Vehicle Camera Module Shield Structure for Screwless PCB Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing camera module assembly for vehicles is inefficient due to the use of screws, which increases assembly time and can cause optical axis misalignment, and requires additional spacers to maintain PCB spacing, leading to interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that uses an outer shield with support units, including through holes and tension springs, to securely hold and space multiple PCBs without additional spacers or screws, while also providing electromagnetic interference shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If screws are used to fix sensor PCB and power PCB, then the PCBs can be securely fixed, but the assembly time increases and optical axis may be misaligned due to rotation moment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the screws from the assembly process. Instead of using traditional screw fastening, the PCBs are directly fitted into the housing with built-in positioning structures that provide secure fixation without requiring additional fastening components, thereby reducing assembly time and eliminating optical axis misalignment caused by screw rotation moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the fixation function into the housing structure itself. The housing incorporates integrated positioning features and support structures that combine the functions of mechanical support, positioning, and fixation, eliminating the need for separate screw fastening operations and reducing assembly complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If screws are used to fix PCBs, then secure fixation is achieved, but the mounting area is limited due to screw holes required in each PCB
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the requirement for screw holes in the PCBs by eliminating the screw fastening system. The PCBs are designed with edge positioning features that interface with the housing, allowing secure fixation without penetrating holes in the PCB surfaces, thereby maximizing the available mounting area on each PCB.
3Reliability
If spacers are installed to maintain interval between PCBs, then heat-dissipation and mounting interference is excluded, but additional ground processing is required due to spacer interference with PCBs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the spacing and shielding functions into the housing structure. The housing incorporates built-in support surfaces and positioning features that automatically maintain the required interval between PCBs for heat dissipation and mounting clearance, while the integrated EMI shielding structure provides electromagnetic protection without requiring additional spacers or complex ground processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, maintains PCB spacing for thermal management, offers EMI shielding, and enables secure fixation without screws. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate spacer components and reduces ground processing requirements.
4Reliability
If additional spacers and ground processing are performed, then PCB spacing and EMI shielding is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the EMI shielding function with the housing structure itself. The housing is designed as an integrated EMI shield that provides electromagnetic protection without requiring separate spacer components or additional ground processing steps, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining shielding effectiveness.
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, preventing optical axis misalignment and electromagnetic interference, and eliminates the need for additional spacers, enhancing the camera module's performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring formed by partially bending the sidewall face of the outer shield and configured to support a face where the tension spring faces the support protrusion of the through hole
Implementation Method 2
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)
Data Source
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.