Camera Module Stopper With Damper for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules in portable devices face increased risk of internal component damage due to external impacts when compact designs are used, as existing structures for focus adjustment and shake compensation may not adequately protect against shocks.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design incorporating a stopper with a damper member and guide member that includes a frame with hooks and a damper member configured to absorb impacts, providing shock absorption and protection against external shocks while maintaining a reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact camera module structure is used to reduce size, then the device size is reduced, but the risk of internal component damage due to external impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a damper member that protrudes from the stopper toward the guide member before any impact occurs. This damper member is positioned in advance to absorb external impacts directed at the lens assembly, preventing direct transmission of shock forces to internal components. The cushioning element is pre-installed in the impact path, ensuring protection is already in place before damage can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a damper member as a mediator between the external environment and the internal components. This damper member acts as a buffer zone that intercepts and absorbs impact forces before they reach the lens assembly and other sensitive internal components. The intermediary element transforms direct impact forces into distributed cushioning forces, protecting the system without requiring a larger overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If a ball bearing is used to guide lens movement, then the lens can move freely in rolling or sliding motion, but the structure becomes more vulnerable to external impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The damper member serves as an intermediary protective element positioned between the external impact sources and the ball bearing mechanism. When external impacts occur, the damper member absorbs and dissipates the shock forces before they can reach the ball bearing and lens assembly, maintaining the freedom of movement while reducing vulnerability to impact damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper member is pre-positioned to cushion against external impacts before they can affect the ball bearing mechanism. This beforehand cushioning protects the movement mechanism by absorbing shock forces in advance, allowing the lens to maintain its freedom of motion while being protected from impact-related damage.
3Reliability
If the stopper covers the upper portion of the carrier to accommodate the guide member, then component security is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed as a segmented structure with hooks that engage with specific features on the carrier, rather than a solid cover. This segmentation allows the stopper to provide secure component accommodation through localized engagement points while minimizing the overall volume occupied by the stopper structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper employs a thin-walled hollow cylindrical structure that provides sufficient mechanical support and component security through its geometric shape and strategic hook features, rather than requiring thick solid material. This thin-film approach maintains component security while significantly reducing the volume consumed by the protective structure.
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 absorbs external impacts, securing the internal components and ensuring the camera module's functionality and durability even in compact form factors.
Implementation Method 1
a damper member, disposed in the stopper, comprising either one or both of an eleventh damper member opposing the guide member in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a twenty first damper member opposing the guide member in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a carrier provided in a housing; a guide member disposed in the carrier, and configured to compensate for shaking in a perpendicular direction to an optical axis direction; a stopper configured to cover an upper portion of the carrier to accommodate the guide member; and a damper member, disposed in the stopper, comprising either one or both of an eleventh damper member opposing the guide member in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, and a twenty first damper member opposing the guide member in a second direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction and the first direction. The damper member directly opposes the guide member.