Camera Module Opening Curvature for Thin Optics and Flare Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Camera modules in portable electronic devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the addition of features like autofocusing and optical image stabilizing, leading to increased thickness and reduced image quality from flare phenomena.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design with lenses oriented perpendicular to the device's thickness direction, incorporating a reflective member and a case with specific inner surface configurations to manage light path and reduce flare, allowing for thinner devices with improved performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a reflective member is added to change light path, then device thickness is reduced, but flare phenomenon occurs and image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidflare phenomenon

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by designing the inner surface of the opening with a convex curvature that intentionally reflects flare-causing light rays back toward the reflective member, converting the harmful flare phenomenon into a beneficial effect where the reflected light is redirected away from the image sensor, thus maintaining image quality while preserving the thin form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements this principle by giving the inner surface of the opening a convex curved shape instead of a flat surface. This curvature is specifically designed to reflect stray light and flare rays back toward the reflective member, preventing them from reaching the image sensor and causing flare, while maintaining the compact thin-form-factor structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Length of moving object

If lens module is disposed perpendicular to thickness direction, then device thickness is reduced, but optical path management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidoptical path management

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by orienting the lens module perpendicular to the thickness direction (in the width or length direction), utilizing a different spatial dimension for the optical path. The reflective member and convex inner surface work together to manage light reflection in this reconfigured optical path, enabling thin-form-factor design while controlling flare through the curved surface geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables thinner portable electronic devices with enhanced autofocusing and optical image stabilizing capabilities while minimizing flare effects.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective member that changes a path of incident light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an inner surface of the opening is convex toward a center of the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS20250383587A1Camera module

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module is provided. The camera module includes a lens module that is movably disposed inside the housing; and a case that surrounds at least a portion of the housing, wherein an opening through which light has passed is disposed in the case, and an inner surface of the opening includes an inner surface that is convex toward a center of the opening.