Camera Module Shield Cover Structure for Heat Dissipation and Waterproofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultra-small camera modules face challenges with heat dissipation and waterproofing, particularly in high-pixel configurations, and conventional plastic bodies are prone to deterioration due to heat and assembly complexities.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a first shield cover made of metal and a plastic body, where the metal shield cover is partially exposed to maximize heat dissipation and is assembled via insert injection to minimize assembly time and costs, with a pretreatment process enhancing waterproofing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a plastic body is used for the camera module, then the unit price is lower, but the heat dissipation performance is poor causing product deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunit priceVSAvoidheat dissipation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module employs a composite structure combining a metal shield cover (for heat dissipation) with a plastic body (for cost-effectiveness). The metal shield cover is partially exposed to the exterior to provide thermal management while the plastic body maintains the economical manufacturing advantage. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If a metal body is used for the camera module, then the heat dissipation performance is improved, but the unit price is higher

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoidunit price
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using metal for the entire camera module body, the invention applies metal shielding and heat dissipation features only to specific regions where they are most needed. The metal shield cover is strategically positioned to provide heat dissipation and EMI shielding, while the rest of the body can use cost-effective plastic materials, thus optimizing the balance between performance and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If conventional assembly methods are used, then assembly processes are simple, but assembly time and costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly process simplicityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention integrates multiple functions into the shield cover component, which simultaneously provides EMI shielding, heat dissipation, and structural support. By combining these functions into a single integrated part, the number of assembly steps is reduced, and assembly time is decreased while maintaining process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the shield cover is completely enclosed inside the body, then waterproofing is improved, but heat dissipation performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproofing performanceVSAvoidheat dissipation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The shield cover is segmented into different regions: a first portion that is exposed to the exterior for heat dissipation, and a second portion that is coupled to the body for waterproofing. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function optimally - the exposed portion provides thermal management while the coupled portion maintains water sealing integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively dissipates heat, reduces assembly time, and enhances waterproofing performance while maintaining structural integrity and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the conventional plastic body has a lower unit price than a metal body, however, is vulnerable to heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

at least a portion of the first shield cover is disposed higher than the upper plate of the first body and exposed to the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

the first body includes a coupling portion that protrudes upward from the upper plate and contacts an outer surface of the second portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInsert injection: Injector

Data Source

PatentEP4174572B1Camera module
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP4174572B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4174572B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4174572B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A camera module comprises: a first body including an upper plate and a side plate extending from the upper plate; a second body coupled to the first body; a lens module, at least a portion of which is placed inside the first body; a first shield cover coupled to the first body; and a substrate assembly placed inside the second body, wherein at least a portion of the first shield cover is placed at a higher position than the upper plate of the first body and revealed to the outside.