Vehicle Camera Sealing Between Lens Module and PCB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera designs for motor vehicles face challenges in sealing the volume space between the lens module and the circuit board, leading to potential contamination from foreign object debris and environmental conditions, which can affect image quality due to compression-induced misalignment of the sensor and lens module.
Innovation Solution
A camera design featuring an elastic sealing with a predetermined bending point, where the sealing is compressed axially to form a robust seal by bending transversely at a minimal width point, reducing the clearance between the lens module and circuit board and minimizing relative movement, thereby maintaining image quality and preventing debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing is applied by compression between the lens module and the circuit board, then the sealing effect is improved, but the distance between the lens module and the circuit board increases causing image blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane structure that can deform under compression to create an effective seal. The membrane is designed to bend and conform to the compression forces applied during assembly, maintaining sealing effectiveness without requiring excessive compression that would alter the distance between the lens module and circuit board. This flexible membrane approach allows the seal to adapt to minor dimensional variations while preserving the precise optical alignment required for sharp imaging.
2Reliability
If the sealing is compressed axially to improve sealing, then the sealing robustness is improved, but the sensor may move out of the focal area causing image blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a compression zone that absorbs axial compression forces, a transition zone with the membrane structure, and a stable zone that maintains the precise distance between the lens module and circuit board. This segmentation allows the sealing to be compressed axially for robust sealing while the stable zone ensures the sensor remains positioned within the focal area, preventing image blurring.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing incorporates dynamic elements such as elastic materials and flexible membranes that can deform under compression and then recover. This dynamic behavior allows the sealing to accommodate axial compression forces without permanently altering the distance between the lens module and circuit board, ensuring the sensor remains in the focal area while maintaining sealing robustness during assembly and operation.
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 solution provides a robust sealing mechanism that maintains image quality by preventing foreign object debris and environmental contaminants from entering the optical path, ensuring consistent camera performance across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sealing (15) is arranged between the circuit board (13) and the lens module (12)... the sealing (15) comprises a predetermined bending point (21), at which a width (22) of the sealing (15) transverse to a longitudinal axis (A) of the sealing (15) is minimal... the sealing (15) in case of an axial compression is bent transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) at the predetermined bending point (21)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a camera for a motor vehicle. The camera includes a housing that delimits the boundary of a receiving space. A lens module of the camera and a circuit board of the camera are arranged in the receiving space. The circuit board and the lens module are arranged axially spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the camera so that between the circuit board and the lens module, a clearance is formed. Between the circuit board and the lens module, an elastic sealing is arranged so that the clearance is sealed, by the sealing, from the remaining volume space in the housing. The sealing includes a predetermined bending point where a width of the sealing is minimal to allow bending.