Camera Module Shield Cover Structure for Heat Dissipation and Waterproofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plastic camera modules face issues with heat dissipation and waterproofing, particularly in high-pixel configurations, leading to performance degradation and increased assembly time and costs.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design comprising a plastic second body with a metal shield cover, featuring a stepped inner side surface and exposed holes for heat dissipation, coupled via insert injection to minimize assembly time and enhance 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 leading to product deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunit priceVSAvoidheat dissipation performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines plastic and metal materials in a composite structure. The camera module housing uses plastic for cost-effectiveness while incorporating a metal shield cover for superior heat dissipation. This composite approach allows the module to benefit from both materials' advantages: the low cost and molding flexibility of plastic, and the high thermal conductivity of metal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The metal shield cover is nested within the plastic housing structure. The shield cover is positioned inside the camera module housing, creating a nested configuration where the metal component is embedded within the plastic body. This nesting arrangement enables effective heat dissipation from internal components while maintaining the overall plastic housing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional assembly methods are used, then manufacturing is simple, but assembly time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the shield cover component. The shield cover simultaneously provides electromagnetic shielding, heat dissipation, and structural support functions. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than using separate parts, the assembly process is simplified and time is reduced while maintaining manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield cover is pre-formed with integrated features including mounting structures and heat dissipation surfaces. This preliminary preparation of the shield cover with all necessary features built-in allows for faster assembly without requiring additional manufacturing steps during the assembly process, thus reducing assembly time while keeping the manufacturing process simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the shield cover is fully enclosed, then waterproofing is improved, but heat dissipation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different regions on the shield cover with different properties. The shield cover has sealed regions that provide waterproofing and exposed regions that enable heat dissipation. Specifically, the side plate of the shield cover has portions that are exposed through openings in the housing, allowing heat to escape while other portions remain sealed for waterproofing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shield cover structure is segmented into different functional zones. The side plate is divided into exposed portions for heat dissipation and sealed portions for waterproofing. This segmentation allows the single component to simultaneously fulfill both waterproofing and heat dissipation requirements without compromising either function.

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 maximizes heat dissipation and waterproof performance while reducing assembly time and costs, ensuring effective operation of high-pixel camera modules.

Implementation Method 1

the heat dissipation performance of the plastic body has become a problem... 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

coupled via insert injection to minimize assembly time and enhance waterproofing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInsert injection molding:

Data Source

PatentUS12572057B2Camera module

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module includes a first body including a lens; a second body coupled to the first body, and including a hole; and a shield cover disposed within the second body. The shield cover is adhered to the second body. A portion of a side plate of the shield cover is exposed by means of the hole of the second body.