Vehicle Camera Module PCB Shield Structure for Fast, Aligned Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera modules for vehicles face challenges in assembly time due to screw-based fixation methods, which can twist the optical axis and require additional spacers for proper spacing and heat dissipation, leading to interference and increased ground processing complexity.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring an outer shield with integrated support units and tension springs to securely hold multiple PCBs at specific intervals without additional spacers or screws, ensuring proper spacing and electromagnetic interference shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws are used to fix sensor PCB and power PCB, then the PCBs can be securely fixed, but the assembly time increases and the optical axis may be twisted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support units are integrated into the outer shield structure, merging the support function with the shield structure. This eliminates the need for separate screws and spacers, reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure fixation of the PCBs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support function is extracted from the traditional screw-based fixation system and implemented through integrated support units with tension springs. This allows the PCBs to be held securely without requiring additional fastening components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If screws are used to fix PCBs, then the PCBs can be securely fixed, but the optical axis alignment precision deteriorates due to rotation moment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidoptical axis alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is extracted from the traditional screw-based fixation system and implemented through integrated support units with tension springs. This allows the PCBs to be held securely without requiring additional fastening components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support units are integrated into the outer shield structure, merging the support function with the shield structure. This eliminates the need for separate screws and spacers, reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure fixation of the PCBs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If screw holes are formed in PCBs, then the PCBs can be fixed, but the mounting area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidPCB mounting area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is extracted from the traditional screw-based fixation system and implemented through integrated support units with tension springs. This allows the PCBs to be held securely without requiring additional fastening components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The support units are integrated into the outer shield structure, merging the support function with the shield structure. This eliminates the need for separate screws and spacers, reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure fixation of the PCBs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Temperature

If additional spacers are installed for spacing, then the heat-dissipation and mounting interference is avoided, but the device complexity and ground processing increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat-dissipationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support units are integrated into the outer shield structure, merging the support function with the shield structure. This eliminates the need for separate screws and spacers, reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure fixation of the PCBs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer shield structure serves multiple functions: electromagnetic shielding, structural support, and spacing maintenance. The integrated support units provide both mechanical support and proper spacing between PCBs, eliminating the need for separate spacer components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for efficient assembly and spacing of PCBs, reducing assembly time and preventing optical axis misalignment, while effectively shielding against electromagnetic interference without the need for additional spacers or screws.

Implementation Method 1

a first tension spring bent from the first lateral wall and disposed to face the first PCB protrusion passing through the first through hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4221243B1Camera module for vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.10.09 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

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AI summary

A camera module for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) configured to have an image sensor mounted on its surface; a second PCB configured to supply a power source to the first PCB; an outer shield installed to surround the side of the first and the second PCBs and to shield the first and the second PCBs from electromagnetic interference (EMI); and a plurality of support units disposed at positions where the supports units interfere with the first and the second PCBs of the outer shield and configured to support the first and the second PCBs.