Camera Module Shield Case for Barrel Position Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing camera modules are prone to deformation of the barrel member due to external forces, leading to a reduction in image quality as the barrel position accuracy is compromised.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a housing with a barrel member, sensor board, and a metallic shield case, utilizing elastic parts with arch shapes to maintain a specified distance from the case, absorbing dimensional tolerances and external forces, and preventing excessive deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the shield case is used to fix the barrel member with spring force, then the barrel member can be easily positioned, but the shield case deforms beyond elastic limit under large external force, reducing positioning accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrel member positioningVSAvoidbarrel member position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a buffer portion between the opening and the packing that absorbs external forces before they reach the shield case. This cushioning structure prevents the shield case from deforming beyond its elastic limit, thereby maintaining the barrel member's positioning accuracy while still allowing easy positioning during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer portion acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the shield case. It mediates the transmission of external forces, reducing their impact on the shield case and barrel member assembly, thus protecting the positioning mechanism from excessive deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the shield case surrounds the board to provide protection, then the imaging device is protected, but the shield case deforms under external force acting on the exposed barrel, reducing image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging device protectionVSAvoidbarrel member position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer portion provides beforehand cushioning that absorbs external forces before they can deform the shield case. This ensures that the shield case maintains its protective function while preventing deformation that would compromise barrel member positioning and image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the force transmission path by introducing the buffer portion as a separate functional element. This segmentation isolates the shield case from direct exposure to external forces, allowing it to maintain its protective enclosure function without suffering deformation from external impacts on the barrel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the barrel is exposed to the outside through an opening, then the camera can capture external images, but large external force on the barrel causes shield case deformation beyond elastic limit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal image capture capabilityVSAvoidshield case structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer portion provides beforehand cushioning that absorbs external forces before they can cause the shield case to deform beyond its elastic limit. This allows the barrel to remain exposed for image capture while protecting the shield case's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer portion serves as an intermediary that decouples the external force environment from the shield case structure. This allows the barrel to be exposed for its imaging function while the buffer mediates the transmission of external forces, preventing excessive deformation of the shield case.

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

The design enhances durability by stabilizing the barrel member's position, ensuring high-quality camera images even under external stress, and absorbing assembly errors and external forces.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic part that is provided to an end of the peripheral wall portion and biases the barrel member toward the opening. The elastic part includes a control portion that controls approach of the barrel member to the second case such that the barrel member is at a distance greater than or equal to a specified distance from the second case.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4109173B1Camera module
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP4109173B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4109173B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4109173B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A camera module includes a housing, a barrel member, a sensor board, and a metallic shield case. The housing includes a first case that includes an opening, and a second case that is joined to the first case. The barrel member is arranged in the first case, and includes a barrel that is fitted into the opening in an optical-axis direction. The sensor board is arranged in the housing and includes an imaging device that faces the barrel member. The shield case is arranged between the barrel member and the second case. The shield case includes a peripheral wall portion that covers around the sensor element, and an elastic part that is provided to an end of the peripheral wall portion and biases the barrel member toward the opening. The elastic part includes a control portion that controls approach of the barrel member to the second case such that the barrel member is at a distance greater than or equal to a specified distance from the second case.