Camera Module Particle Trap for Optical Path Protection

Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated digital camera modules face challenges in preventing particle drops, which obstruct the image sensor and degrade image quality, especially in sealed or inaccessible designs where cleaning is impossible, and as image sensors become smaller, even small particles can block more pixels.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design incorporating a particle trap with a particle getter that collects and retains particles generated within the module or from external sources, preventing them from entering the optical path between the lens and image sensor, using a movable lens carrier and guide members to restrict movement and a particle trap with a groove and sticky surface to trap particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the camera module is sealed to protect the image sensor, then reliability is improved, but particles can still enter and contaminate the optical path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of image sensorVSAvoidparticle contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The particle trap is positioned in the optical path before particles can reach the image sensor, creating a preliminary barrier that intercepts and collects particles proactively. The particle getter material is pre-positioned to immediately capture particles upon contact, preventing them from reaching the sensor even in sealed modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The particle trap acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the image sensor. It includes a particle getter material that serves as a mediator to capture particles, allowing the sealed module to maintain its protective seal while still preventing particle contamination through this intermediate trapping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the image sensor is made smaller to improve resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but sensitivity to particle drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidparticle sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The particle trap is positioned in the optical path before particles can reach the image sensor, creating a preliminary barrier that intercepts and collects particles proactively. The particle getter material is pre-positioned to immediately capture particles upon contact, preventing them from reaching the sensor even in sealed modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful particles are extracted from the optical path by the particle trap and particle getter mechanism. The particle getter material captures and retains particles, removing them from the system before they can reach and contaminate the small, sensitive image sensor area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lens carrier is made movable to enable autofocus, then adaptability is improved, but particle generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautofocus capabilityVSAvoidparticle generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful particles generated during lens carrier movement are extracted from the optical path by the particle trap and particle getter mechanism. The particle getter material captures and retains particles, removing them from the system before they can reach and contaminate the small, sensitive image sensor area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The particle trap acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the image sensor. It includes a particle getter material that serves as a mediator to capture particles, allowing the sealed module to maintain its protective seal while still preventing particle contamination through this intermediate trapping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Effectively prevents particle drops from entering the optical path, maintaining image quality by ensuring that particles are retained by the particle getter, even as image sensors become smaller and more sensitive to obstructions.

Implementation Method 1

The particle trap includes a particle getter to retain the particles upon contact of the particles with the particle getter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS8982267B2Camera module with particle trap

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 FLEXTRONICS AP LLC

AI summary

A camera module including a particle trap. The particle trap may be disposed in the camera module and may be operable to prevent particles from obstructing an optical path defined between a lens assembly and an image sensor. The particle trap may include a particle getter to retain particles in contact with the particle trap. The camera module may be operative to move the lens assembly so as to provide focus on the image sensor for objects at various distances from the camera module. The movement of the lens assembly may be a source of particles retained by the particle trap.