing. A camera module is also described.